Batman Inc. #8 Review
Beware, there are some serious spoilers below. Wow, what an issue! It was a struggle to fit my entire analysis of this month's events in one quick review, so I kept this article short and sweet. The hype for Batman Incorporated #8 has been huge over the past month. All of this is due to DC Comics showing-off the cover. The artwork is almost identical to the Batman R.I.P. series, which was also worked on by Grant Morrison. Because of this ominous drawing on the cover, and the fact that Morrison had been instrumental in shaping Damian Wayne, people believed that this would be the end of the newest Boy Wonder. After reading this issue, it seems like they were right. The last few Batman Inc. issues were great and all seemed to be building up to something, this was that moment. After being chased and hunted by his own mother, Damian (despite Bruce's protests), went out on the streets to save his friends. A noble act that has resulted in his death. Now, I don't say "seems" because I am 100% positive that Damian is dead. I believe that he is, but with comics, you never really know. Grant Morrison is leaving Batman and taking Damian with him. Earlier in the series Morrison gave an interview revealing that his six-year run with Batman was going to be over soon and that he was going to do something big. The last page of this issue was the ending to Morrison's carefully orchestrated plan. However, he might not stay dead for long. Damian's grandfather is Ra's Al Ghul, a man who dies in almost every appearance he makes. So, by means of Lazarus Pit, Damian could be back in no time. Despite it's healing powers, the Pit also can cause insanity (in the case of Jason Todd). Despite the probability of the Pit being used, I really hope that Damian's death is permanent. Don't get me wrong, Damian is a great character and he has become much more likable lately, but, in order for my sorrow to be justified, I need him to stay dead for a bit. If you look at the summaries for the next few issues (on the DC Comics website) you can tell that, at least for a couple months, Batman won't have a Robin. The covers for all Batman titles for the months of March and April depict a solo Batman, which helps the theory that Robin will stay dead. On a brighter note, Batman and Robin #19 shows a glimpse of a yellow cape and this summary: "On the darkest of nights, who is the one person Batman meets that could change his life forever?
Is Batman getting a new Robin?
Despite the Robin-related business, the issue was very good, it was heavy in action and told the story that Morrison had started six years ago. Batman Inc. #8 is a must read for anyone and I highly recommend the entire series to anyone who hasn't read it yet. The art was great and held up to the already-high standards the series has put forth. There wasn't anything that fell short of my expectations and I hope that the series keeps up the goo work. With the much needed publicity and momentum of this issue, Batman Inc. could become a top seller.
This month's issue receives four out of five stars.