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Detective Comics 845 is a stand alone issue that showcases a classic detective story firmly entrenched in the Batman mythos. Writer Paul Dini weaves a tale of revenge and murder that gives us everything we want in a detective story coupled with some amazing artwork by Dustin Nguyen.
Several murders around Gotham City appear to be the work of a new serial killer, yet the victims share very little in common. Unable to find the link between them, Batman heads back to the Batcave to search for more information. The recently cured and law-abiding Riddler states publicly in front of the news cameras that he will find the killer before Batman.
As he returns to the Batmobile, The Dark Knight finds that Catwoman has returned safely from her stint on the planet Salvation, even though the series Salvation Run hasn't yet ended. Despite only being back a short while, Catwoman knows about the romantic dealing Batman has had of late. He came close to a relationship with Zantanna but fell for and started a serious affair with Jezebel Jet, as chronicled in the most recent issues of the eponymous Batman series.
Back in the Batcave, and moving the story in a somewhat silly yet still entirely plausible direction, Dini takes Batman into the chatroom of some amateur case detectives discussing the case and tossing around theories. A few familiar faces are among the anonymous chatters including Ridder who is desperate for clues. While Batman, as JONDOE297, attempts to link the victims, Riddler, as WIZARD101, tries to pick the chatters' brains hoping for some keen insights he can pass off as his own deductions. Batman toils away in the hunt through the victims personal files, but Riddler catches a break as some new info arrives at his office.
Riddler's hot tip leads him into a trap, but Batman is not far behind, having made the connection himself. Plus, Batman has previously installed a homing device in the Riddler's car so that he can keep tabs on the former madman. The story beings to fall apart somewhat as the killer's motives are revealed. The killer has gone to great lengths to lay a trap for Riddler, a man who adores attention and is often in the public eye. Except for this one aspect of the issue, the story is superb.
Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs display a Gotham that is suited for a gritty revenge tale. The shadows wrap themselves around Batman well, and the city feels like a dark, dank, and nasty place. What's even better is the risk taken with the flashback sequences which are presented in a completely different style of ink washes and organic brush strokes. While the style is different, they still contain many of the signature elements that Nguyen uses to define the characters throughout.
Detective Comics 845 takes great pains to differentiate itself from the other Batman titles and expertly presents a classic detective story. The issue has a cover price of $2.99 and is available at your local comic book shop.