1. A Work Of Art
Following the Batman/Joker dead man's hand prologue is a page where a young Bruce Wayne is shown screaming in the rain and a massive quote announces: What We Are About To Do Will Be A Work Of Art And that's exactly what they did. Morrison sets out to tell the most Batman story ever and he does it with RIP. Morrison throws everything at Bruce in this book and he's still going - not only that but shortly after the book ends he goes up against Darkseid in Final Crisis! He sets out to show why Bruce was always destined to be Batman, dead parents or not, on the last page when, as he and his parents are leaving the theatre before the fateful shooting in Crime Alley, Bruce asks his dad "why can't I be Zorro?". As much as I've talked about this book, I know I haven't explored every aspect of the book. I've spoken to friends who have talked at length of their own interpretations of the book and its meaning that have differed from mine. You probably have your own interpretation of RIP. That's part of the brilliance of this book. It's also a Batman book for grown-ups. Sure, Batman started out as a comic for kids but his readership has changed over time and I would say his audience is largely made up of people over 18 so it's wonderful to have a writer like Morrison writing complex, engaging and thought-provoking stories like Batman RIP. It is a work of art for all of the reasons above and more. And it's Batman. The best kind of art. * That's Batman RIP - I hope you enjoyed the article and, if you haven't read the book in a while, that you'll pick it up and give it another look, love it or hate it. It's the kind of book that rewards multiple readings. Did I miss anything out? What are your favourite moments from the book? Let me know in the comments below!