OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Art sensation Andy Clarke joins writer Grant Morrison for an exciting three-issue arc titled "Batman vs. Robin!" Why would Talia al Ghul manipulate her son Damian into taking action against Batman? Will Damian do as Mother says…or stay loyal to Dick Grayson? Plus, more on the Domino Killer, Oberon Sexton, and the menace of El Penitente's drug cartel! Is this already the end for the new Dynamic Duo?
Well, I just got through two reads of BATMAN AND ROBIN #10. That’s sort of what you have to do with Grant Morrison writing -- give his stories multiple reads, right?
Issue #10 is the start of a new story arc titled “The Haunting of Wayne Manor.” It’s also billed as the beginning of “The Return of Bruce Wayne” -- which we all knew was going to eventually happen when this gimmick -- and that’s what it is no matter what they say -- started over a year ago. Regardless, Morrison’s Batman story (which started in BATMAN and then continued in BATMAN AND ROBIN) is quite compelling.
I’m just ready for Bruce to get back and that’s certainly fixin’ to happen. Anyway…
In this issue Batman and Robin (Dick and Damien) return to Wayne Manor after being summoned by Alfred. I’m guessing that “The Batman Family” is returning to WM after the bizarre encounter with the Bizzaro Batman in issue #9. At any rate, ‘ol Alfred has made a surprising discovery. By hanging the Wayne family portraits in chronological order, a hidden message seems to appear. Not only that, many -- if not most -- of Bruce’s male ancestors look A LOT like, well, Bruce. Alfred chalks this up by saying that yes, the Wayne patriarchs so share a “remarkable facial similarity.”
*shudder*
If Bruce ends up being his F’n dad, granddad, great-granddad, etc., I’ll have an F’n episode!
But I don’t think that’s the case. But with this F’n “Omega Sanction” BS and all -- and Morrison is doing the writing -- you never know.
Nevertheless, Dick (Whom I’m probably liking more than I ever have in the 40 some-odd years I’ve “known” him and will certainly make @Hypefactor happy!) starts to put the clues left in these portraits together, leading to some sort of old and secret Batcave -- with some crazy, bat-inspired altar -- that that no one ever knew existed.
That will play a huge role in this arc later on, I’m sure.
A really cool aspect of this issue is Damien’s part in the story. Ever since he was introduced, he’s been portrayed as an immature, petulant, and bratty A-hole. I’m thinking that Morrison has been setting us all up when it comes to this dude. With the return of his father looking more and more likely, Damien is starting to see that he may not be Robin much longer. This possible and pending disappointment isn’t due to selfishness, but rather to the fact that the kid has now found his place in life as part of The Batman Family.” This leads me to…
That BITCH Talia.
I’ve never liked this character other than I thought it was rather cool that that Bruce was banging one of his arch-enemy’s daughters.
Wouldn't it be AWESOME if Bruce nailed Harley Quinn too? You damn right it would!
Regardless, Ra's Al Ghul's female spawn has really upped the ante here and she’s got a little MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE-thing going on with Damien.
I don’t know if they’re going to actually kill off this Damien, but if they ultimately do, I think all the Damien-haters -- and honestly, I’m not one -- are not going to enjoy it like they all thought they would.
As far as the artwork, it kicks yet again. I liked Frank Quitely, Cameron Stewart, and now, I really, REALLY dig this Andy Clarke’s stuff. I don’t know what it is, but for some reason, this issue looks a bit more Frank Quitely-ish. I don’t know why it does, but that’s just how it came off to me. Regardless, I like it.
All in all, I quite enjoyed BATMAN AND ROBIN #10 and it definitely looks like Mrant Gorrison’s “grand plan” for Batman is starting to come to a head. I still think all of this has been an unneeded stunt, but one can’t deny that it’s been one well-written and interesting one.
