In an attempt to match Marvel’s financial success of Marvel Epic Collection, DC Comics took cues by republishing previous material in a large-sized trade paperback as a comprehensive reading guide new and old comic book readers who want to seriously indulge in reading their favorite superheroes. Specifically, notable storylines including “Batman: Year One & Two” and “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.” Perhaps, collecting a book from any era like the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age and Modern Age. DC’s equivalent to Marvel Epic Collection is “DC Finest.” Although I much prefer Marvel’s large-sized trade paperback in volume order, I was curious to try DC’s own take on their Epic Collection minus no volume order. So, I went ahead and picked “Batman: A Death in the Family.”
Notorious as one of the most controversial storylines in comic book history, A Death in the Family was first published in 1988. At the time, reactions were mixed. It later earned praise. Elements from the storyline were incorporated in various adaptations. Most notably, “Batman: Arkham Knight.”
I have a few specific reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on DC Finest’s A Death in the Family.
- Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as The Caped Crusader in The Batman Part II. It’s intended to come out in October 1, 2027
- Clayface is getting a solo film set in James Gunn’s DC universe. It’ll be released in October 23, 2026.
- Lego Batman; Legacy of the Dark Knight is coming out in May 22, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- An upcoming Batman movie, “The Brave in the Bold” is currently in the works. It’s set within James Gunn’s DC Universe.
- Supergirl’s solo movie is coming in June 26, 2026. I got plans to see it.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Good & Evil Aspects
Jim Starlin did a decent job writing the titular storyline.
Jim Aparo’s artwork is neat, the late artist also worked on “Batman: Knightfall.” Another well-known storyline.
Alan Grant, John Wagner & Norm Breyfogle collaborated on Detective Comics issues #590-595. Stories outside A Death in the Family are very good. They focus on Batman’s solo missions including tracking down a serial killer who can project illusions.
Hellboy creator, Mark Mignola drew cover art.
Action Sequences are legit. Batman’s battles with foes have a cinematic quality.
In addition to A Death in the Family, DC Finest also collected other material in one package. More bang for your buck.
- Batman: The Cult #1-4. A mini-series with Batman’s encounter with a religious cult led by Deacon Joseph Blackfire. I’ll write a separate review on it some other time.
- Detective Comics #590-595. Solo adventures without Robin.
- Batman Annual #12. A murder mystery involving Batman looking for a perpetrator who killed the host of a fancy party.
- Detective Comics Annual #1. The first entry of The Fables crossover tied to Green Arrow and The Question annuals. I’ll write a separate review on The Fables crossover someday.
Fun Facts
- Prior to the infamous controversial moment, DC allowed fan to vote on a 900-number hotline. Whether to make the decision happen. If you know, you know.
- Detective Comics #590 features somebody saying, “Remember remember the 5th of November.” Coincidentally, DC published “V for Vendetta” in 1982-1989. Alan Moore’s work was later adapted in 2005.
- Speaking of Alan Moore, “Batman: The Killing Joke” was also published in 1988. It’s my all-time favorite Batman storyline.
- In Batman #429, Superman wears a fake mustache. It became a reality when Henry Cavill was contractually obligated to not shave his mustache while shooting “Mission Impossible: Fallout.” Henry was forced to reshoot scenes as Superman with Joss Whedon taking over Zack Snyder’s directing chair. The ill-fated theatrical cut of Justice League. To this day, I regret praising it. I’m bias as both a Marvel and DC fan. I refuse to repeat the same mistake.
Batman’s interactions with his allies including Jason Todd serves as the main highlight. For those who aren’t fully aware of Jason’s past, it’s addressed.
Jason’s quest is to search for his missing biological mother. I won’t go into detail.
Superman makes two appearances in Batman 428-429.
Evil: Joker’s goal to become a representative of Iran that gives him diplomatic immunity. I know Joker’s crazy but his master plan is absolutely preposterous. The bad guy from Lethal Weapon 2 who has diplomatic immunity was more realistic.
Detective Comics #594 has one problem. Batman inadvertently breaks his no-killing rule.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BREATHTAKING!
Despite two nitpicks, I enjoyed A Death in the Family and Batman’s solo adventures. Again, I’ll write two future separate reviews on Batman: The Cult and The Fables crossover with Green Arrow & The Question. If you’re curious to try out any large book from DC Finest, check out A Death in the Family, I also highly recommend Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.
Which DC Finest book should I read and review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 