Pick of the Week
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iFanboy
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Size: pages
Price: 2.99
I haven’t had a week this tough in a while. Sure, there have been weeks lately where a lot of good books have come out — we seem to be on a quality roll lately — but there has usually always been one stand out comic. This week, when all was said and done I had two books left standing and neither one of them was going to concede to the other.
(That’s not to mention the totally surprising and totally out of left field comic that made a strong run for the top spot)
When the dust finally settled, and all was said and done, I went with the one comic book that I didn’t want to end. The one comic that caused me to think, while I was reading, “I don’t want this issue to end… I want more.”
In the end the Pick of the Week could only be Batman & Robin #2.
When the last issue was chosen as the Pick of the Week, Josh made a great point that with Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne we were experiencing a Batman and Robin dynamic like we’ve never seen before. He was absolutely right then and this issue only magnified that point. I’ve been reading Batman comics for almost three decades and this might just be the first time that the pairing of Batman and Robin has felt completely fresh and new.
Last month we saw that Damian has just about zero respect for Dick as Batman. This month, that lack of respect reared its ugly head while they were out in the field. While protecting police headquarters from Pyg’s circus freak thugs, Damian struck off on his own almost immediately, ignoring Dick’s orders and their carefully practiced teamwork. Almost immediately he reverted to the more brutal tactics from his previous life and when the fight was finally over, Dick had to intervene when he came upon Damian repeatedly taking a baseball bat to the head of one of Pyg’s thugs. Back at the Batcave, as Dick tried to explain to Damian what it meant to be Batman and Robin and that it was much more than just solving every problem with theirs fists, Damian ripped the ‘R’ off his chest, jumped on his bike, and took off to confront Pyg on his own.
And boy, what a disaster that turns out to be. It looks like once again, Batman is going to have to save Robin.
I love that at the heart of this story, it’s all about Dick teaching Damian to be a better hero… and a better person.
Now let’s talk about Dick Grayson for a moment. Yes, this isn’t the first time that Dick has taken over as Batman, but the level of exploration as to what that would really mean to Dick is so much greater this time around. I love that Dick is struggling with the fact that he can plainly see that a) Everyone knows he’s not Bruce, and b) No one respects him like they did Bruce, hell, they don’t even respect him like they did when he was Nightwing. The idea that becoming Batman might actually be a demotion for Dick is a brilliant bit of analysis by Grant Morrison (I would love for Grant to write Dick interacting with the Justice League out in the field). I also love Dick complaining about having to wear a cape again after years of being cape-less as Nightwing. But the best of all was how Alfred Pennyworth, the best surrogate father that ever existed, sized up all of Dick’s problems and found exactly the right way to counter them. The four page scene in the Batcave — where Damian “quits”, Dick laments, and Alfred inspires — was by far my favorite scene in this issue and of all the comics I read this week.
I think it’s really telling that for the past year and a half or so, every time a new Grant Morrison comic book would come out, the comic book internet would turn into Gettysburg. Now? Not so much. Grant Morrison’s greatest strength in this book is that he knows these characters so well. It seems like he has spent a ton of timing thinking about how being Batman would affect Dick Grayson and then by extension how the new status quo would affect everyone else. It’s an over-used phrase, but this is Grant Morrison at the top of his superhero game right now. He’s writing exciting action, terrifying villains, and fantastic character work that are all weaving seamlessly together into what is, after only two issues, probably the best comic book on the stands right now.
But Morrison’s not alone. Oh, boy, is he not alone. I will never have enough Frank Quitely in my life. I opened up Batman & Robin #2 and gasped at the first page. That one page image tells the entire story of this issue in one single image. There is so much weight and emotion in Dick slumped forward, his elbows resting on his knees and Damian’s ‘R’ laying on the ground. And the art only gets better from there. There are some intricately choreographed fight scenes and some fun, wonky layouts in this issue that are just a beauty to behold. Just about every panel is crammed full of detail.
And after last month’s flying Batmobile and this month’s giant Quad-Bat, I say bring on as many crazy Quitely designed vehicles as possible! They fit the vibe of this book perfectly.
