While this month’s issue had its fair share of action, the true star of the fourth issue of
BATMAN AND ROBIN had to be the development of the conflicts. Service to Batman versus the new villain, NoBody, is further exposited upon, but also the conflict between Batman and Robin themselves is given service that calls upon the reader’s feelings of caution and worry in seeing that the legendary partnership may have its days numbered.
Now, as readers of comics, we realize that this probably won’t happen. But, the writing of Peter Tomasi is good enough that if you cast aside the conventions of being a comic book fan, you may actually find yourself believing it for a second or two. In my recent interview with Bat-editor Mike Marts, he stated that there would be some new facts emerging in the New 52 about Bruce’s early years, before he became Batman. It seems as if BATMAN AND ROBIN is following that line of thinking with major mention of Henri Ducard, and a scene where Damian flat out asks Bruce about the people he trained with.
Damian’s characterization continues to be very strong in this series, and near the end of this issue he shows a lack of compassion for lower forms of life similar to how he did back in issue #2. These subtle yet glaring clues can only really lead readers to the conclusion that Damian has some deeper seeded psychological issues that have yet to be ironed out, and it’s satisfying that Tomasi has decided to tell us this. It only follows reason, when you consider his environment growing up, to what his mother ultimately did to him for choosing to remain Robin, all the way up to the idolized dead father emerging back into his life. Damian has some true coping problems that would be a very tall order for the world’s most skilled psychiatrist, let alone the World’s Greatest Detective.
We learn a few new details about NoBody that start to give readers new insight into what motivates him, and how his view of the world has been shaped. Going forward, it’ll be very interesting to see how the conflict from Bruce’s past and Batman’s present begins to take shape in the form of this man, as well as what implications this will have for Batman’s revised history. I like how the focus is moving away from NoBody going after Batman Incorporated and is instead becoming a much more personal tale of NoBody versus Batman himself. Trying to get to the Dark Knight by going through his son is a bold strategy, but probably very, very effective.
Patrick Gleason continues to showcase his vast talents in this series, and much of the joy of reading the book comes from his clearly defined renders of the characters. There’s another awesome “poster-worthy” splash page present here, and his shadow heavy portrayals of Batman can’t help but feel greatly within the character’s element. Gleason also has a way with Damian’s maskless face that makes that character the most disturbing looking ten year old I’ve seen in a good long while, and his action pages are clearly choreographed and very easy t follow.
If you’re not reading this title, then you really should be. BATMAN AND ROBIN is one of the absolute best Batman titles that DC is pumping out right now, and for my many, stands as a close second to Scott Snyder’s main BATMAN title. If you’re unsatisfied with other Bat-titles and aren’t reading this one, I implore you to give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
GRADE: A
