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DETECTIVE COMICS #881

This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla.

DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.

Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Cover by JOCK

Price: $3.99
iFanboy Community Pick of the Week Percentage: 40.9%
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Comments

  1. Avatar photo thompsonlive says:
    August 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I have LOVED this book! Sooo awesome! Anyone know what Jock will be doing after this? I didnt see his name on the DC relaunch page anywhere which is a massive shame!

  2. Avatar photo martinNL says:
    August 8, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Whatever way this book ends it has been a fantastic run by this supertrio!!

  3. Avatar photo AquaPimp82 says:
    August 8, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    Goodbye longest running comic book in history. It was fun while it lasted. 

  4. Avatar photo mrfrost says:
    August 8, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    Wish Jock was doing some other stuff after this, cause he’s been great. It’s been a great run by a great team.

  5. MisterJ says:
    August 8, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    @AquaPimp82  What are you talking about??  There is going to be another issue in September and October, and November and on and on.

    Or do you care more about the number in the upper left than you do the book?

  6. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    August 8, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    @mrfrost  – I wish he was doing for Batman related, but he is doing a creator owned, which should be cool.

  7. JohnNevets says:
    August 8, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    @MisterJ  and  @AquaPimp82  And how much do you want to bet that come a year and 1/2 from now there won’t be an issue #900?  I appreciate the fact that they wanted to go all in with the renumbering, but just like WW a little while ago, the century numbers are hard to pass up for marketing. 

    Oh and I do echo that this has been an awesome run, and a great storyline to wrap up with before the new #1 hits.  The hard part will be avoiding spoilers until I get back to my LCBS early next week.

  8. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 8, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    dick grayson as batman totally made me not pick this run up. i was SECONDS away from buying 879-880, but then found out who batman was, and totally rejected the idea altogether. 

  9. Avatar photo Fvckstick says:
    August 8, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    I’m super excited, but at the same time sad to see this team move on.

  10. Avatar photo Smutty says:
    August 8, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    @thehangman
    Why don’t you like Dick, I think he’s been a great batman these last few years.
    Did you also refuse to pick up Grant Morrison’s Batman And Robin?

  11. Avatar photo mrfrost says:
    August 8, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    @AmirCat  
    Gasp. I’m forced to buy that. What’s the book called?

  12. WookieLoveMachine says:
    August 8, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Scott Snyder can do no wrong right now. Detective, 2 American Vamp series, Gates, and now Severed. In the past year Snyder has become the only writer other than Grant Morrison that I will follow fully. Each issue has topped the previous, I don’t know how this is going to get better, but if the past year has taught us anything, it is that the best is yet to come. Btw buy Severed if you have not yet.

  13. Avatar photo robbydzwonar says:
    August 8, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    I’m so getting somebody to buy me this hardcover for Xmas!!  Best run of the year BY FAR!!

  14. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    August 8, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    I’m not sure I want to see the ‘most disturbing panel evar’ at the end of this in the mind of Snyder.

    There’s been so many disturbing images in this run I shudder to think what would make Snyder thinks he’s gone to far. 

  15. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 8, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    @Smutty
    nope, i haven’t read A THING involving “gotham’s batman”.
    i only read batman inc. because it would have ramifications after bruce wayne comes back as THE ONLY BATMAN. (and the first 4-5 issues SUCKED, btw.)

    and let me take a wild guess and say you liked bucky as captain america.

    for shame, bro.

  16. Avatar photo UltramanJesse says:
    August 9, 2011 at 12:48 am

    Bucky as Cap was awesome

  17. Avatar photo HBD says:
    August 9, 2011 at 2:59 am

    Drawing the line at $3.99!  Wait…what?

  18. Avatar photo markish says:
    August 9, 2011 at 4:25 am

    It’s bigger than your average issue. They nearly always increase price for increased pagecount. This is not new.

  19. Avatar photo martinNL says:
    August 9, 2011 at 7:10 am

    @HBD  It’ll be 30 pages of story and art. 15 by Jock and 15 by FF. One of the best deals of the year.