That vibe is another thing I really love about this comic — and I’m going to credit the creative team as a whole here. That vibe is characterized by the really strong sense of fun amidst the creepy villains and the weighty character stuff. When Batman and Robin are in action, it’s fast paced, it’s well choreographed and it’s just plain fun. This vibe is what I think was being referred to when the advanced word was that this series would be infused with a bit of the 1960s TV show.
In the end, perhaps this decision wasn’t as difficult as I originally thought.
Conor Kilpatrick
Nothing to see here… move along
conor@ifanboy.com
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I haven’t read the book or the review yet, but it’s good to know that this issue is on par with the last.
Great pick. Quietly is crushing this book. Blown away.
YES! For anybody wondering why I’m such a big Dick Grayson fan, this book is the answer!
Loved the Dick and Alfred scene. Pulling back the curtain. Amazing.
@Paul: But… you hate Dick Grayson… it says so in your file…
This is a tough week. I’ve read 5 books, and none is below 4 stars. But this book? This book is pitch-fuggin’-perfect. It’s honestly better than the first issue. He gets into the psyche of the characters. He writes fantastic dialogue. And Quitely nails the action and character drama of it all. Perfect 5 star comic book.
@Conor – This is news to me.
He knows circus speak! How can you not love this guy?
@Paul — agree. The Dick and Alfred scene is the highlight. And I love the end, where he calls him "Alfie." He’s more himself again… great subtle character stuff.
What’s the record for consecutive issues getting Pick of the Week?
@reg5000: There are no hard numbers on that, but I remember back in the day GOTHAM CENTRAL did four issues in a row once.
That two-page spread with the conjoined triplets? Holy circus oddities, Batman!
This was a fun issue (I gave it 4 stars), but I didn’t enjoy it as much as #1. #1 had a very energetic vibe that locked me in and I didn’t get as much of that here.
I also wasn’t particularly fond of the small, but significant whiny Dick scene. I know there has to be a transition (and it should be relatively difficult), but I hope this doesn’t turn into a book where Dick whines about his burden while Damian rebels unchecked.
I would also love to see Dick interacting with the Justice League.
@stuclach – I got the impression that he was over his whining by the end of this issue. I think this WAS the transition. He hid it for the first issue, then it caught up with him when things took a turn. Then Alfred talked to him, and he found a way to cope ("don’t ever let me forget the golden rule, Alfie. The show must go on.").
I was rather curious about how Gothamites would take a new Batman. After the big to-do back in the mid-90s with Jean Paul Valley, Gordon made a comment about how he knew that Jean Paul wasn’t really Batman. Then, when Bruce returned, Gordon made some subtle remark that he was happy to have the real one back. I was glad to see that they referenced all of this again. It seemed like a very true idea. After all, who else but Gordon should notice the persona of Batman changing?
Yes and double yes! (Or should I say triple yes cause of the conjoined triples involved?)
Best title of the week by far. Who cares if Batman titles are picked every week? They have been by far the best reboot of any set of series….well ever I guess. I love how the panels were laid out during the fight. Quitely is the master at panel layouts now all of a sudden.
I never realized that this was a group of circus villains fighting a Batman who has experience with the circus….Until someone mentioned it on the site I wouldnt have thought of it. But it’s so perfect that Morrison chose to create these villains as the first threat to Batman and not just a random rouge.
Such good book only matched by the insightful review of said book.
Excellent job.
The Tiki
Yep, this was pretty good.
@daccampo – I sincerely hope you are correct.
I don’t mean to give the impression that I didn’t enjoy the book, I did, it just wasn’t as incredible as I had hoped. Maybe my expectations are a bit unrealistic.
Great review. Great book. Great pick. I thought issue 1 was technically impressive but, as sometimes happens in Morrison’s books, lacked heart. In issue 2 Morrison added the heart without losing any of his and Quietly’s usual stunning visuals and concepts, utterly blowing me away. (Can you be "utterly" blown away? Probably not. Pretty much by the time you’re blown away the utterness of it is not that important. Rarely am I only partially blown away and partially left near.)
