Even as the capstone to five-part Anarky arc, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato's Detective Comics is another perfectly crafted entry. Read Full Review

One of the best looking books in DC Comics doesn't disappoint as it wraps up the Anarky story arc in a dark and twisted fashion.  While I maintain that this Hatter comes off more as a Freddy Krueger type figure than what I usually think of him as, it's a serious take for a serious story and I'm happy as hell that I read it.  Go get your detective skills on as we finish up the Anarky story. Read Full Review

Even with the slight plot disappointment, there is still much to love about Detective Comics #40. The road to the finale was strong and filled with many moments of excitement and drama. And thankfully the comic is just so darn nice to look at, it's easy to led the less that stellar ending slide. But I truly hope the creative team of Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul can tighten up their storytelling. Because together they have the makings of a truly classic run. Read Full Review

The very last few moments of the Anarky storyline felt a bit glossed-over, regarding how the mind control was overcome and how people ended up where they did, but again, it was enough to be an understandable story and the artwork made everything pop. Read Full Review

As for the visuals, there are no complaints to be had. This remains one of the best-looking superhero comics from any publisher. Manapul's dynamic layouts and fantastic depiction of Batman combine the best elements of J.H. Williams' Batwoman with Bruce Timm's Batman: the Animated Series designs. There's a fluidity to every page, whether it's full of violent conflict or quietly focused on a small group of characters. Meanwhile, Buccellato's colors give this book a very unique tone among the Bat books, one that gives Gotham a haunting, ethereal glow. Read Full Review

While the finale to the Anarky story is definitely good, it lacks that certain “je ne sais quoi” to make it truly great! While fans of the original Anarky probably won't be too pleased with the direction this takes, if you choose to look past that (mask aside), the core of this new villain has some intriguing elements that were worth exploring. Read Full Review

As you can see from the confusing nonsense that was the previous paragraph, my feeling on Detective Comics #40 are still pretty up in the air. I think that the best way to really describe it, is a well-written, well-delivered conclusion to the story, it just disappointed my own personal expectations. I wanted Anarky to be something bigger. I wanted him to have the grand plan. I wanted him to be more than just another Batman villain who was crazy, bent on revenge or both. At least for now though, hes not. Read Full Review

This was not a bad issue. However, it did feel like it fell flat in the climax department. Anarky was a character with a plethora of potential that unfortunately was left untapped. Framing him as a man acting solely for the sake of revenge felt cheap. I hope that this is not the last time we will see Anarky in the Batman Universe; lets just hope his next outing does the character a little more justice. Read Full Review