My Rating
“A Small Case Of Murder!”
It’s a grim scene at the corporate offices of Gee-Bee Toy company. Commissioner Gordon and the Gotham CSI have arrived to find an executed toy designer named Randall Barnes. The man was shot through the heart by a. 25 caliber pistol round. The killer seems to be one of Gee-Bee Toys newest doll designs. As Gordon presses Randall Barnes’ partner Gaynor, a shadowy figure swoops in through the high rise office window. Batman lands on light feet.
Gordon and the other officers turn in surprise at the brazen entrance. A general feeling of relief fills the officers as everyone returns to their assigned tasks. Batman makes a quick survey of the murder scene and begins to question Gaynor about the “killer doll”. In the Dark Knight’s mind, the partner is the most likely suspect.
As Gaynor recounts his story about finding his partner’s body, he mentions a weird voice coming from the direction of the doom-doll. It was almost like the doll was mocking Randall Barnes. Batman shrugs off the story as a blatant lie. How can a three foot toy doll lift an automatic pistol, aim, and pull the trigger?
Then a crackling electronic word emits from the little plastic boy. “Die!” The caped crusader dives over a work desk and knocks Commissioner Gordon sideways to avoid being hit by another round from the automatic pistol. The doll goes from a fully independent standing position to a crumpled pile on the floor. It is clear. Someone is controlling the automaton by remote radio frequencies!
Will the Batman find enough clues to track down the hidden puppet master? How valuable is Gee-Bee Toys’ master plans on the open market? What’s the secret behind the killer-doll technology?
Master Crime-File of Jason Bard…
“I Wake Up Dying!”
Jason Bard has just woken from a dark sleep. The sound of rushing water fills his ears as the private investigator looks around at his situation. It’s dark where he is, but he can just make out the dull metal walls of a delivery truck. The truck seems to be gradually falling down somehow. Near the roof of the container a large rip in the metal shell has allowed an unstoppable flow of sea water to flow in.
He has only seconds to react before his oxygen supply runs out indefinitely! As Jason swims towards the breach the events of the past few days begin to come back to him. He was hired by a local trucking company owner to find his wife. The big problem is some wives don’t want to be found.
Can Jason Bard track down Nina Crane before he runs into an unfortunate accident? How is Gotham City’s crime boss, Angie Thorpe, tied to this case? Will Jason love to see Barbara Gordon again? Collect the series to find out!
Reviewer Notes
I believe this is my first ever reading of a Detective Comics book. The case was really interesting as it involved Batman and a strange doll who may or may not have come to life. This feels like a Batman year two or three case event. He doesn’t seem too overpowered (in the gizmo department), but his analytical mind is sharp as a razor.
To be honest, the first story reminded me a lot of Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” movie. Batman works the murder scene next to the Gotham City police investigators (just like the movie). Batman uses his skills in criminology to crack the case (just like the movie). We even get a twist ending (sort of).
DC Comics also provides a second story featuring Jason Bard. Apparently he is/was another detective working cases for rich clients in Gotham. I know nothing about the character but he kind of reminds me of John Constantine (without powers). He seems cool, and dating Barbara Gordon is only a plus. This is a solid four star comic which I would recommend purchasing. Go get em’ tiger!
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