If you didn’t know it already, I’ll just tell you as simply and bluntly as I can…
BATMAN AND ROBIN kicks serious ass.
Since the beginning of the second volume, the series has been weaving a tale ranging from issues of fathers and sons, to the demons of the past, through the dark labyrinths of sociopathy, all the way back to the genesis of The Batman himself. Throw in the forbidden fruit of homicide that Damian seems to have wanted his entire career as Robin along with a mentor that will allow him that, and you have a hell of an interesting story that deals with very resonant themes for Batman stories.
We now know that the villain NoBody has a name, and that name is Morgan Ducard. Son of the renowned mentor to Bruce Wayne, Henri Ducard, Morgan has arrived in Gotham to dismantle Batman Incorporated and bring his own brand of justice that knows no boundaries. Damian has found this to be a very tempting message and mission, feeling stifled by his father’s rigid code against murder and his distanced and difficult vision of parenting. This issue’s title is called “Mutineer,” and in every sense of the word, the story here feels like a betrayal by Damian of the principles his father has tried to instill in him. Although, like some of the best cliffhangers, the ultimate betrayal is stopped just short of page 20, giving a conclusion to this issue that promises an explosive conclusion next month.
Tomasi’s characterizations of everyone, Batman, Robin, Alfred, and Ducard, all feel extraordinarily genuine and rich, making this title rise within the top two for me personally, and at least in the top three from an objective analysis of all the others. Unlike the stunts being pulled in DETECTIVE and the relative incoherence of THE DARK KNIGHT, BATMAN AND ROBIN is telling a story that feels like it means something to the characters of Gotham City and enriches the quality of the Batman-line as a whole. Also dealt with in this issue is a great first look at young Bruce Wayne’s first encounter with the Ducards abroad, and it makes me wanting more from Tomasi’s interpretations of Batman’s “prototype” status when he’s journeying around the planet.
The most conflicted and rich characterization comes from Damian, though, and this largely feels like Damian’s story. When he introduced the character back in 2006, Grant Morrison showed us a petulant child that he slowly began to peel back in the early issues of this title’s first volume. Taking things a step further, Tomasi is showing us just what psychological implications exist when a child is raised as the ultimate killing machine with a mother like Talia al Ghul, and exactly what difficulties arise when a man like Bruce Wayne tries to steer him on the right path. Needless to say, this will be an extraordinary challenge even for the refined skill of the Batman, and the heart of that challenge drives this book to the top of the pile in the Batman-line and the New 52 at large.
Patrick Gleason’s pencils are still astonishing, emotive, and simply bad ass. The skill of these deadly and dangerous men is very apparent through the choreography of action being employed here, and you can easily see the conflicted emotion Damian has on the last page. His work cannot be understated here.
If you’re not reading BATMAN AND ROBIN, go out and either buy the first five issues and catch up, or catch them digitally as the founder of this here site does (although I’m partial to supporting your local comic shop). This is simply a kick-ass Batman story with rich characters, great action, and opening revelations, and if you’re missing it, you’re missing one of the best Batman stories running right now. As a Batman fan, BOF contributor, and Modern Myth Media gentleman, I implore you to check this out if you’re currently not.
It’s that good.
GRADE: A
