Gotham Central Vol. 4: The Quick and the Dead (Batman)

Living in the shadow of the Dark Knight makes the detectives of Gotham's police force determined to prove they have what it takes to enforce the law in a city rife with criminals--with or without Batman's help.

It's telling that the best of the many comics featuring Batman and his crime-fighting associates is one in which the Caped Crusader appears only fleetingly. Gotham Central focuses on the city's police force, who contend with superpowered foes as well as mundane criminals. In the issues collected here, Batman becomes even more marginalized, since the Bat-Signal is removed from police headquarters after a falling-out between the department and the costumed vigilante. Plot and character, rather than superhero action, drive crime-novelist Rucka's compelling story lines, and although original artist Michael Lark departs halfway through this run, successor Stefano Gaudiano admirably maintains Lark's low-key, muted approach. Gordon Flagg
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