Batman and Robin #1

Tragic Angelus · Post by **Tragic Angelus** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 4:59 pm

Ok, so I'm torn.. Torn between wanting to see how this book turns out, and wanting to avoid it before it falls victim to Morrisson's inability to coherently finish after so long on a title. But never the less I grabbed the first issue, and may very well follow through on at least the second.

So if you weren't aware already, Dick is Batman and Damian is Robin. Their interactions together are interesting, as Dick is trying to make sure Damian stays somewhat in line, all the while holding up some brave face as he seems to doubt he's fully ready to become Batman. I particularly liked their talks with Alfred, who has become Dick's confidant seemingly moreso than before. Though both of them seem to be working well with Damian, who's apparently perfected the idea of the flying Batmobile.

The art, to me, was standard Quitely. The only real complaint I had about it was the various ages that Dick appears to have throughout the book. When he wears the cape and cowl, he seems to be just as old as Bruce, but when he has it off, he look like his normal age. Granted it might be hard to distingues ages under a cowl like that, but it really makes Dick look like he's about 15 years older when he has it on, which at times annoyed me a bit.

Otherwise, it wasn't a terrible issue, but nothing spectacular for a first issue. I'll most likely grab the next one or two issues to see what else comes out of it, though I'm not officially adding it to my pull list just yet.

Mr Wallstreet · Post by **Mr Wallstreet** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 7:32 am

I read the issue last night after seeing how hurt you were that I didn't read it.

I'm feeling the same way you are; it's nothing spectacular and the art is okay. Morisson's introduced a few new disturbing (looking) villains which seem interesting. I still have not yet come even remotely close to enjoying the Damien character in his capacity as either a hero, villain or confused sidekick. I think he's a complete tool in the vein of Jason Todd and can only hope both Damien and Jason meet their end very, very soon.

I was a bit confused, at first, at the direction of the series. I've avoided a lot of articles and previews into this title so I thought this would be another re-imagining of Batman & Robin - much like All-Star Batman & Robin and All Star Superman. However, it quickly became evident that this was a part of the current story.

I haven't read the majority of Morisson's run on Batman (so far I've only read Batman and Son and Ressurection of Ra's Al Ghul) but I got the general idea of what had led to Dick wearing the cowl and Damien moving into the role of Robin.

Right now the series isn't an instant hit or miss for me. Its just another average title that could go either way.

XIII · Post by **XIII** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:25 am

You should read more news article, you would have known this was in continuity.
Anyway, I enjoyed the book a lot. It apparently ties closely with Batman #666 in which Morrison depicted a future where Damian had become Batman.
I'm really looking forward to the next issue.

wolf_2099 · Post by **wolf_2099** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 2:10 pm

I enjoyed it, but I can't shake the feeling that 3 years down the road this series will be treated like an out of continuity series and completely ret-conned.

XIII · Post by **XIII** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 2:15 pm

Then it won't be just this one. It's a whole line of books they'd have to retcon. That's kinda hard to do. Unless a whiny Superboy is punching a wall somewhere. Or Mephisto happens to be in the area...

Mr Wallstreet · Post by **Mr Wallstreet** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:04 pm

I hope DC treats Bruce's absence in the same vein as Steve Rogers; keep him out of comics for a while. Minimum one year (but preferably 2 -3). I know that may never happen but everyone knows Bruce'll be back anyway, so keeping him away for a year or two might be nice. It'll be a chance to tell a few really great Batman stories with Dick as Batman.