***Contains Spoilers***
Batman: Knight Out (Detective Comics #703–718) is a series of standalone adventures featuring the Dark Knight navigating Gotham’s criminal underworld post-Legacy and Final Night and leading into No Man’s Land. This run includes a cerebral clash with the Riddler, an assassination attempt on Bruce Wayne involving Gunhawk and Deathstroke, a story centered around the tech-obsessed Gearhead, and other smaller encounters. While the stories offer variety and some fun moments, they ultimately feel more like a collection of competent but unmemorable episodes than a truly iconic part of Batman’s legacy.
The standout story in this collection is undoubtedly the Riddler’s scheme to kidnap Cluemaster. Watching two of Gotham’s puzzle-based villains clash was a fun and clever setup, and it offered a rare glimpse into the psychology of a villain overshadowed by the big names in Batman’s rogues’ gallery. The story leaned into cerebral conflict rather than physical, which made it refreshing amidst the more action-heavy plots.
The assassination attempt on Bruce Wayne by Gunhawk and Deathstroke was another highlight, blending tense moments with Bruce’s strategic thinking. Seeing how Bruce operates as both Batman and his civilian persona during a life-threatening situation added some extra depth.
I also enjoyed the Gearhead story for one specific reason—the Batmobile gadgets. While the overall plot wasn’t groundbreaking, the scenes featuring Bruce’s ingenuity and use of tech stood out. Watching Batman outsmart a villain who thrives on technology using his own advanced arsenal felt very “on brand” and satisfying for fans of the Caped Crusader’s resourcefulness.
Despite these enjoyable moments, the collection as a whole didn’t leave a lasting impression. Coming off the high-stakes intensity of Legacy and Final Night, this run felt more like a cooldown period for the Bat-books rather than a continuation of the momentum. The stakes were smaller, and while that’s not inherently a bad thing, the stories lacked the emotional weight or thematic resonance that make Batman’s best tales unforgettable.
The villains, though entertaining in their own way, didn’t bring much new to the table. The Riddler story, while clever, felt more like a side mission than a central event. Gunhawk and Gearhead, while serviceable, didn’t elevate the narrative to anything beyond standard Batman fare. Even Deathstroke, typically a thrilling opponent, felt underused here.
Additionally, the individual stories often felt disconnected, making the run feel more like an anthology than a cohesive arc. While standalone adventures can be enjoyable, none of these stories stood out as must-reads in the broader Batman mythos.
Overall, Batman: Knight Out is a decent but forgettable stretch of Detective Comics. There’s some fun to be had with individual stories, particularly the Riddler and Bruce Wayne assassination plots, but it doesn’t reach the level of storytelling that would make me revisit it. It’s a solid, workmanlike run of Batman stories, but nothing iconic or groundbreaking. 2 stars. I liked it, but I wouldn’t read it again.
Feature Image Detective Comics #708 cover art by Lee Weeks and Patrick Martin
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