It was great to see Dick let his guard down. He’s had to be the strong one and even the strongest wear down after awhile. As the new Batman, he’s not allowed to show any sign of weakness to anyone but Alfred. This is the Morrison I prefer. Also, kudos for the scene where the cop notices the difference in Batman’s height.
I loved Fantastic Four as well. The "new Doom" is evil, evil, evil.
Captain America reborn is nicely written and drawn, but didn’t really buy the McGuffin.
@Bedhead -You’ve clearly never seen anyone blown away. (It’s OK, neither have I.)
@stulach – I actually preferred this to the first issue, which I also loved. No lack of energy here.
As for the whining scene, I thought it was pretty reasonable that someone who grew up worshiping Batman from a young age would have a little trouble adjusting to the mantle. I wonder whether similar scenes in other Bat books might have soured you on this one. We did see this trepidation in Battle for the Cowl and Winick’s Batman. Maybe this was the last straw? Personally I think this scene was exponentially stronger than those other moments. That whole conversation just knocked my socks off, mostly because I wasn’t expecting to get such a lucid exchange in this action packed book.
@Bedhead – Spot on.
Okay, what did you guys do to Paul?
@Paul – Maybe I just don’t have a heart. I’ve been accused of worse (on this site [today]).
I think you may be right about my being soured. I wanted Battle for the Cowl to get all the angst out of the way so we could see what a purified Dick (I really wish that wasn’t his name) could do if given the reigns. I want him to absolutely DOMINATE as the new Batman. The scene where he devastates Pyg’s lackeys is what I want to see him do.
I guess I keep expecting this to be All Star Superman where it felt like everything was constantly in motion. Like the book was taking place in a whirlwind. I didn’t get that vibe with this issue, but this is an entirely different book and I will adapt to it.
Bascially, it isn’t the book, it’s me. Let me reread it a few times (and then once as part of a trade) and I will probably come around.
@ohcaroline – We let him read a new Mignola book. It’s Pavlovian.
i just got all 26 books I bought for June yesterday from DCBS and I’m about halfway through them. B+R#1 was the first one I read and I laughed, cried, shuddered, I smiled contently and then frowned when there was no more pretty pictures to look at or wonderful words to read…The fact that I have to wait another month to read this book again makes me go through the same range of emotions I did when I read this firs issue…ah me…
@stulach – Let Dick swing through the trapeze of your heartstrings. Let him.
He will fly to your soul with the greatest of ease.
…also this book (and the other batman books I already read from June) have made me start to love the charachter of Dick so much more…good on yah, Grant…
@Paul – You just wrote "Let Dick swing…."
I will Paul, I will.
(You are assuming I have a soul. I’m an economist. The only thing I know about souls is that they can be sold.)
The set of 300 was less homoerotic than this thread.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
@ultimatehoratio – At least ohcaroline’s post was between ours. That has to count for something.
What exactly do you guys think happened at the end of this issue? I found it a bit vague. I think one of the baddies blew up (due to Pyg’s trigger) while they were grappling with Damian. I am assuming this knocked Damian out causing him to be captured. I am assuming the girl strapped to the rocking horse (who warned him) was the daughter from the previous issue??
My pick was Irredeemable. That book was amazing once again.
I’ve also realized I don’t like Quitely. It’s way too thin and pencily for me. Maybe it’s the inking. Does he do that too?
I haven’t finished many of my books, but I just finished reading this, and Conor is spot-on. I don’t know if this is going to be my POW, but if you’re not reading this you’re missing out big time.
Err… the Quad-bat doesn’t make an official appearance in this issue. We see a glimpse of it on the preview for issue 3 on the second to last page.
