When it comes to my personal Batman tastes, I prefer stores that feature Batman fighting crime solo. In other words, I’d rather not see Robin included -- and don't EVEN get me started with Batman teaming up with characters with superpowers! Back to The Boy Wonder, I am NOT a “Robin Hater,” trust me. I simply like my Batman comics the way I like them, you know what I mean?
Truth be told, I did quite like Grant Morrison’s run on BATMAN AND ROBIN (Vol. 1), but that Batman had Dick Grayson sporting the cape and cowl, not Bruce Wayne. And Dick Grayson -- whether as Robin, Nightwing, or Batman -- has a unique “personality,” if you will, and it meshed very well with Damien Wayne as Robin. (Of course, Vol. 1 of this title went to hell in a hand basket once Morrison left, but that’s neither here nor there.)
So now that Bruce is back as Batman in all the Bat-monthlies, how will the dynamic of Bruce & Damien/Father & Son play out? And with so many other Bat-Comics, do we really need one just for, well, Batman and Robin? That’s to be decided later I guess. (Personally, I would have prefered a NIGHTWING AND ROBIN comic, but that's just me.)
As for as this month’s installment of the series, “Bad Blood” continues -- though it really doesn’t come into play ‘til the last third of the story. The reason for this is that most of this issue revolves around the relationship of Bruce, Alfred, and Damien. Basically, that consists of Alfred attempting to teach Bruce how to parent. Bruce, of course, really has no idea how to be a Dad, thus round and round we go.
Writer Peter Tomasi also provides us with a short flashback sequence that gives the reader a quick look at Damien’s origin. While many longtime readers may not think it was needed, I’m sure many folks who are new to the comic -- and that was the intent of “The New 52” -- will probably be glad it was included.
As for as the ending, Tomasi reveals the ID of the person who has on the recent murder spree in Gotham. Since he’s killing bad guys, I guess he’s some sort of vigilante. I’ll let you find out for yourself who this cat really is (I’m unfamiliar with the character to be honest), but I will say that he and I have something in common: A great dislike for Batman, Inc.
After two issues, BATMAN AND ROBIN has me somewhat interested and that’s mainly due to the solid work by the creative team (writer Tomasi and penciler Patrick Gleason). I’m also keen on seeing how this storyline ultimately plays out. What’s Bruce’s history with the now-revealed killer vigilante? What’s will become of Batman, Inc.? Will Alfred ever be able to teach Bruce and thing or two about parenting? And the most important question…
Will Bruce name his new dog “Ace?”
