In 2011, set after “Flashpoint,” The Flash/Barry Allen permanently changed the DC Universe’s status quo into a full reboot known as, “The New 52.” A modernized relaunch on all characters and teams as a way to introduce newcomers. DC Comics cancelled numerous titles in favor of replacing them starting with issue #1. Justice League was the first official start of a new era. The entire universe also brought characters from DC’s imprint, Vertigo. I won’t go full details on The New 52’s publication history, it’s a long story.
I selected Detective Comics’ “Faces of Death” featuring Batman, as my first New 52 themed review series covering various characters and teams to celebrate its 15th anniversary. We all know James Gunn’s shepherds the DC Universe since “Creature Commandos” and Superman. I have few reasons why I wanna review Faces of Death and upcoming New 52 articles.
- Milly Alcock will portray Supergirl coming in June 26, 2026
- Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will be released on May 29, 2026.
- Aaron Pierre will portray my favorite Green Lantern, John Stewart in an upcoming HBO series known as “Lanterns.” It’ll air sometime around 2026. By the way, Kyle Chandler will play Hal Jordan.
- Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as Batman a sequel intended to come out in October 1, 2027. It’s set outside James Gunn’s DC Universe.
- James Gunn’s working on a Superman sequel, “Man of Tomorrow.” It’ll be released on July 9, 2027. He’s also working on Creature Commandos’ second season.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving y’all a chance to read New 52’s first wave of comics.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: Tony S. Daniel mostly did a good job writing all seven issues. His artwork’s neat giving it a cinematic atmosphere.
Action Sequences are pretty good.
Issue 1 starts strong establishing a dark tone with horror elements.
Joker appears in the first issue. He later appears in a big role in another storyline, “Death of the Family.”
This storyline involves Batman facing a serial killer named, Dollhouse. His M.O. is surgically placing pieces of a victims by putting making them Joker copies. Meanwhile, Batman develops a romance with investigative journalist, Charlotte Rivers.
An extra storyline, “Russian Roulette” features Catwoman. There’s a big reveal towards the end.
Random Thought: I admit, I only read Batman and Deathstroke related comics during The New 52 era. Never got a chance to read Green Lantern and Teen Titans comics. Now that I’ve officially subscribed to DC Infinite Universe, I’ll give ‘em a try.
Wrong: Pacing felt fast. Not enough material to fully complete a storyline. I read all seven issues in one day. I’m willing to accept a four-part mini-series like “The Dark Knight Returns.” A full story arc with nine issues or more as in X-Men’s “The Dark Phoenix Saga” needs to qualify as a legitimate storyline.
Dollhouse is an interesting bad guy. However, he lacks focus. The rest of the storyline shifts to Penguin. I would like to see Dollhouse in Robert Pattinson’s Batman sequel.
I didn’t find Charlotte Rivers interesting. She’s a forgettable love interest.
The Final Verdict: B-
Batman: Faces of Death is an average storyline not on the same high level as “The Court of Owls.” If you’re curious to read Faces of Death as part of The New 52’s first wave, order a physical copy on Amazon or subscribe to DC Universe Infinite. Which New 52 series should I review next? Please leave a comment.
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