Comic Review: BATMAN AND ROBIN #4
After reading this issue, Batman And Robin is officially in my top five books of the New 52.
After reading this issue, Batman And Robin is officially in my top five books of the New 52.
Within the span of 20 Pages, Writer Peter Tomasi resolves the one problem I had with this series in a clear and satisfying manner. As much as I loved this series so far there was always one aspect that bugged the hell out of me; the villains back-story (or lack of in this case). It was established early on that our villain Morgan (aka NoBody), knew that Bruce was Batman (while Bruce knew he was NoBody) and that they had a long history together at some undisclosed time and place in the past. Thankfully after almost four months of waiting we have our answers and without giving the game away, the reveal of their back-story is simply, satisfying and a nice connect the dots game to be had when looking back on classic Batman lore. Its still a shame that the audience had to wait so long and be forced to ask so many question during previous scenes between the two characters, simply because we didnt have the facts. I can see the reasoning behind it, it places the audience into the same struggle and frustration that Damian has from being left in the dark, however being left in the dark isnt the most enjoyable way to read any story. Im glad to say we have finally jumped that hurdle with a clean sweep.
Speaking of my favourite character, Damian continues to be one of the best-written and compelling characters in comics today. As his personality and frustrations towards his new life continues to develop, my compassion for him grows more and more with every page. Alfred makes a very good point throughout this issue that this is the first time Damian has ever seen Bruce truly take a beating and that scares him, something Bruce yet again misinterprets as arrogance. Damian is such a unique and trouble character that you cant help but feel empathy for even if he has very questionable morals at time. The emotional point Damian reaches come this issues end (after a very brief but touching scene at the grave of Thomas and Martha Wayne) is probably the most subtle cliff-hanger this series has had so far, but it is without a doubt the one that had the biggest punch for me. I cant wait to see how this story continues and where Damians journey takes him.
Ive said this before on multiple occasions but Ive never been the biggest fan of heavily inked books. I always feel heavily inked comics end up hiding the artists work and drain pages of all colour, but with the help of inker Mick Grays Im more than happy to be proved wrong about what this style of inking can accomplish. Batman And Robin has struck such a strong dark and out-there tone through Patrick Gleasons pencils and its accentuated more through Grays inking. Their use of hard lighting and character framing help strike such a powerful tone that can be felt in every inch of this book. Lighting and shadows play a big part of this issues conclusion (with very little dialogue no less) and this team pulls it off flawlessly.
With its one fault no longer a problem there is nothing holding me back from recommending this to any and every Batman fan out there. If you like your Batman with a slight dark and surreal approach then you need to be reading this book.
rating: 5