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I agree with the above post. I can't remember a time when a replacement of a well known hero was handled this well. And to think, a bunch of people were complaining about the prospect of Morrison writing this book.
Despite making relatively short work of the Circus of the Strange, the new Batman and Robin don’t exactly live up to the standard set by their predecessors in the process. Robin’s capable of doing the job but having been raised by criminals and assassins, he isn’t always up to taking orders. Dick Grayson isn’t quite up to giving them either and he’s having a hard time filling the boots (and cape) of the man who trained him. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD know that something’s up with Batman and Robin and this new Pyg villain is scary as all get-out.
The dynamic between Dick, Damian and Alfred is fantastically handled. Damian is almost totally unlikable but not in the Jason Todd sort of way where you want him dead. Dick just can’t get his head around the concept of being Batman and Alfred, as usual, dispenses wisdom of the highest pedigree.
I love the little moments best: Dick mentioning that wearing a cape again after all these years is throwing him off balance, his recognition of circus slang and Alfred’s solution to Dick’s confidence problems add a lot of depth to the characters and enhance the story.
And Frank Quitely’s art is, quite frankly, amazing. A great writer paired with a great artist usually equals a really great story but there are those rare occasions where creators seem to absolutely click and the end result is nothing short of magical. This is one of those situations. Frank Quitely really seems to understand Morrison’s work and Grant seems to bring out the best in Frank.
Oh, and did you get a look at the price tag? Still only $2.99.
I have a really hard time finding fault with the finished product when Morrison and Quitely put their heads together. Can’t find any in this issue either.
Cover art to Batman and Robin #2 by Frank Quitely
Who isn’t reading this book? And why? It’s almost pointless for me to review this book because it should just go without saying that you’re buying it.
I know that a lot of people don’t always like Morrison’s writing (at times, I am one of them) but if you liked his work on All-Star Superman, you should pick this one up as well. It’s sort of the same idea: a post-modern look at the Silver Age Batman. It’s fun and wild and full of life and color and POW and WHAM but it’s also a lot more thoughtful and introspective than the books of that era. Imagine the 1960’s TV show all grown up and pumped up on steroids and LSD. There’s no camp and little humor but it’s the most fun I’ve had reading Batman in years.
I agree with the above post. I can't remember a time when a replacement of a well known hero was handled this well. And to think, a bunch of people were complaining about the prospect of Morrison writing this book.
No kidding..I actually went and started a new pull list with this at the top of list..I've been quite impressed with it so far. Yeah i still don't ride the Morrison bandwagon, but I will give him credit with the new direction..it's working in a good way.
This is one of the best out there right now, AND I tottally missed what a bargain it is! Why am I paying $4 for Hulk (which Loeb is vmiting story in) while this brilliant book is $3. LOVE IT
No doubt! Lets all hope Bruce gets his ass handed to him in Blackest Night and stays dead!!! This Book is great!
Damian's evolution as Robin will be interesting as well. Like Chad said he is a jerk, but not unlikeable like Jason Todd. He is really funny and I love the role Alfred is playing in the book as mentor. His part in the story is as crucial as it has ever been. I am excited to see how Gordon and Bullock get worked into the equation as time goes on. I am also excited to see Dick's first tangle with the Joker as Batman. They have crossed swords before both as Robin and Nightwing, but now that he is the man how will the Clown Prince of Crime respond. Surely Batman's oldest foe will know something is different.
(chad here)
I agree - I'm not praying for Bruce to return any time soon. And... can we go ahead and do spoilers now?
Commissioner Gordon didn't get to where he is by just being an okay cop. As we saw in this issue, he knows something's up... it would seem that common sense would tell him that it's the original Robin in the suit, right? Because this isn't an Azrael situation where it's some totally unfamiliar guy under the mask. Gordon knows it's not the real deal, but he also seems to know that it is Batman regardless.
No real point there... just wanted to mention how much I loved that scene.
kwsupes, you're right: Alfred has never been more important than he is now. And Damian manages to be 100% abrasive while being very funny at the same time. I thought Winick handled him well over in the regular Batman book too, though that comic pales in comparison to this one.
And a for the price... you know, if DC wanted to charge $3.99 for this, they could - and we'd all pay it. Kudos to them for respecting us and not gouging.
''I can't remember a time when a replacement of a well known hero was handled this well''
Well, I would say to this, Captain America anyone?
Once again, DC is copying Marvel (and I know both companies do it so don't freak out here DC lovers) and it's just not the same level for me. We already know Batman is alive and will eventually come back and the fact it crapison who is writting this book, it's sad and disapointing. It's not as bad as final Crisis I will give him that but his style is just not something I like so I gave this book a chance and will drop it, not the best in my view.
This should've been written by ANYONE but crapison.
Wow,that's funny.So it's ok for Marvel to rip off DC but it's not ok for Dc to ''rip-off'' marvel lol.I'll think about that next time i see gladiator,quicksilver and vision.*Cough* Wally.Anyways, I'm looking foward to this run.Was the Paul Dini run any good?Forgot about his run on batman.Oh and Thanos being a rip-off of Darkseid.Who will marvel sue next?!?!
Ummm... Wally West anyone?
That was the best handled death prior to Captain America and Batman. Mostly, due to Mark Waid, Grant Morrison/ Mark Miller and Geoff Johns.
As for Loeb, I hope he comes back to write Batman one day. He was good at that.
I loved this book so much I just bought a subscription. I like Dick as Batman and I know this sounds terrible, but I wish they would let Bruce Wayne stay dead. He has been Batman for 60 years, let's see Dick Grayson be batman for awhile. I like the whole dynamic between him and Damian. I also like Streets of Gotham and Red Robin and I am interested to see where those books are headed as well.