- Title: Detective Comics #959
- Comic Vine: link
- Writers: James Tynion IV, Christopher Sebela
- Artist: Carmen Nunez Carnero
On one hand Detective Comics #959 is a middle issue of an Azrael arc. I’ll be honest, that’s not going to grab my attention or keep it, by itself, for that long. It appears the Order of St. Dumas, who programmed Azrael and sent him out in the world as their agent of change and vengeance, got tired of him choosing his own path and put together something even more fearsome in their new acolyte Ascalon. While the latest issue doesn’t offer much more information about the new threat, it does foreshadow a possible issue with Azrael looming in the very near future.
On the other hand, the issue has Zatanna. It’s good to see the DC’s premier magician back on the comic page, and Detective Comics #959 offers us a double-dip as we get to see flashbacks of her time with Bruce before his Bat-clad days, along with them catching up in the present following the Ascalon attack. While James Tynion IV continues to play it coy as to what Bruce really wants from his old friend, it is terrific to see Zee back in action (although I have wonder what Batman’s new fiance thinks about spending his nights with magical former flames in fishnets). Worth a look.
[DC, $3.99]