Tony S. Daniel Talks About Detective Comics and Batman Relaunch

Tony S. Daniel helmed DC's Batman title and now writes/draws Detective Comics.

It seems like you've almost taken on a completely new writing and drawing style for the relaunch of Detective Comics. Was that intentional?

I did want to set a new tone, both visually as well as in my writing approach. I wanted this to have a different feel from what I did during my Batman run. I think visually, I'm able to keep things fresh for the readers as well as myself. I wanted to nail down a more vintage detective/crime story aspect to the storytelling, a film noir style to my stories. The style here is the bleak, pervasive menace to Gotham City in Batman's world.

Detective Comics #1 goes back to the beginning in a way. How does it feel to be starting from scratch with such a legendary super hero?

I like the flexibility that the reboot affords me. I can play around with relationships, like the one Batman has with Commissioner Gordon. They keep their relationship closer to the vest. It allows me to use Batman the way I think he would actually operate, and was intended to: in the shadows. Just out of plain site of the authorities. He shouldn't be able to stomp through a crime scene in front of the police and CSI and homicide detectives. He needs to glean his information more craftily and with the help of Commissioner Gordon.

How would you ease the worried minds of readers that fear the relaunch of the Detective Comics and Batman titles are going to effect their enjoyment of the character?

I think people thought we were washing away all of the characters' history. In Batman's case we haven't. Big events such as "RIP" and "Killing Joke" did indeed happen here. It's just in a more condensed period of time. I think it's [friendlier] to new readers who have no idea who some of the older characters are in the Batman library and we're able to shine a new light on some of [them].

There's an ongoing controversy with Bat-fans over what is better - the long-eared Batman or short-eared Batman. You seem to prefer the short-eared. Why?

I think both are cool. I chose to go with shorter ears because I've done Batman since 2007 with medium sized bat-ears. Then from 2009, the Dick Grayson Batman had long ears. It's just a change up that suits the version of Batman I'm doing, especially now that I'm doing the original Batman here (Bruce Wayne). Maybe I'll have him don a space suit or flying suit or something cool that will have a long-eared cowl. That's the fun thing about Batman. He has a different outfit for different needs. There's always fun to be had if we want to inject a little change in his look for an issue or two. Right now I'm enjoying the shorter ears.

What are you the most excited about with the new Detective Comics relaunch?

I'm excited about the enthusiasm the first issue has received. When I was writing it, I was just trying to do my best rendition of the Batman I would like to see as a fan. I had no idea people would respond so well to it. I think part of it is that I cut loose and did what I felt would be a good read. I'm really excited for the next arc I'm writing. I'm definitely inspired by that and I'm feeding off the fans' enthusiasm. I definitely have a very positive outlook for Detective Comics over the next few years.

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

Detective Comics #1 Comic Book Review
Justice League #1 Comic Book Review
'Batman: The Brave and the Bold Season Two Part One' DVD Review