Robb Ghag reviews Detective Comics #23.3: The Scarecrow…
“See the new Gotham City through the eyes of the Scarecrow! It’s Arkham Asylum unleashed on humanity—and it’s all the Scarecrow has ever wanted!”
As I had mentioned before in previous posts, it seems during the Villains Month the Superman villains were far outshining (at least in single issues) the Batman villains. This is hardly the typical case when you see either character in other pop culture mediums.
This issue was unfortunately no exception. I think the main purpose of this issue however (as with the Bane #1 issue) was it was a prelude to the Forever Evil: Arkham War mini-series.
I will say this cover is spectacular, given the fact the Scarecrow doesn’t have any special powers or a lavish costume, the simplicity of his mask, and hangman’s noose necklace looks epic in 3D, not to mention the murder of crows which seem to fly off the cover through the fear mist in the background.
The interior artwork by Szymon Kudranski fits the issue perfectly, as Scarecrow prepares for the upcoming Arkham War and begins his recruiting. First with Mr. Freeze, then with Riddler, followed by Killer Croc and finally Poison Ivy, the artwork is gritty and sketch like, giving all the villains their moment in the spotlight.
With these entire cameos I think Arkham War may turn out to be a great series on its own pitting all of Batman’s villains (Blackgate vs. Arkham Asylum) against one another. As far as this issue was concerned, on its own it was weak, but as a prelude to the war to come, it really sets up the pieces nicely.
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 October 9, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