  20. Avatar photo Zeppo says:
    August 9, 2011 at 7:46 am

    The last two issues where fun, and I am looking forward to this. A year ago I would not have believed anyone who said my two favourite books would be a Dick Batman book and Superboy.

  21. Avatar photo comicBOOKchris says:
    August 9, 2011 at 10:10 am

    A truly legendary Batman run. Curious to see where Snyder goes when the reboot starts.

  22. Avatar photo jakekny says:
    August 9, 2011 at 10:37 am

    40 pages! the final issue of one hell of a great run! I can’t believe I came into work today!!!

  23. Avatar photo Firemass13 says:
    August 9, 2011 at 10:49 am

    I am super excited about this book.  Snyder has been amazing…he is actually the only reason I added Detective, because I was also one of those people bi*%ing about Dick being Batman.  However, I do have to admit, I have grown to like him in the role. 

    Long Live The Bat.

  24. Avatar photo FaceCrunchMcGee says:
    August 9, 2011 at 10:59 am

    @comicBOOKchris  He’s writing Batman and Swamp Thing, if thats what you’re asking.

  25. Avatar photo comicBOOKchris says:
    August 9, 2011 at 11:11 am

    @FaceCrunchMcGee  I mean with the story. His Batman book probably will probably have a different tone without Jock, and I’m curious to see what that is.

  26. Avatar photo dkbrain says:
    August 9, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Never been more excited for a new issue of a book….I’m also sad to see it end 

  27. Avatar photo Akidcalledgrim says:
    August 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Scott Snyder has had an amazing run on Detective. I’m looking forward to see what comes next.
     

  28. Avatar photo Funcrusher says:
    August 9, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    In the four years that I have been seriously been reading comics this story may be the best thing that has happened. Very excited for the oversized finale.

  29. Avatar photo ghostmann says:
    August 9, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    DC take heed, Synder has delivered the best comic run of 2011.

    Brightest Day? More like “Longest Day”

    War of the Green Lanterns? Nope, Bore of The Green Lanterns.

    Grounded? Please.

    These “EVENTS” pale in comparison to what Synder did on Detective. And he did it pretty much under the radar of those huge events. All this reminds me of when a bloke named Moore came onto poor selling horror comic back in 1983 and turned into a must have – and did it during the first BIG EVENT ever, “Crisis”.

    Hang on to Synder DC, you may have the dude that is going to write the next Watchmen on your hands.

  30. Avatar photo Malecema says:
    August 9, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    @ghostman – I agree.  I think Snyder is the best writer DC has not Jeff Johns (although he’s no slouch) and I wish he were writing as many books as Johns is.

  31. Avatar photo Fvckstick says:
    August 9, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Well said ghostman.

  32. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 9, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    comparing snyder to johns?
    johns hands-down destroys snyder.
    same people who liked bucky as cap and dick as batman give it to snyder.
    c’mon people, have some sense.

  33. Avatar photo thompsonlive says:
    August 9, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    @thehangman

    Point 1: It appears at face value you’re a troll.

    Point 2: Although I think of myself as a big fan of both johns and synder, lately I enjoy snyders work more than johns. That is my opinion and you shouldn’t insult people of not having any sense because they disagree with your opinion.

  34. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    August 9, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Scott Snyder has clearly stepped over Geoff Johns as Best Writer of DC.

    I see everyone complain about Green Lantern, Flash, and his events lately so I’d be shocked if the majority isn’t more for Snyder then Johns at this point.

  35. Avatar photo ghostmann says:
    August 9, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    @thehangman – to each his own, but why insult your fellow comic book readers? Come on dude, obviously anyone that takes the time to post on this rad site is a fan of the genre, which is dwindling in numbers as the years go on. Try and be supportive of your fellow collectors – you’ll look way cooler man. =)

    @thompsonlive – I like Johns too but I agree, lately his work seems rushed. He does have good ideas but ideas alone don’t make for good comics.