This will probably end up being my pick as well. Don’t see the two unread comics I have left topping this. I give it a solid 4, but I’m a hard-ass rater. Quitely’s art really worked for me in this issue; it was still more squiggly than usual, but I think he mastered the squiggle more in this issue than in issue 1. As everyone’s said, the scene with Dick and Alfred really made this for me. The part where Alfred (a former stage actor) tells Dick to pretend that Batman is just a "role" to play–fantastic. My only slight gripe is that Morrison’s past run on the book was so much deeper and interesting, in my opinion. From about issue 663 to 683…there was just so much to think about and puzzle over in every issue. Here it’s just "Wow…he sure does these characters good, huh?" That’s nothing to sneeze at, but I like art that’s more thoughtful/puzzling than outright pleasing/entertaining. But that’s just me. For what it is, Morrison and Quitely’s B&R is the best thing going and I’m really enjoying it. Shame Quitely can’t do all 12 issues.
@vinh: Yes it does. It’s the last panel of the issue.
@conor – I think vinh is interpreting that entire last page as a preview for #3, but I think you are correct that that panel is actually the last panel of #2.
Isn’t it nice when the only thing even resembling bickering in the POTW thread is over something so minor?
@vinh: I get that, but I obviously disagree. It is what the final panel of this issue has to be — Dick zooming off to save Damian.
"Let Dick Swing"
Hahaha Trapeze Innuendo
very excited.
Not at all surprised and I don’t blame you at all. halfway thru the issue I thought, "how can this not be the pick"? Quietly draws the way I always wished I could when I was a kid.
@conor: I looked at it again and I’ll give it to you. It’s a little ambiguous to me, but I can see how it’s the last panel of the issue.
@conor- what was the “out of left field” book that you mentioned? Marvel Divas? For someone who hasn’t picked up books yet, what’s the quick recommendation on this book?
Last panel of not; that is a ridiculous monster truck Dick is riding.
I make no secret of the fact that I don’t like Grant Morrison and I’ve been dreading this book. That said, this issue was absolutely amazing, and pretty much I agree with everything Conor wrote. It’s the only book I’ve read so far this week (I still haven’t finished last week’s yet) but I don’t think I’ll be getting to anything else, because I have to go read Alfred and Dick’s conversation again. *millions of hearts* More of this. Seriously.
This book is damn good. I actually ALMOST passed on this one. I was planning on getting Detective, Batman, Red Robin, Streets of Gotham, batgirl and Gotham city Sirens, and i was going to not get this one because I didn’t like morrison’s previous stuff on batman. But then i figured "Hey, if I’m getting all the other ones, i might as well give this one a shot." Man am i glad i did as batman and Robin, after the first 2 issues, is easily my favorite of the bat books, and one of my favorite books, period.
@BC1 – from what I understand, you might want to check it out.
Can’t wait to read this book!
I’ve been hearing good things about Marvel Divas, too, for what that’s worth. I might end up picking it up, but I gotta say: "Marvel Divas" is the worst title ever. I mean, I think the CONCEPT of the book isn’t bad. I like B-list heroes. I like a focus on character interaction over action. But I just really… I just really can’t read a book called "Marvel Divas." It’s like… Sex and the City has gained a reputation as a chick show, but before it came out, if you told me there was a relationship show coming out called Sex and the City, I’d totally check it out. The name alone wouldn’t put me off. But right from the start, you’re playing to some seriously loaded stereotypes by titling your series "Divas."
OK, sorry, not to derail the thread.
But I will say that while Batman and Robin #2 is also my pick, this was a DAMN fine week of comic books. Almost every book I read was 4 or 5 stars. Cry for Justice, Greek Street, Witchfinder… any of these could have easily been the pick if B&R hadn’t come out. And Uncanny X-men and Iron Man were both well-done as well.
I seriously haven’t had a week of this high quality in quite some time.
Is Damien gettin shot on the last page? It seems to be the back view of his head and shoulders, but I’m not sure…
I knew this was going to be Connors pick. This issue was great and it saddens me that Frank Quitely will only be around for one more issue, but overall there were several nitpicks with issue. Now I know Grant Morrison is not a crime writer, correct if im wrong and he has written crime before, but it became very clear in this issue that he has very little knowledge in plotting a detective story.
One more thing, did anyone else laugh at the last page when they saw Dicks new ride?
