Robb Ghag reviews Detective Comics #23…
“Alfred is forced to confront the Anti-Batman known as the Wrath! Taking care of Batman all these years has left Alfred with more than a few tricks up his sleeve, but will they be enough?”
With the introduction of E.D. Caldwell a.k.a. The Wrath, John Layman has introduced a villain who has Batman on the ropes, both literally and figuratively in this issue. The title ‘Bat and Mouse’ is appropriate as Batman tries to stop The Wrath from starting his war, and avoid further GCPD casualties.
Similar to other arcs in the Detective Comics series, there are a couple of twists and turns throughout this issue, and it ends in a cliff-hanger. The artwork from Jason Fabok continues to impress, including the cover which is a great insight into the dynamic between The Wrath and Batman.
With the backup story we again continue with the storyline focusing on the Man-Bat, or more specifically Francine, Langstrom’s wife. It also gives more of a background on E.D. Caldwell which I hope will eventually payoff in the main storyline.
With next month’s “Villains Month”, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what transpires between The Wrath and the Bat, as the 3D motion cover for the next issue focuses on Poison Ivy.
Until then, I guess The Wrath will have to wait.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published August 14, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
