An unknown predator begins outdoing Batman, taking down dangerous threats with military precision. It’s up to the Dark Knight and series costar Batwoman to rally and train the young heroes of Gotham City to end this mysterious threat!

WHAT NOW: Batman and Batwoman begin training Spoiler, Red Robin and Cassandra Cain, but is the villainous Clayface ready for redemption?

Writer James T Tynion IV is no stranger to Batman having tackled the character and his menagerie of characters in various series and backups. Now he’s taking the reigns as Detective Comics #934 kicks off the first chapter of “Rise of the Batmen.”

This first issue of the new arc sets things up well presenting a mysterious foe and also setting Batwoman front and center as Batman’s equal in many ways and his better in many other ways. It also brings in some fan favorite characters like Spoiler and Cassandra Cain, and a left field one like Clayface. The inclusion of Clayface is interesting, but I’m not totally sold on his inclusion, especially with what he says when he’s approached with his offer to join this new “team.”

Beyond Red Robin, Spoiler, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, and Catwoman, the comic also has an interesting cameo towards the beginning that again plays off of the legacy that is the underlying theme of Rebirth. Detective Comics #934 isn’t quite the reflect/restart the other Rebirth titles have been, and shares a lot with Action Comics #957 in how it’s being handled. But, Tynion sets up an interesting mystery and I found myself guessing who the villain was that’s watching our heroes and at the end of the issue, I’m still not totally sure.

Eddy Barrows handles the pencils while Eber Ferreira handles the inks and bring us a moody comic that handles the dark aspect of Batman’s world without relying too much on shadows. Each character is very recognizable and long time fans should be happy with the design and look of the characters so many have been clamoring for. There is a bit of a reserved look to some of the pages and panels. At times Batman and Batwoman have been shown in quite dynamic poses, but here that’s rather limited in this first issue left for two or three times.

There’s some risks with this comic beyond the inclusion of Clayface and it sets up something that feels new at the same time that it doesn’t (which is a bit weird). I feel like some of this is familiar, but it’s still pretty damn interesting. The mystery as to who is watching the Bat-team has me intrigued the most and how Clayface fits into it all is intriguing.

This is a good set up and has me wanting to see where it goes from here.

Story: James T Tynion IV Art: Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows
Story: 7.8 Art: 7.8 Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review