While there is nothing innovative going on, this is the first Detective issue in a few months that feels like a true Batman book. Read Full Review

Add that with a heart-breaking story about Kirk and Francine Langstrom - aka Man-Bat and Lady Man-Bat - and you not only have a fantastic comic, but you have two amazing stories for the price of one. Pound-for-pound, Detective Comics has become DC's best comic in terms of consistency and quality, and even with a concept as overdone as an "anti-Batman," John Layman proves that execution is far more important than high concept. A great job by all involved. Read Full Review

Layman's story is almost cinematic in its structure -- there are plenty of moving pieces on this chessboard, but they're led around the field of play in such a way that they support one another. That being said, some moments aren't quite as successful as others, particularly the flashback scene that sheds a little light on the backstory for a character who died in the previous issue. Detective Comics #23 is so tightly orchestrated that these missteps are more noticeable than they might have otherwise been. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #23 feels true to the Batman that the general public has grown to love. While it doesn't introduce any redefining elements to the mythos, it offers an enjoyable and exciting installment in the character's career. Read Full Review

It's also frustrating to see Layman let Batman off with your cliched "I'm only letting you live Batman because…" That said the drama is building nicely and this might go down as one of, if not the, best Batman story arc from the New 52. Read Full Review

With terrifically detailed illustrations, solid coloring and a fine plot trucking along at a steady pace, DETECTIVE COMICS continues to prove it's one of the Batman titles you should definitely have on your radar. I'll admit, my love for the pre-52 version of the villain definitely enhances the reading experience for me, but it's still being executed quite well and is turning out to be a solid story. After two big developments, I can't wait to see what the next issue has in store for us. Fingers are crossed we get more of an insight into Wrath and, of course, a longer fight with Batman. Read Full Review

It's an excellent read and it really makes the upcoming issue look very promising. The artwork is fantastic in both the main story and the backup and the backup especially has some big surprises in store for Man-Bat fans. However, there were enough minor problems in the main story to bring down the score for me but even with these blemishes Detective Comicsremains one of my most anticipated Bat-books. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #23 gives readers a great set-up for the final confrontation between Wrath and Batman that will play out in Octobers Detective Comics #24. Writer John Layman keeps readers caught up in Batmans adventures with action, mystery, and danger. Jason Faboks art is top-notch with excellent details that will have you looking over each panel again and again. While the 5-second time flip certainly doesnt hurt the story, it doesnt do much for it either other than provide a quick two-page distraction. Overall, I have been enjoying this story arc (and all of John Layman and Jason Faboks run on Detective Comics to be honest). Read Full Review

After giving up Red Hood and the Outlaws last month Detective and Batman and Robin are the only Bat-titles I'm still readying (having given up on the others months ago), but this Wrath storyline is certainly stretching my endurance to the limit. And, sigh, yes we get more of the awful Man-Bat back-up story this month as well. Pass. Read Full Review