    It’s like this
    Geoff Johns  = Spielberg
    Scott Synder = Kubrick

    I like both, but one of those guys works in another league

  36. Avatar photo Conor Kilpatrick (@cskilpatrick) says:
    August 10, 2011 at 12:25 am

    @thehangman  I like Johns. I like Snyder. I like Dick as Batman. I dislike Bucky as Cap.

    Generalizations are fun, though.

  37. Avatar photo thompsonlive says:
    August 10, 2011 at 1:03 am

    @ghostmann totally agree his recent work really has felt rushed, but for the most part it’s still pretty solid. However I’m holding hope that after the relaunch starts that he will have a lot more time to focus on writing rather than you know helping orchestrate the largest comic book transition in history. 😉

  38. Avatar photo luketowers says:
    August 10, 2011 at 1:58 am

    What Ghostmann said

  39. Avatar photo JesTr says:
    August 10, 2011 at 8:06 am

    After this issue I’ll be jumping ship over to Batman. Synder has been killing it on this book and I’m curious to see how Capullo’s art will work out on the Flagship bat book. I am going to miss Dick as Batman though, there was potential for so many other stories.

  40. Avatar photo thompsonlive says:
    August 10, 2011 at 11:40 am

    WOW! This was insanely good. POTW hands down! I’m really going to miss dick as batman, may need to pick up Nightwing #1 and see if higgins can bring the same awesomeness to the character that snyder has.

  41. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    August 10, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    I think Johns and Snyder are both awesome. @ghostmann – I am similiar sentiments as you because I love Spieldberg and Kubrick. We’re lucky to have awesome creators who are DIFFERENT!! 

  42. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    August 10, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    @AmirCat  – cats dont know how to spell.

  43. Avatar photo Alexferrer says:
    August 10, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    So good.

  44. Avatar photo stuclach says:
    August 10, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    Wonderful.

  45. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    August 10, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Fantastic issue, almost my POTW but I did give it all 5’s.

    I think because it was basically James explaining, like a Bond villain, his entire plan from the beginning didn’t make it pick for me. But it was still a great issue with great art. Bring on Batman….#1.

    5/5 

  46. Avatar photo MegaPhilip says:
    August 10, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Perfect. 

    Overjoyed but I’m a bit sad to see it end. Bring on Batman #1!

  47. dkpwv says:
    August 10, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Awesome end to an amazing Detective run.

  48. Avatar photo ssnyder1835 says:
    August 10, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    Can’t thank you guys enough for the kind words – and knowing you think we did the final issue before the relaunch justice… it really means to he world to us all. Thanks so much.  S

  49. Avatar photo AquaPimp82 says:
    August 10, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    Great finish to a great arc. Glad Dectective Comics is going out on a high note, unlike Supes and Action Comics. R.I.P. Dectective Comics (1937-2011)

  50. Avatar photo KenOchalek says:
    August 10, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    This was the top of my stack this week, I already gave it five stars, and now it’s taking every ounce of retraint I have to at least read everything else before clicking “Make Your Pick”. I’m not sure I’ll make it.

    And that last panel…wooooof.

    @AquaPimp Detective Comics isn’t dead. There will be another issue next month….just like the last 74 years. #getoverit

  51. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 10, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    @thehangman  the batman stinks!!!!!!!!

  52. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 10, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    i dont like detective comics

  53. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 11, 2011 at 4:15 am

    okay okay, i admit, it was alright.
    dick as batman is alright, as long as it’s short-lived (thank God for new 52).

    while this issue was good, it wasn’t DUDE ZOMG I GOTTA WORSHIP SNYDER good.
    anyone thinking snyder beats out johns, REREAD FLASH: REBIRTH.

  54. Zoiderb says:
    August 11, 2011 at 7:15 am

    I disagree. I’ve read Rebirth and, while entertaining, like most Johns stories, I think The Black Mirror is better. And frankly not even close.

  55. Avatar photo Fvckstick says:
    August 11, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Yeah this was perfect. It’s not often you get two amazing artists and a writer who can’t let you down on one book. This run is something people will reference years down the road. I have a deep sadness to comic fans who didn’t experience this as it happened. Crossing my fingers they end up with the trade.

