Writer: Dan Watters

Artist: Dani

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Letterer: Aditya Bidikar

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 5, 2021

Reviewer: JR Huitt

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

THE HOOK:

Arkham City: The Order of the World #1 is what happens after the Joker’s attack on Arkham Asylum (Infinite Frontier #0).  Writer Dan Watters picks up the pieces from the attack and spins a tale focusing on the single remaining psychologist from Arkham Asylum, Dr. Jacosta Joy.  Dr. Joy has made it her goal to track down the patients who escaped from Arkham and get them the help they need.

MY IMPRESSIONS:

Two story threads are being told in the first issue of Arkham City: The Order of the World.  The first follows Dr. Joy as she assists the Gotham PD in apprehending the patients that escaped from Arkham Asylum during the Joker’s assault.  The second thread involves the Ten-Eyed Man.  He is doing his own investigations of what is going on with the escapes.  I really enjoyed the twists in the final part of the issue where the two threads were weaved together.  I truly wasn’t expecting it.

The question of whether the patients should be sent to Blackgate, a prison, or be returned to a mental institution is one that many face in our world.  Deciding what point actions pass from mental instability to criminal intent is something that I really hope Dan Watters spends more time on.

THE ART:

The artwork for Arkham City: The Order of the World #1 is very impressive.  Dani’s linework is beautiful.  It seems like a blend of Darwyn Cooke and Tim Sale which is never a bad comparison to have.  One of my favorite panels of the book is when Ratcatcher is found hiding under the bed of his potential victim.  Dani’s drawing of Arkham Asylum, wrapped in crime scene tape, is another image that really sticks out.  Between her drawings and Dave Stewart’s colors, this is one of the best-looking books of the week.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I’m really excited to see where the story goes following Arkham City: The Order of the World #1.  Dan Watters and Dani have teamed up to gift us with a tale that is both beautiful and intriguing.  Spinning out of the events of Infinite Frontier #0, there is a great deal more to be revealed by this team.  I’m looking forward to seeing where their story takes us.

9/10