Tony Daniel wraps up his year on Detective Comics with the rogues running the show! Detective Comics Annual #1 picks up after the Night of the Owls tie-in issue. Black Mask is back. Roman Sionis turns the table on Dr. Jeremiah Arkham and is reviving the False Face Society. Daniel uses Clayface, Tweetledum and Tweetledee but it’s how he uses a mystery villain against Sionis that’s the most wicked use of the rogues.

Romano Molenaar and Pere Perez split the art duties on this story. Both artists have styles that remind me of Tony Daniel and Gary Frank. Batman’s showdown with a new foe, the big reveal and final showdown are great moments in the carnival setting.

When villains are this fun it’s ok to have Batman in the background as he tracks down the Black Mask. This story is a perfect fit for the Annual style. Daniel will draw next month’s Detective Comics #0 then joins Geoff Johns on Justice League.

By Editor

 

  The first New 52 Detective Comics Annual features a showdown between Batman and the Black Mask. Artist Roman Molenaar joins writer Tony Daniel on Detective Comics Annual #1. The artist talked with The Source about joining the Batman family.

  “He knows exactly how to write for an artist which makes it a delight setting up the pages,” says Molenaar of Daniel, “Fans can expect fast-paced action and details all over the place as far as the art goes. Batman will need all of his physical and mental strength for this Annual and be ready for the return of one of his most diabolical villains!”

  “The first DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL features the return of one of Batman’s most dangerous adversaries – the Black Mask!” adds editor Mike Marts. “Picking up from where readers last saw him in the ‘Night of the Owls’ storyline, gangster Roman Sionis has once again donned the maddening mask and formed his False Face Society. How will the Dark Knight combat this unique threat? And is there an even greater villain lurking in the shadows?”

Detective Comics Annual #1 arrives August 29th.

By Editor