Detective Comics #1094 review | Batman News

In the United States, over 25,000 children are currently held in juvenile detention facilities. For many, this can be a life-altering experience and be the start of a cycle of incarceration that will last throughout their lives. “Jackson”, I hear you say, “why are you talking about this? Aren’t you supposed to be reviewing a comic right now?” Well, if Tom Taylor can use his comic as a PSA about how bad juvenile prisons are, I figure I should do the same with my review.

This becomes noticeable right away when Batman is trying to save Spencer from the fire that acted as the cliffhanger from last issue. In the moment, it reads strangely out of place; “why is Batman suddenly going on about how harmful juvenile incarceration is? Is now the right time for that?” However, it very much sets the stage for what will become a running theme.

The entire plot of the issue centers around investigating the prison that Spencer came from, and as such offers plenty of opportunities to comment on that particular issue. The warden of the prison is so devilishly gleeful in any opportunity to harm the kids that I was surprised he didn’t have a mustache to twirl. That sort of unambiguously evil villain is par for the course for superhero comics, but somewhat undercuts the seriousness of the social problem being discussed. There are plenty of horrible people involved in child prisons, but it’s typically a more banal sort of evil rooted in institutions and systemic incentives. It’s difficult to take commentary seriously if done through cartoonish caricatures.

Not that the story doesn’t go out of its way to state that central thesis to the reader. In fact, on at least three separate occasions a character would stop to give a speech as to how the juvenile prison industrial complex hurts people. The first one with Batman at the beginning was on the nose enough, but then it happens again with Damian, and finally (and most bizarrely) with Detective Bullock. That last one is especially strange because, while not evil or corrupt, Bullock has typically walked that line as one the “good ol’ boys” cops. He’s not exactly donating to the ACLU. Yet now he literally turns to the reader to talk about recidivism rates and reformative justice.

That’s not to say that none of this is effective. While plenty of the writing can come off as overly heavy-handed, there are still some powerful moments. Damian taking charge and leading a prison revolt when he sees the cruelty first-hand was impulsive, possibly jeopardized the mission, and perfectly in character. Damian has always been one to fervently fight for what he sees as righteous (lest we forget Bat-Cow), and this was an excellent extension of that.

Another particularly moving scene was when Batman rushed to save Spencer’s life in the Batmobile.  The claustrophobic art and panicked pacing really conveys the sense of urgency, with you right there with him as he struggles to save the boy’s life. Spencer’s labored words praising what Batman meant to him as a hero in what might be his last minutes humanize both him and Batman as they share a moment of vulnerability. This then stands in sharp contrast with the callous and inhuman prison systems that the book explores.

More than just the car ride, Mikel Janín’s art is as impressive as ever. Both the intimate moments and the explosive fight scenes come to life on the page. While he might be far more well known for his pencils than his colors, the deep hues of purple and red that illuminate each scene make them pop with moodiness.

Recommended If

• You want to read about the cruelties of the prison system
• Damian is at his best when he’s hot-headed with righteous fury
• You don’t mind some in-your-face social commentary

Overall

Detective Comics #1094 has a lot to say about the injustices of the juvenile prison system, and it’s going to make sure you know that. This sometimes manifests through emotional, character-driven scenes, but too often becomes a series of soap box speeches delivered to the audience more than anyone else. There is still a decently interesting infiltration mission underneath it all if you can get past the heavy-handedness of the delivery.

Score: 6/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.

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