I’m really glad this website’s founder asked me to do this guest review!
Why? Because this site, which I love, and its founder, who I like (most of the time), have been pissing me off when it comes to Grant Morrison’s new BATMAN AND ROBIN series.
They hate it. Why? Because, as they like to tell you in every review, during podcasts, on Facebook or on Twitter, this series DOESN’T HAVE BRUCE WAYNE IN IT and features A NEW ROBIN, as if this is some kind of blasphemy. IT MUST BE TERRIBLE, RIGHT? Guys come on. This is AWESOME.
The truth: I have not been a fan of Grant’s run on BATMAN thus far. I thought “Batman R.I.P.” was confusing and the ending was a letdown. What I didn’t realize all of this was setting the groundwork for a new Bat series that, in the hands of Morrison and the amazing Frank Quitely, gives Batman and Robin a much needed push into the 21st Century.
“Revenge of the Red Hood” is the second arc of the new series and it’s another big step. A more “super-villany” looking Red Hood has emerged, this time with a new sidekick, named Scarlet, who already has a built in grudge with Damian Wayne (see the previous arc). The parallels between the two teams are obvious and the inevitable throwdown is going to be a slobberknocker.
After the first arc introduced us to the new Batman and Robin (and their interesting dynamic), Morrison turns his attention to their public lives. Dick Grayson is basically the JFK Jr. of Gotham and when he meets the mysterious author Oberon Sexton (aka “The Gravedigger”), we know things are being set up that will be addressed down the line. Meanwhile, we learn that the new Robin has the talent and drive to surpass his mentor AND his (supposedly) deceased father. Tim Drake can EAT IT because this is simply the best Robin since the original one. Damian is destined to be Batman.
Speaking of Robins, is the new Red Hood the former Robin Jason Todd? Batman sure thinks so, but could he be wrong? Maybe. Maybe not.
The Red Hood has issues.
With Batman.
With the mob. Just watch this guy scare the living crap out of the Penguin!
The Hood is taking crime fighting to a deadlier new level. This is the new justice. He’s pretty badass. We get a glimpse into his operation, his motivation and the powerful effect he has on his new sidekick. Depending on how this pays off, I can totally see DC going giving this character his own mini-series.
The new art team of Philip Tan and Jonathan Glapion deserves a lot of attention. They are worthy successors to Quitely and bring a cool edge and BLADE RUNNER feel to Gotham City. They mesh well with Morrison’s storytelling and thanks to these guys the new series retains the high quality we’re all expecting from DC and Batman. Smart choice. They don’t miss a step.
As a Dick Grayson fan, Morrison has done more for “Richie” in 4 issues than anyone since Marv Wolfman got him out of short shorts. Honestly, I don’t miss Bruce Wayne at all. There’s a lot of potential here for years to come and they have barely scratched the surface of possibilities (bring on The Joker!). Look, we know Bruce will be back in the cowl someday. But the fun is HOW this is all going to unfold.
If anyone is avoiding this series because Bruce Wayne’s not in it, then you’re really missing out. When it’s all said and done, Morrison’s BATMAN AND ROBIN could potentially rival his masterpiece: ALL-STAR SUPERMAN. It’s about time someone did something to shake up Gotham, and Morrison has done it in a way that’s fresh, original, and most importantly, respectful of the franchise and it’s characters. If it stays on schedule and maintains this quality of art and storytelling, it might surpass CAPTAIN AMERICA as the best ongoing superhero series today.
So Bruce Wayne fans, relax and enjoy. Grant Morrison has made Batman special again. - F.J.
P.S. Points to anyone who caught the Frank Miller reference in this issue!
