Francis Manapul Batman Detective Comics
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The duo behind Flash for the past two years, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato stand as one of the few creative teams from DC Comics' New 52 initiative who remain on the same title they launched. And though they're done with their run on the book as of next month's issue #25, they aren't done with the DC Universe -- Manapul and Buccellato are moving from Central City to Gotham City, as DC Comics has announced they'll be taking over as the creative team on Detective Comics starting early next year.

While the pair's work on The Flash had a lighter feel to it, as appropriate for the character, that tone wouldn't fit well with the Dark Knight. Speaking with USA Today, Buccellato addressed the vastly different tones between the two characters and their respective books: "There is a perception that Francis and I are best suited for 'lighter fare' because of our run on the vibrant, fast-moving world of Barry Allen. But we also have a gritty and dark side that we will tap into as we get into the mind of the Dark Knight."

The two plan to take an approach befitting the the series' title. Manapul shared that "the investigative part of Batman will be at the forefront," as part of an effort to present him as more of a street-level hero. While they'll use many existing members of Batman's cast, they plan to introduce new characters to the Batman mythos who will help bring out the importance of family to Bruce Wayne, who'll become involved in the life of the widow of an ex-Mob boss.

Manapul and Buccellato's collaborations on The Flash involved them co-writing the title, with Manapul providing art and Buccellato on color. That approach will likely continue in their newest assignment, which launches next spring.

 

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