Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Detective Comics #963 Review
    DC

    Detective Comics #963 Review

    Stephen SchleicherBy Stephen SchleicherAugust 27, 20174 Mins Read

    Anarky is back, and he isn’t tearing things down. In fact, he is trying to recruit Spoiler to the cause. The shadow of Tim Drake hangs heavy in Detective Comics #963.

    Detective Comics #963DETECTIVE COMICS #963

    Writer: James Tynion IV and Christopher Sebela
    Artist: Carmen Carnero
    Letter: Sal Cipriano
    Colorist: Ulises Arredla and Kelly Fitzpatrick
    Editor: Chris Conroy
    Publisher: DC Comics
    Cover Price: $2.99

    Previously in Detective Comics: Batman continues to build his team of heroes that will protect Gotham City. Even though it means the return of Jean Paul Valley, and a mess of confusion that comes with it, Batman did learn one valuable thing – Tim Drake is still alive.

    THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE CANCELLED TIM DRAKE

    The opening pages of Detective Comics #963 show us exactly why Tim Drake is missed so much – he has a plan to make Gotham better, even if it means pushing those he cares about (Batman) away. Of course, we see this through the eyes of Stephanie Brown, who may be thinking of better times, but by seeing this conversation through her point of view, gives readers a better understanding of why Anarky’s plans attract her so much.

    In issue #957, Stephanie Brown posits that the world really doesn’t need superheroes. It doesn’t really need vigilantes, and she is dead set (no pun intended) in proving her theory correct – even if it means she has to pull some very vigilante tactics to do it. It’s a flawed premise, and it is clear she is still stuck on the halcyon years when she and Tim were an item. This is probably why Anarky’s message in this issue totally lures her in. From the reader’s perspective, the end reveal has me wondering if Lonnie truly is trying to make the world a better place by having people rely on themselves, or if he is planning a Decon Blackfire level event where the homeless and lost become his private army.

    It is kind of creepy that Anarky is able to draw Stephanie in like this, and with Batman following close behind, I have a feeling this arc is going to get a whole lot worse, before it gets better. Plus, there is that whole “Tim is still alive” moment from the last issue, that Stephanie and Batman will have to address.

    The B-plot for this issue continues to follow Clayface’s pursuit to become a hero, instead of a morally corrupt monster that only wants to kill and destroy. While it takes up a chunk of the issue, it really feels like filler material to continue the through plot from the last major story arc.

    IT CERTAINLY FEELS LIKE LATE ’90s ART

    With the recent return of heroes and villains from the late ’90s and early 2000s, the art by Carmen Carnero evokes the look of the art from that period as well. Replace Monster Town with No Man’s Land, and it might take readers a moment to realize they aren’t reading a comic from last week. Yes, there is new technology in place, and a whole new look for Anarky, but it still felt like the good ol’ days to me.

    Carnero’s layouts and composition are great, and the times when the art breaks or crosses the panel frame brings greater weight to the characters and situations. However, while the colors in this issue generally work, Clayface looks really weird. Instead of a texture that feels like it has ridges and lumps, it looks like we are seeing a inverted relief of the texture. It could just be me, but it is so odd, it throws me out of the story and what is being discussed every time Clayface is on the page.

    BOTTOM LINE: THE SLOW RETURN OF TIM DRAKE

    The big reveal at the end of the last issue, and the reappearance of Stephanie Brown in this issue along with her flashbacks to her time with Tim feels like we are getting a really slow burn to his eventual return. The weird part about this issue is why we haven’t seen Anarky or Spoiler since issue #957, and why it feels like we are about to turn to yet another arc before returning to this story line. This is a good issue, even though it creates a lot of questions. If you are fan of Anarky, Clayface, Spoiler, and Tim Drake, then this is an issue you should grab.

    [taq_review]

    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    anarky Batman Carmen Carnero Christopher Sebela clayface dc comics Detective Comics james tynion IV Review Robin spoiler Tim Drake
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleManhunter Special #1 Review
    Next Article [Books] Sequart releases book on Green Arrow
    Stephen Schleicher
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment. You can follow him on Twitter @MajorSpoilers and tell him your darkest secrets...

    Related Posts

    Even more Marve/DC team-ups await in Deadpool/Batman #1

    Read More

    The Avengers #27 Review

    Read More

    Geek History Lesson – Thunderbolts and Andor Revive Struggling Franchises

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    6.7
    June 23, 2025

    The Avengers #27 Review

    7.3
    June 22, 2025

    Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 Review

    6.7
    June 22, 2025

    Retro Review: Menace #11 (May 1954)

    8.0
    June 20, 2025

    Jeff the Land Shark #1 Review

    4.0
    June 20, 2025

    Toxie Team-Up #1 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Bunty Original on Warner Bros. plans Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge virtual viewing party and panel
    • Derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT