Face the Face Reading Guide

Overview:

Face the Face is an eight-issue storyline in 2006 across Batman and Detective Comics. Written by James Robinson, it features art from Don Kramer and Leonard Kirk. The arc is a major post-Infinite Crisis story following Batman’s year-long absence from Gotham City.

The plot focuses on Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham after the events of Infinite Crisis, alongside his re-established partnership with Tim Drake as Robin. Gotham faces a surge in crime, with several long-time villains meeting violent ends, leading Batman to investigate the emergence of a new threat in the city. The story explores Batman’s struggle to re-establish his role as Gotham’s protector and balance his methods in the wake of his extended hiatus. Two-Face plays a central role, but with new dynamics emerging between him and Batman.

Reception to Face the Face was generally positive, with fans appreciating the grounded detective work and the storyline’s implications for the broader Bat-family. Critics often praised Robinson’s handling of Batman’s return, though the storyline’s pacing and conclusion received more mixed responses. Kramer’s artwork was well-received for its moody tones and clear action sequences, complementing the arc’s noir feel.

Best Way To Read:

• Batman: Face the Face
  • Collects: Batman #651-654, Detective Comics #817-820

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Detective Comics #819 cover art by Guy Majo and Simone Bianchi