It’s a bit cliche but I kept thinking of the song ‘The End’ by The Doors whenever a book is ending. While ‘Detective Comics’ is far from over, it certainly feels like it with the end of Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francesco Francavilla’s run on this title. Its had some massive highs and some disappointing lows for me, but for the most part I think this is one of the best runs the title has ever had. This title has basically went from a random mix of stories of Batman fighting his rouge gallery to one of the scariest titles on the market. This run, in my opinion anyways, has signified Scott Snyder as ‘THE’ best writer at DC (even with some disappointing issues as mentioned earlier). So with an oversized ending and both of the artists at play, just how is Snyder going to end this magnificent run?

The disappointment I was talking about earlier is a bit weird to some I’m sure. While I think each arc of this run (sans the random one-shot) have incredible beginnings and 2nd issues; the finales of each arc were a bit lacking. That isn’t the case here as Snyder writes (and boy does he writes) one hell of a finale for his run. It’s a bit of a cheat that it’s one long, MASSIVE monologue to get James to explain everything about how he was integral to every storyline and how it all boils down to this final confrontation. It’s a bit hokey that James is ‘that guy’ in a comic to explain his entire massive plan and get the hero (Barbara) to run away, but Snyder writes it in a way where it’s chilling to read. James is just one messed up individual and his back and forth dialogue with Barbara and with Dick later is pretty damn entertaining to read. Everything about this issue is tense and if anything Snyder is the master at setting the tone and making everything tense to read. I was chomping at my fingernails if Snyder was going to off Barbara just in the hindsight that a writer could do anything just because the reboot is coming soon. I also think Snyder handles the finale pretty well with Jim finally giving us the hint that he knows all along about Dick, Bruce, and everyone else. But also it’s a nice summary of the arc and how even when the heroes win, it’s never going to end for these characters.

As mentioned earlier both Jock and Francavilla get halfsies of the finale, and while I’m not sure the reasoning behind what pages they do, it’s a gorgeous looking book. Francavilla handles most of the pages with James talking to Barbara and Dick and Francavilla also knows how to handle mood too. It’s really all in the coloring to how Francavilla achieves this. A great mix of reds and purples somehow gives me the sensation that something chilling is going down. And I like the small touches of detail like doing a panel of Barbara’s eyes as James pulls a knife out, or you can see the information on James medical bracelet. Jock handles the more action packed sequences with Dick trying to save Barbara or the great finale involving Jim. I especially loved the small Bats the followed Dick as he was on the rooftops of Gotham early in the book. Basically it’s everything you loved about these two guys in one setting. What’s not to love?

So, aside from the very lengthy explanation by James, I found everything about this finale to be perfect. Snyder sets the mood perfectly and James interaction with Barbara and Dick are the highlights of the issue. Add in some gorgeous artwork by Jock and Francavilla and you got one memorable finale here. It’s a shame that this particular run by Scott Snyder is now over. But considering his ideas for his new Batman run with Greg Capullo, I’m certain we got one hell of a second Batman run with Snyder coming up.