By Grant Morrison (writer), Frank Quitly (pencils, inks) and Alex Sinclair (colors)
The Story: The saga of the Circus of the Strange continues. Batman and Robin protect the police precinct as the Pyg’s henchmen go for their man behind bars, the Toad. After some intense battles that reveal some interesting dynamics between Gordon and the new dynamic duo, Dick and Damian have a falling out that could result in deadly repercussions as the Pyg makes his bloody move against Gotham.
What’s Good: All the things that clicked beautifully last issue click here. The execution of the writing and art is tremendous and you can’t help but become absorbed into this pocket of the Batman universe. If you thought there wan’t enough “true” action last issue, you won’t be disappointed here as Morrison and Quitely craft some great fight scenes with some weird and amazing foes. Seriously, Batman and Robin battle a conjoined triplet with skills.
Morrison flushes out Dick’s psyche very nicely in this issue and I found myself actually liking him, which is a novelty because I always thought he was a really bland character. It was engaging to hear how he feels about wearing a cape and his personal deficiencies. He quickly became a character anyone can relate to. Similarly, though Damian is a typical brat, but through the eyes of Dick and Alfred, the reader gets a sense of the depth of his persona. One thing is for sure: there hasn’t been a Robin like him before, with the exception of Miller’s All Star Robin, but as we all know, that didn’t work out well at all. But this one does.
My favorite aspect of this issue was seeing Gordon’s ambiguity and weariness towards the new Batman and Robin. It was natural and convincing and is sure to bring a very interesting dynamic to this series.
What’s Not So Good: What this issue features is great, but it was a very quick read and I think more could have transpired as far as settings and backstory. In line with this is that Damian’s fate in this issue is rather predictable. If there was more story, then it would have compensated. The issue ends very abruptly. I had to keep checking that I didn’t miss any pages. Compared to the smooth closure of the last issue, this ends in a mildly rushed smash cut.
Conclusion: This is simply the best Batman book on the stands. Really novel and crazy characters infuse this issue with an odd sense of fun that can’t be found anywhere else. Morrison shows the necessary action scenes and the memorable human moments where Dick resembles Bruce’s demeanor and power. Quitely, as always, tears it up– from the emotional opening splash page to the final explosive panels… The art alone can garner an A+.
Grade: B+ (This book would’ve received an A, if it wasn’t so rushed.)
-Rob G.
Filed under: DC Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Alex Sinclair, Batman, Batman and Robin, Batman and Robin #2, Batman and Robin #2 - Review, Batman R.I.P., Batman's son, Batmna Reborn, Bruce Wayne, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, DC Comics Reviews, Dick Grayson, Frank Quitely, Grant Morrison, Pyg, weekly comic book reviews
@Markus
While there’s not been a solicitation or anything yet (too early), I think it’s pretty safe to say that it will be collected. It’s Grant Morrison in his own Batman series, after all.
If All-Star Superman was collected, I see no reason why this wouldn’t be as well.
-Alex
Does DC have plans of compiling this in one volume?.. I’m loving the series so much and it would be cool to own a TPB.
Grant Morrison; why was this kind of Batman stuff during RIP? I’m loving it!