  56. Avatar photo OnASunday says:
    August 11, 2011 at 8:50 am

    *Spoiler* What knife did Babs attack him with? It looks like she’s going to use the one still left in her leg but it’s still there after she attacks. It looks like some quantum anomoly occured in comics-physics where the change of artists produced a third knife.

  57. Avatar photo Flash923 says:
    August 11, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I think I need to re-read this whole story arc as a graphic because I must be missing something?? This really has not dragged me in as it apparently has with everyone else.

    Just sayin’,
    K

  58. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 11, 2011 at 9:13 am

    @thehangman  Your A Boss!!!

  59. Avatar photo ssnyder1835 says:
    August 11, 2011 at 10:11 am

    @thehangman  I did actually like Bucky as Cap. I guess you and I will never see eye to eye.

    And Johns does destroy me 🙂

    S

  60. Avatar photo genelaw9 says:
    August 11, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Read it twice.  A bit wordy but I’m sure Snyder has been under pressure with this last arc to wrap it up speedily  for the September #1 madness. 

    PotW simply because I didn’t want it to end.

  61. Avatar photo ComicGeek1975 says:
    August 11, 2011 at 10:54 am

    Sweet! Sucks that it’s over

  62. Avatar photo sitara119 says:
    August 11, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    possibly the best run on detective comics yet.  definatly my favorite.  i wonder if snyder’s tone will change with the relaunch,  i hope not, batman and gotham should be as noir as possible.  and as for the debate of johns vs snyder, i dont think comparing the two is fair.  its like comparing Homer to edgar allen poe, salt to pepper or even cars to trucks.  snyder does great, dark tales of intrigue whereas johns does great, epic adventures.  lucky for us, we get the benefit of both their genius.  and remember kids:  this isnt the end, its only the beginning    

  63. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    August 11, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    @mrfrost  – It’s called Snapshot. Here is a link to some information on it. Snapshot

  64. Avatar photo thompsonlive says:
    August 11, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    @ssnyder1835 how do we know your the REAL scott snyder? You might be an imposter. Here’s a test you should upload the new Batman #1 for us to download today….so you know we can “verify” if it’s really you. j/k. Love your work man, especially excited about your upcoming Swamp Thing series.

  65. Avatar photo Malecema says:
    August 11, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    *again spoilers*

    @OnASunday I noticed the same thing, but I  just pretended that she pulled the one out of her leg and used it.

  66. TheIconLives says:
    August 11, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    Probably my favorite story arc since John’s “Sinestro Corp War” over in GL a few years ago. Perfect ending to a fantastic run. Looking forward to Snyder on Batman next month.

  67. Avatar photo mrfrost says:
    August 11, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    @ssnyder1835  
    Don’t worry Scott, we love you. Really sad that this run has to end, but Swamp Thing next month looks really cool.

  68. Avatar photo Abejarano12 says:
    August 12, 2011 at 12:48 am

    Is this last Detective before the reboot?

  69. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 12, 2011 at 12:51 am

    @ssnyder1835  really hoping you’re the real snyder and you read this.

    from what i can see, everyone lost their mind over this run, so congradulations on your success. and truthfully, 881 got me interested in your run on the main batman series come september. expect one more purchase from an obsessive comic lover and aspiring comic writer.

  70. Avatar photo Heysideburns says:
    August 12, 2011 at 1:50 am

    this run needs to be in an absolute edition

  71. Avatar photo Conor Kilpatrick (@cskilpatrick) says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:16 am

    @Abejarano12  Yes.

    @thehangman  It’s him.

  72. Avatar photo sitara119 says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:53 am

    @thehangman  
    wow.  you trash on snyder until you find out that he frequents the site and now you wanna be his best friend.  you gonna pitch him your idea for “the hangman” next?  

  73. Avatar photo Fvckstick says:
    August 12, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    @heysodeburns – that is such a good call. I would buy the absolute for sure.

  74. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    August 12, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    @Fvckstick  @Heysideburns  – An absolute would be awesome for this run. The only problem is that it’s 11 issues and I need even numbers for my absolutes … just kidding. Amazing run.

