First came the disappointment and marketing ploy that was Batman: R.I.P. Now, we Bat-fans are faced with a new storyline - Batman:Last Rites. Since R.I.P ended without much closure, I was anticipating this new storyline, hoping that I would finally get some information about the "fate" of Batman. So, after sitting on the edge of my seat for several months and then being let down by the train-wreck that is Grant Morrison, I was excited about the arrival of long-time DC associate, Denny O'Neil, as a writer for my favorite character.
I thought that O'Neil's story was great. Although I am still craving information about the whereabouts of Bruce Wayne, it was great to see the conflict brewing in Dick Grayson's heart as he is being faced with the reality of life without Wayne in the picture. I understand that Bruce Wayne cannot possibly live forever, and that eventually the mantle of Batman would have to be passed on. Now, it seems that such an event might be happening. Good. Although many might be upset about the demise of this DC mainstay, I am getting more comfortable with the possibility that Wayne is not returning, and I am excited to think that Grayson might finally be seeing the fruit from years of being an understudy to the world's greatest detective. Take this era of potential change, throw in a beautiful girl, a fight, an explosion, and a fire - what you have is a great story by a great writer.
However, although I enjoyed the story, I was disappointed about the departure of Dustin Nguyen from this issue. His art has been one of my favorite aspects of Detective Comics over the last few months. I am not saying that Guillem March did a bad job; actually the art was pretty good and complemented the story well. I just really enjoyed Nguyen's art, and I am looking forward to his return in next month's issue.
Overall, I would say that Detective Comics without Bruce Wayne is not a bad thing. I do want to know more a bout his fate, but I am also excited about the possibility of seeing Dick Grayson donning the cape and cowl. If you haven't been reading Detective Comics, with change on the horizon, there's no reason not to start now.
