IV Tynion, JamesBatman Detective Comics 4: Deus Ex Mancina

Leave it to Tynion's consistently strong Detective Comics run to make the return of the Azrael Batman suit a cheer worthy moment (never thought I'd feel that sentiment). The fourth volume of this run sees Batman reconnecting with old flame Zatanna while searching for answers in the world of mysticism to the renewed threat of Ra's al Ghul and his League of Shadows (the hardcore secret sect of the League of Assassins). To that end Batman tries to convince Zee to let him use the God Machine device: a mystical relic which will bestow complete knowledge on the user but potentially at the cost of their humanity (not unlike that time Batman sat in the Mobius Chair). While Batman and Zatanna argue over the relic, one of Azrael's old comrades arrives in Gotham warning Jean Paul that a new Azrael has been chosen to purge the Order of St. Dumas of those not loyal to the new head of the order. Enter Ascalon: an AI piloted super soldier who is based on the indoctrinating programming that allows Jean Paul to fight as Azrael. With Ascalon aiming to purge Gotham of any one it deems a heretic the Batman team has to find a way to bring it down. The book shifts focus a bit from Orphan, who was the star of the last volume, on to the newer team members Azrael and Batwing who have formed a fun repartee. These two joined Batwoman's team without much fanfare after Spoiler left and Tim Drake "died" but haven't gotten much time in the spotlight yet. Between Azrael fighting to overcome his past and Batwing using his technological know how to overcome the Ascalon AI (again using the Az-Bat suit of old) this book gives both team members their due.

I've always been a fan of Batman and Zatanna. It was a relationship introduced by the Animated Series but she oddly fits into the Batverse arguably better than she ever did in the straight Justice League (or John Constantine's Hellblazer for that matter). Part of it is the fact she has a Catwoman-esque fun personality that plays off well with Batman's seriousness.There's not much to say about this comic other than it incorporates Bruce learning magic is real (via flashback), retconning a death we knew would never stick, and also incorporating Jean Paul Valley a.k.a Azrael. I'm iffy about the last because, honestly, Valley was the least interesting thing about KNIGHTFALL. He's the kind of character that I think deserves to be replaced and the second Azrael was much better.There's fighting, some jokes about vampires, magic, and the usual Bat fun. Decent collection.8/10

This volume had two storylines that are interwoven. The first is very Batman centered and focuses on his relationship with Zatanna, the second revolves around Azrael and his continuing development. I found the first more compelling than the second; that may be because I really don't know very much about the Azrael character. The art was, overall strong, and the artist clearly enjoyed working with Zatanna (and I was delighted to see her reintroduction into the DC universe). Honestly, I didn't find the Azrael story very compelling. The dialogue was well written throughout A decent volume, worth the read

I know DC has rebooted a few times in recent years, but I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of new and old characters. It’s quite interesting to see Clayface as a hero in the mix. James Tynion does a nice job of balancing many faces and ideas here, and reading a story with Azrael took me back to the classic Knightfall days.

Very solid. I always enjoy batman stories that him as a vulnerable human instead of the "because i'm batman" troupe.

Tyrion delivers another great adventure for the caped crusader. Easy to enjoy if jeff Bezos was better at not letting his delivery people bend my books.

Dumas’ past comes back to haunt him, and the Bat Family, in the form of a rogue, dogmatic AI. Oh, and Cassandra Cain learns some Shakespeare, too!

Tynion’s run on Detective Comics continues in fine form. If you’ve come this far, keep going, things are going strong.

👍

El primer volumen de esta serie que realmente me aburrió, la historia la sentí bastante confusa y mas que mostrarnos al clásico Azreal lo hicieron ver como un personaje obsoleto.El volumen llego a tiempo y en perfectas condiciones.

Zoals bijna alle Batmancomics, zeer goed.

Bought as a present

La presenza di Zatanna rende particolarmente interessante questo volume (ho apprezzato molto i flashback su lei e Bruce da giovani). Davvero un ottimo arco narrativo della serie Detective comics.