While the Flash and Batman share similar heroic ideals and a thirst for justice, they couldn’t be more different from one another. The Flash is often characterized as bright and cheery where Batman is dark and grim. These traits extend to the world around these characters and the cities they protect. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato were extremely effective in capturing the Flash and his world, and Detective Comics #30 proves that was no fluke. Their debut issue introduces fans to new characters, new threats, and new mysteries while staying true to today’s Batman. Batfan’s aren’t going to want to miss out on this.

Manapul and Buccellato have an amazing synergy that continues to shine throughout the darkest alleys of Gotham City. The duo smartly introduces us to a Bruce who is still affected by the loss of Damian and they use his pain to make a connection to newly introduced characters, Elena and Annie Aguila. While this book will focus on character and emotion, it will also be no stranger to action and the “superstitious and cowardly lot” that Batman is familiar with. The cliffhanger of an ending might make some readers understandably uncomfortable, but it will still have you curious to see Batman uncover the newly introduced nefarious plot.

The action in Detective Comics is blisteringly cool. Batman is illustrated as an unstoppable cannonball as he crashes through barriers. Simultaneously, the creative team captures the almost impossible grace that Batman utilizes to get the job done. Lastly, the flawlessly composed color combination of purples, blues, blacks, and even pinks help to add to the distinguishing layers that lets you know there is a new creative force in town.

Mike Logsdon is a master of Kung Fu and reading comics. Find out which one of those things is actually true by following him on Twitter and IGN