From Evernote:

Detective Comics #18 Review

3 / 5

The picture above is actually a better indication of what this issue is about than the cover on the physical book. The cover to the book shows Batman holding a tattered Robin uniform which the title, "Requiem." The truth is, this book has nothing at all to do with Robin, his death, or anything beyond the plot that was already active. Knowing this, I think it's easier to appreciate the story this book tells. 

This book tells the story of the moment Emperor Penguin finally pulls the rug out from under the Penguin completely. By the end of the book the Penguin has no assets, funds, or protection. What's more, some of the personal projects he had been pursuing over the last few issues have been twisted against him. It's a fittingly downfall for a villain without much sympathy. We know, of course, that he'll find his way back the to the top, but for now he's hit rock-bottom, and a new villain is in town to take his place. 

The epilogue story connects Victor Zasz to what's perhaps about to come. We see the role that both Penguin and Emperor Penguin play in his terrorizing Gotham. It's actually something of a highlight for me. I don't know if his backstory has been covered before, and I like the way this one goes. 

The reality is that the cover / title are very misleading and the plot of this book aren't very engaging. It's not a boring book, it just doesn't do much. Totally necessary for continuing to read Detective Comics, but nothing interesting is happening here this week.