Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1 review

Oh thank the stars, a done-in-one Batman story and it is really good. Given this is a Detective Comics issue I probably shouldn’t be surprised, but this tale sees our hero collecting clues in a bid to solve a very intriguing mystery. It’s the god’s honest Darknight Detective at his very best. Sure, there’s a costumed villain to punch, but that’s a small part of the 30pp story (there’s a back-up strip which, whisper it, is also a great time).

The story begins with the Caped Crusader investigating the ‘super-bunker’ of tech billionaire Cody Morse (geddit?). He has reason to suspect a crime has been committed and he’s not wrong. Morse is dead, stabbed with a kitchen knife, and the request that gives the story its title is written in his blood: ‘Batman, do not solve my murder’. Work that one out!

After going from room to room, Batman has a solid lead. One trip across the Atlantic in the Batplane later, he’s consulting with a young scientist.

Armed with more information, Batman heads into York city where there’s a situation or, as Dr Jenny puts it, ‘a flap’.

And the story continues, with twists and turns, action and character moments and not a single example of bad ‘Bridish’ dialogue. Mind, it is written by the UK’s own Al Ewing, who, I believe, was brought in when the previously assigned Tom Taylor – who’s currently on the regular Detective Comics – had to drop out. And somehow he’s quickly come up with a meaty, satisfying locked room mystery. His Batman is a bit of a throwback to the Bronze Age fella, who scares criminals but is perfectly capable of having a normal conversation over a nice cuppa. My favourite Batman – more please.

There’s a nice bit of business that goes unremarked upon, but it rings true – chatting about quantum theory, Batman refers to ‘math’ while Dr Jenny uses the correct ‘maths’ (don’t get me started on the pluralisation of LEGO).

I also like the inclusion of a small publisher named Conway Press, which I’m taking as a nod to longtime Batman writer Gerry Conway. And I wonder if Ewing is having fun in having an expert in quantum physics named Jenny – remember The Authority’s Spirit of the 20th Century Jenny Sparks was succeeded in the new millennium by Jenny Quantum?

Bringing the script to life we have three artistic teams, one per chapter. Illustrator Stefano Raffaele and colourist Lee Loughridge handle the opening scenes, capturing Batman’s quest for clues, and it’s masterful work. Then it’s Hitman legend John McCrea bringing York to authentic life in partnership with the terribly talented Triona Farrell, two more creators from the British Isles. Along the way they introduce us to this confident crook.

Fico Ossio takes over the illustrative reins for the climactic chapter, which benefits from the colours of Ulises Arreola. The renderings are more comics-realistic than in the previous acts, but the difference isn’t jarring. As with all the art in this annual, the compositions tell the story and emotions are ever evident.

Tom Napolitano letters the whole book in typically smart style, and Batman’s constant narration looks good throughout, the background colour being costume grey.

All in all, this is my favourite Batman story in a long while.

As for that back-up, it’s perfect for those of us who miss those sharp kids of Gotham Academy. Star of the show is David Rosales, Seventh Grader – also the name of the story. A smart lad, David is president and founding member of the Gotham Public Middle School 96 Junior Batman Detective Club… given he doesn’t seem to have any real pals, he’s likely the only member. What he does have is a first-rate sleuth’s mind, as we see in the aftermath of students being struck down by a terrifying, unexplained ailment.

Guess who else is looking into the mystery…

With entertaining script by Joshua Hale Fialkov and characterful illustrations by Mike Norton, this is a gem of a story – and another tiptop detective tale. I hope we see young David again, heck, if his parents happen to die and Batman has a vacancy for a Robin, who knows? Nick Filardi colours, Troy Peteri letters, and they should take a bow for top-notch work. Oh, and wait until you see Norton and Filardi’s Batmobile in action.

Mikel Janín’s cover must have been ordered before the contents of the issue were known, being relevant to the story only if you squint; still, it’s a Mikel Janín cover, so it’s great. Cover copy from editors Jessica Berbey, Ben Meares and Rob Levin would be nice, though, a few intriguing words, excitingly rendered, to entice the reader.

One thick comic, two wonderful stories – I hadn’t a clue I’d enjoy Detective Comics Annual so much.