Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #965

Daniel Mills |

Sep 29, 2017

“I never thought I’d put on the cape and tights. That was never my intention. I was just going to give Nightwing the push he needed to be Robin again.”

Oz, The Great and Powerful

Tim Drake has been through the ringer. The third Robin has been very prevalent throughout the DC Universe in the last few years. From his time on Future’s End to a leading position on the New 52 Teen Titans. However, Detective Comics is where Tim Drake shines. James Tynion IV and Eddy Barrows have been making magic for quite a few issues now. Together, this creative team has turned Tim Drake from a creative vortex to one of the most compelling plotlines in DC Comics history.

The Young “Detective” has been trapped within Mr. Oz’s prison for some time now. Now that Batman knows Tim is alive, it’s only a matter of time before the two are reunited. But with the incredible scripts Tynion has been writing it may be at the hands of Drake himself.

Prison Break

In Detective Comics #965, Tim Drake begins his daring escape from imprisonment. Employing his famous intellect, he cracks Oz’s systems and grants himself a small bit of freedom. His ingenuity and resourcefulness are wonderful reminders of how compelling Tim can be. His strength is his mind, his ability to out-think the unthinkable.

Tynion has had plenty of time to develop a relationship with Tim, and it shows. In his Detective Comics run an emphasis is placed on the entirety of Bruce Wayne’s extended family. In his hands, Tim is quickly coming to the forefront of the Bat-Family.

Let the good times…continue

Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira have been an incredible creative team for DC. Their not-so-recent work on Martian Manhunter is some of the most captivating panels in recent memory. It’s no wonder why they’ve remained on Detective Comics with Tynion for a while now. Barrows has a classic style that can create a surprising amount of contrast to make the story even more interesting.

There’s a blend of flashback sequences mixed in with the story. The art team do an eye-catching job of juxtaposing the old and the new, giving a more dramatic touch to the modern day. It’s a small touch but one that makes their work so remarkable.

The Verdict

James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas make it look easy. Together, the team have been creating amazing stories featuring all of the characters in Gotham’s ranks. Tim Drake, Red Robin, has been taken to particular heights. After sacrificing himself for his team, he found himself at the mercy of one Mr. Oz. Now that he’s gained back some freedom, Drake is off on an exciting adventure by some amazing creatives.

Unlike the New 52, Rebirth has a plethora of creative teams that are still intact, and with good reason. Some of the best stories in comic history have been put together thanks to DC’s latest relaunch. Detective Comics is being helmed by one such team. One so good it could drive any reader to stand and declare, “Oh Captains, My Captains.”