by Grant Morrison (writer), Andy Clarke (pencils), Scott Hanna (inks), Alex Sinclair (colors), and Pat Brosseau (letters)
The Story: Batman and Robin search Wayne Manor for clues left by a lost-in-time Bruce Wayne.
What’s Good: Morrison’s series has been filled with a lot of wacky stuff, what with each arc thus far being somewhat independent. This issue manages to weave together many of those wild strands, and there’s definitely a satisfying feeling of everything drawing together. Oberon Sexton, the Domino Killer, El Penitente, and Talia Al Ghul are all series elements that are present in this issue in some form or other, and the result is a great sense of a cohesive whole. The seemingly disparate book Morrison has been writing suddenly seems like a carefully pieced together puzzle.
That’s not to say that there isn’t solid character-work as well. Damian and Oberon Sexton continue to be strong characters that Morrison clearly has a ball writing. Both also have a characteristic kind of snark that is unique to them. Oberon suddenly becomes more active and integral to the plot, which is rewarding given Morrison’s building up of the character, while Damian begins to show some real heroic colors and hints of his appreciation of Grayson. Both are satisfying reads.
The structure of the issue is also fun. Grayson at one point likens the current situation to a game of clue, and he’s not far wrong. As our heroes wander Wayne Mansion looking for centuries old clues and dark secrets, there is an atmosphere of foreboding and mystery. There’s a sense of discomfort and the Gothic, yet it also mingles with the fun kookiness that’s defined Morrison’s series and a game-like feel.
Clarke’s artwork is mostly solid. His depiction of Wayne Manor helps carry much of the issue, feeling like the set of an old Victorian ghost story. Shadows abound, as does the old Gothic creepiness. It’s great stuff all around, and it’s clear that Clarke, more than Tan or Stewart, is doing his damndest to work in Quitely’s mold. If anything, this ensures solid artwork.
What’s Not So Good: Unfortunately, while working to emulate a fantastic artist ensures solid artwork, it also ensures unflattering comparisons. That’s sort of what goes on here, as Clarke ends up feeling a bit like “Quitely-light.” It also bears being said that there are two or three rather questionably drawn faces, where either the facial structure alters a bit or the forehead is a little overly large.
I also have to say that I did feel the early portion of the issue veered dangerously close to being a shill for the Return of Bruce Wayne event. It never verges all the way into this area, but knowledge of DC’s solicitations does make the comic’s ties with that event seem a little too direct in its set-up.
Also the speed and ease with which Alfred, Dick, and Damian accept Bruce’s being lost in time is a little convenient, even mind-boggling given its assumed improbability. It seems like the characters accept almost as soon as it’s suggested and immediately begin to hunt for clues left by Wayne. It’s just too easy.
Finally, though it’s set up logically and done well, I did groan a bit at yet another mind-control gimmick in comics.
Conclusion: More fun than the last few issues, this chapter in this arc promises more great issues to come. Still, there are some jitters.
Grade: B -
-Alex Evans
Filed under: DC Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Alex Evans, Alfred Pennyworth, Andy Clarke, Batman, Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman and Robin, Batman and Robin #10, Batman and Robin #10 review, Batman vs Robin, Bruce Wayne, Comic Book Reviews, comic reviews, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Domino Killer, El Penitente, Grant Morrison, Oberon Sexton, Return of Bruce Wayne, Robin, Talia Al Ghul, Wayne Manor, Weekly Comic Book Review
@SoldierHawk
It’s not officially announced by DC, but you can pretty much take it as fact. Rucka leaked it on his twitter, so its existence comes straight from the source. It’s just a matter of when.
@Matches Malone
Thanks for the comment! It’s not really a big issue, and hence I didn’t really pummel the grade for it. I guess it was just on the fine-line between tie-in and shill. Perhaps it’s just that I’ve been reading the solicitations and previews a bit too much; the bit with the paints lined up with each other felt a bit like the cover previews DCs been tossing about.
I suppose a lot of it goes to the fact that something as hard to believe as Return’s plot is just being set-up far too easily.
Starting to think that Bruce is alive and realizing he’s lost in time in the span of one issue just isn’t particularly great writing, I’m afraid. That’s a HUGE gap to leap and Morrison just made it a little too easy.
-Alex
Of course, I’m sure you now understand that Wayne Manor is a TARDIS, as it seems to be bigger on the inside than the out….
Also, I don’t see why you’re grousing about the tie in to The Return of Bruce Wayne, as it says that on the cover….
They had already come to the conclusion that Bruce was alive at the end of #9, or at least, Dick had. Tim already knew….
I’ve come to the conclusion that if I write anymore, I should put it on my own blog, so, if you’ll excuse me….
Thanks for reading guys.
@Michael Stone
The similarities are a bit striking, aren’t they? To be fair, I don’t think either party is ripping off the other, and there are slight differences.
Steve was stuck reliving his own past again and again.
Bruce is really lost in time, seemingly getting warped into different time periods well outside of his lifespan (the 17th century, the Stone Age, etc)
@SoldierHawk
While I loved Cameron Stewart’s art, I actually liked this issue more than the past arc. Not sure if I’m in the majority there, though.
If the event tag gets you, as I wrote in my review, it’s definitely worth a look. This really is set-up for Return.
And Batman & Robin is indeed $2.99. DC is really great in that regard: all standard-sized, non-event books without back-ups are $2.99.
Btw, I’m dropping ‘Tec after Batwoman’s gone. I’ve got enough Batman in my diet.
Ah excellent, I’ll make a point to pick it up this week then.
Yeah, I think Det. Comic is gone from mine too, when Batwoman leaves. Hopefully to be replaced by the (rumored? Comfirmed?) Batwoman book that Rucka and Williams are supposed to be working on.
Okay so is this like when Captain America got “lost” in time after he got shot? It seems like this is the new excuse to bring people back. Any thoughts?
Hmmm. I don’t have Batman and Robin on my pull list, mostly because I already get a pretty big monthly fill of the Dark Knight–Detective Comics (although I may be dropping that, depending on what they do after Batwoman leaves), Batman and Batgirl.
I was tempted to pick this one up due to the “Bruce Wayne’s return starts here!” thing, but because I was buying a ton of GL back issues (don’t ask how much I spent, please…) I passed it up. I think this review has convinced me its worth buying when I go in next week. It sounds very interesting, and quite fun.
I can’t remember though…is B&R a $2.99 or $3.99?