Detective Comics Vol 1: Rise of the Batmen – Buy or Pass?
Batman often works alone. Or so the myth goes. But in the shadows of Gotham, the family has grown.
Detective Comics (2016-) Vol. 1: Rise of the Batmen changes the dynamic entirely. It is not just another Batman story. It is a team book disguised as a solo title.
James Tynion IV took the reins during the DC Rebirth initiative. His goal was ambitious. He wanted to elevate the supporting cast to A-list status.
Does this volume succeed in balancing so many masks? Or does the Dark Knight get lost in the crowd?
If you are reading on Kindle & comiXology, the experience is unique. The digital format highlights the art in ways print sometimes misses.
This review breaks down the script, the art, and the verdict. Let’s see if this collection belongs in your digital library.
Highlights
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Pencillers: Eddy Barrows, Alvaro Martinez
- Format: Kindle / comiXology (Digital)
- Key Characters: Batman, Batwoman, Clayface, Red Robin, Orphan, Spoiler
- Main Villain: The Colony
- Rating: Teen+
The Script: A Team Dynamics Masterclass
James Tynion IV understands Gotham. Better yet, he understands the people living in its shadows. This volume kicks off with a threat that targets vigilantes specifically.
Batman realizes he cannot watch every corner of the city. He detects a military precision in recent attacks. The enemy knows their moves.
To counter this, Bruce Wayne does something rare. He delegates. He recruits Batwoman (Kate Kane) to run a boot camp.
The roster is the selling point here. You have the disciplined Red Robin (Tim Drake). You have the rebellious Spoiler (Stephanie Brown).
Then, there is the silent powerhouse, Orphan (Cassandra Cain). And the wildcard: Clayface (Basil Karlo).
The Redemption of Clayface
Adding a classic rogue to the team was a risk. It pays off immediately. Tynion writes Basil Karlo not just as a monster, but as a tragic actor.
Karlo wants to be more than his condition. He seeks reform. This creates a fascinating tension within the group.
Batman sees utility. Batwoman sees a liability. The readers see a soul trying to fix itself.
This character work elevates the script above standard superhero brawls. It adds emotional weight to every punch thrown.
The Military Threat
The antagonist group, The Colony, mirrors Batman’s own methods. They use tech, surveillance, and fear.
However, they lack the moral code. This contrast forces the Bat-Family to define what separates them from soldiers. It is a strong thematic hook.
The dialogue snaps. Interactions between Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown provide necessary levity. Meanwhile, the friction between Bruce and Kate drives the plot forward.
Art & Visual Storytelling: Barrows’ Gothic Flair
Eddy Barrows delivers career-defining work here. His style is dense, shadowed, and incredibly detailed.
Gotham looks wet, dirty, and dangerous. The atmosphere drips off the digital page.
Barrows loves creative panel layouts. He often breaks the borders. He uses the cape of Batman to frame entire sequences.
Action Choreography
With a team book, clarity is key. You have six heroes fighting dozens of soldiers. It could easily become a mess.
Barrows, assisted by Eber Ferreira’s inks, keeps it readable. You can follow Cassandra Cain’s balletic movements.
You feel the heavy impact of Clayface’s transformations. The distinct fighting styles of each character shine through.
Batwoman uses military gadgets. Batman uses stealth. Red Robin uses tactical misdirection. The art team respects these differences.
Coloring and Atmosphere
Adriano Lucas provides the colors. The palette relies heavily on deep blues, blacks, and neon reds.
This contrast works perfectly for a noir story. The red of the Batwoman symbol and the Bat-signals pops against the grey backdrops.
It sets a mood of high stakes and impending doom. It feels cinematic in every sense.
Digital Reading Experience: Guided View Benefits
Reading Detective Comics Vol. 1 on Kindle or comiXology offers a specific advantage.
Barrows’ double-page spreads are magnificent. However, on a small phone screen, they can be hard to decipher initially.
The Guided View technology solves this. It zooms in on specific panels and dialogue bubbles sequentially.
This mimics the pacing the writer intended. You see the setup, then the punchline, then the reaction.
It creates a flow that feels animated. For a dialogue-heavy book like this, the digital zoom is a massive helper.
You do not miss the small details. You catch the side-eyes between characters and the subtle clues in the background.
Pros & Cons
Everything has strengths and weaknesses. Here is the breakdown for this volume.
Pros:
- Ensemble Cast: Every character gets a moment to shine.
- Basil Karlo: The Clayface arc is surprisingly emotional and deep.
- Art Quality: Eddy Barrows provides top-tier, blockbuster visuals.
- Pacing: The story moves fast without feeling rushed.
- High Stakes: The consequences felt here last for years in the canon.
Cons:
- Busy Layouts: Sometimes the art is too chaotic for small screens without Guided View.
- Military Tropes: The villain organization is a bit generic compared to classic rogues.
- New Reader Learning Curve: It references past relationships that might confuse total newcomers.
Expert Tip
Tip: Pay close attention to the interactions between Tim Drake (Red Robin) and Batman. This volume sets up a massive shift in Tim’s history. If you plan on reading the wider DC Rebirth events, this book is a foundational block. Do not skim the quieter moments in the Belfry base.
Verdict: Buy or Skip?
So, is Detective Comics Vol. 1: Rise of the Batmen worth your money?
VERDICT: BUY.
This is one of the strongest starts to any series in the Rebirth era. It redefines the Gotham dynamic perfectly.
It gives lesser-known characters a platform. It treats the reader with respect.
The art alone justifies the price of entry. It is a visual feast that looks fantastic on a tablet screen.
If you love the Bat-family concept, this is the Bible of that sub-genre. It balances action, heart, and mystery effortlessly.
Conclusion: Detective Comics Vol 1: Rise of the Batmen – Buy or Pass?
Detective Comics Vol. 1: Rise of the Batmen stands tall as a modern classic. James Tynion IV proved that Batman is more interesting when he has to be a teacher.
The addition of Batwoman as a co-lead brings a fresh tactical perspective. The redemption of Clayface breaks your heart.
For digital readers, the transition to Kindle/comiXology is seamless. The colors pop, and the text is crisp.
This volume is not just a collection of issues. It is the beginning of a long-form saga that fans still discuss today.
If you want to understand the current state of Gotham’s heroes, you start here. It delivers on every promise it makes.
For more insights on where to start with DC Comics, check out our other comic book reviews on the main page.
FAQ
No. This volume is part of the DC Rebirth launch. It is designed as a jumping-on point for new and returning readers.
It is rated Teen. There is violence, some blood, and dark themes. It is better suited for young adults and up.
The Kindle version features Guided View, which helps with reading. However, the physical book allows you to appreciate the double-page spreads fully without zooming.
No. This story focuses on a new military threat called The Colony. The Joker does not play a role in this specific arc.
While Batman is central, it is an ensemble piece. Batwoman and Red Robin share a significant amount of the spotlight.