  75. Avatar photo martinNL says:
    August 12, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Just finished reading this – and wow, just an amazing read and a perfect ending to this run. 🙂

    Yes, definitely want an Absolute edition for this! 

  76. Avatar photo Hexsas says:
    August 12, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Wow. Just….wow. So good.

  77. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 12, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    @sitara119  trash? when did i say a single negative thing about his writing?
    i just personally didn’t see the allure of this storyline, but never disputed his writing abilities.
    and i only defended johns after people began saying he has become second-fiddle to snyder.

  78. Avatar photo sitara119 says:
    August 12, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    @thehangman  
    you said that johns destorys snyder and that anyone who thinks different needs to have more sense, as though one would have to be out of their mind to pick snyder over johns.  you stated in your review that his writing is “alright”.   i dont know if you’ve read american vampire, but you stated that you didnt purchase the previous  issues because it was dick,  which means your not reading “gates” either.  you bought the last issue of his run on detective and then compared him to johns on their careers as a whole.  thats like walking in on the last 15 minutes of a movie and then comparing it to a movie you’ve seen a few times.  if your not reading any of his books how would you know who is better?  i honestly dont know who is better, but either one is a reasonable choice.  then all of a sudden your congratulating him.  seems strange to me

  79. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Both Snyder and Johns have done very well at writing and they will continue to astonish us with their amazing work  but i still have to agree with the hangman that johns does have a very special way of atrracting the reader.

  80. Avatar photo sitara119 says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    i would also agree with that 

  81. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    Snyder, though, seems to be not much behind Johns considering “Detective Comics #881”

  82. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 12, 2011 at 11:58 pm

    Despite all the Arguements here about Snyder this and Johns that, we’ve all got to agree that both of them have  amazing writing skills!!

    Go Johns!!!

    Go Snyder!!!

  83. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 13, 2011 at 12:49 am

    agreed. while at the moment, i believe johns to be the better writer, snyder could possibly beat him out with the new batman series. i think this will be settled with the new 52 when snyder takes over the main batman series and johns on green lantern.

  84. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 13, 2011 at 1:05 am

    @thehangman  What does sitara119 mean when he says ” you gonna pitch him your idea for “the hangman” next?”

  85. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 13, 2011 at 1:10 am

    my screen name is ‘thehangman’, so he assumes i have a character and storylines to go with said character named The Hangman (correct assumption, actually).

    he thinks i want to pitch it to snyder in order to get a shot as a writer.

    and my response is: no, if by some miracle i am given a shot in any way, i want to earn it, not have it be handed to me.

  86. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 13, 2011 at 1:21 am

    @thehangman  

    YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

    I advise that you continue to work a it, you never know, you can be part of the next generation of writers

    PS:It wont take a miracle, Because it’s possible for you.(considering the fact that you have a whole original storyline)

  87. Avatar photo thehangman says:
    August 13, 2011 at 1:38 am

    much appriciated @ironspiderfan.

    now hopefully i can win over @sitara119.

    and back to snyder, i’m definately giving him a chance with batman #1. hoping he gives johns a run for his money.

  88. Avatar photo ironspiderfan says:
    August 13, 2011 at 1:44 am

    I hope (even though you might not want it handed over to you) that Snyder may see these comments and ,despite his busy life writing, take it to consideration.

    Cant wait for the new 52!!!!

  89. Avatar photo sitara119 says:
    August 13, 2011 at 2:52 am

    its all in fun, no hard feelings i hope

  90. Avatar photo kennyg says:
    August 14, 2011 at 1:36 am

    I saved this for last, and it was hard to wait on it that long. I can’t believe Snyder tied the entire run up like he did. Although we didn’t get as much of a Joker/James Jr. relationship as many of us had speculated, it worked great. The JJ/Dick scenes were great. POTW for me.

  91. Avatar photo mrfrost says:
    August 14, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    This couldn’t have been any better. Snyder did a great job of weaving together a really complex story, and I like how Comisioner Gordon got a bit of focus in this arc. Both Jock and Francavilla were absolutley fantastic.

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