BATMAN & ROBIN: BATMAN VS. ROBIN DELUXE EDITION
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by CAMERON STEWART, andY CLARKE, DUSTIN NGUYEN and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
On Sale November 3, 2010
DC Comics, 160pg., Color, Hardcover, $24.99 US
I don’t normally veer away from my strict diet of Detective Comics and Batman, but I recently was exposed to the Batman and Robin series which I believe also holds the subtitle Batman Reborn. It features Dick Grayson taking up the mantle of The Dark Knight after his supposed death. Joining him in this mission is Bruce Wayne’s 12-year-old son, Damien, who takes on the role of Robin.
I was impressed with the art and story of that first issue so when DC sent me Batman & Robin: Batman vs. Robin to review I gladly accepted the job. The second hardcover graphic novel collection of the series includes issues 7-12, which are actually two different story arcs. It also includes extras like sketch-to-finished cover comparisons, different logos that were looked at for the series, character profiles, and tons more.
Both of the stories are well written and move forward nicely. There’s plenty of adventure, intrigue, and surprises. They also have a horror slant to them that mixes well with the gothic and mystery elements. These two tales are dark and adventurous the way Batman should be.
The first section of the book entitled “Blackest Knight” tells the story of Dick Grayson / Batman putting the body of what he thinks is Batman into one of Ra’s al Ghul’s Lazarus Pits. But is what comes out really the Batman they’re all looking for or something else? This story is a tie-in to the “Blackest Night” storyline.
The second section of the book, “Batman VS. Robin” has Dick Grayson / Batman searching through the dark crevices and hallways of Wayne Manor for clues to where Bruce Wayne may have disappeared to. While trying to solve this mystery, the new Batman is faced with a raging battle between himself and his young mentor, Damien / Robin, who appears to be controlled by his mother.
The overall art, penciling, and coloring are all great. I have absolutely no complaints at all. The panels are both dark and vibrant where they need to be. The whole look fits the tone of the stories perfectly.
Batman & Robin is a series that continues to keep my attention. I will definitely continue reading it and waiting intently for each and every new issue. If you haven’t yet, hurry up and jump on board this gothic-flavored mystery / adventure train.
Source: DC Comics