I started to go through my stack, 12 total this week. Batman & Robin happen to be #4 and after reading it, called it a day. Both story and art was really strong. A Robin who does NOT respect Batman!?! A Batman who does not want to where the cowl!?! Is unsure he can play the role!?! Epic. I am torn, Bruce Wayne is the definition of bad-ass, but dare I say, I don’t think I want him to ever come back.
Definitely in the lead as my POTW.
Bruce should stay dead for at least 5 years… Hopefully the third movie gets delayed long.
I can’t see Dick as Batman. They should’ve chnaged the costumes, like they did with Bucky. The image of batman is so engraved in our minds as ‘Bruce Wayne, Masked Crusader’. That being said, I think they should kill Batman every week so that they can give more books to Dini and Rucka.
I don’t think they could have changed the costume as part of Dick’s inability to turn down the role was that he had to convince the underworld and Gotham at large that the same Batman was still around.
Can’t wait to read this book tomorrow when I get my stack. I used to put my favourites to the bottom of the pile, but these days they inevitably go to the top, and this issue will be no exception. Batman Reborn seems to be quite the success!
So do we know Marvel Divas was the leftfield possibility or might it be something else altogether? Enquiring minds need to know!
My LCS didn’t have any…he said Diamond have sold out! Did anyone else have this problem? E-bay here I come!
Nice! I can’t wait to read this. It was toward the bottom of my stack because it’s a "most anticipated read."
My shop was sold out but he put the variant in my box cuz I’m special.
I think Dick should of created an all black Batman suit for when he took over. It would make him look scarier in the night which could help him make up for the three or four inches Bruce has on him. Besides, even Superman isn’t rocking the underwear overtop of his tights look right now. This would’ve been a perfect time to do a much needed switch to a Bat-suit similiar to what they use in the movies. It’s nothing new, Tim Burton’s Batman was 20 years ago and I still haven’t heard any compliants about the all black suit.
I didn’t even know Marvel Divas was out yet. It sounds like it’s a straight up Gotham City Sirens rip off from the info I got, but I don’t know much about Marvel so "who knows?"
This arc is great though. Too bad Frank Quitely won’t be around again for a while.
The good news though is that all the new Bat titles are available for subscription at DCcomics dot com so it looks like they’ll be around for a while. I hope they all last a few years until Bruce comes back.
Final Crisis Aftermath RUN! was actually my pick of the week, but I would make this second place if that was possible. I just though RUN! could use the support though. It’s a really good book, this is probably better when you break it down but "oh well."
@robbydzwonar – I will agree on RUN! It has been great fun. I think part of its charm is that I didn’t see it coming. I think Josh gave it a pretty high score as well. It has been surprisingly solid.
The whole point of the story is that Dick has to be the same Batman that Bruce was to the people of Gotham. You can’t change the costume, because then it becomes a different story. And since this was the most perfect comic book issue maybe ever, that would be ridiculous.
I’d better read this soon; the expectation gauge is starting to show dangerously high readings.
All right, all right, I’m getting this issue. . .assuming I can still find issue 1 somewhere.
@robby — the marketing for Gotham City Sirens & Marvel Divas has been similiar but from what I understand the premises are different. Divas is about B-list superheroes while Sirens seems to be about morally ambiguous/villain characters. Just because it has ladies doesn’t make it the same book! (Though I agree the marketing similarity doesn’t help; I realized upthread that Daccampo has a point — I would probably have been much more inclined to pick DIVAS up if not for the title).
@Josh – Wow! "this was the most perfect comic book issue maybe ever". So, I guess we can add Batman and Robin to your top 5 ongoing list?
2 issues in with an artist who isn’t sticking around? No.
@josh – Fair enough.
This issue was comparable to All Star Superman #10. I never thought that I would say that.
THis was a great book. I was blown away by the first page as well.
@jimski – with this praise, you can only be disappointed (unless, upon reading it, it somehow cures a disease you didn’t even know you had).
Here’s some negativity for ya:
"Damian’s head is awfully big."
"On page 6, panel 3, the shadows on the back of Batman’s cape seem to be pointing the wrong direction from the light source in the room."
"I got a papercut turning the pages yesterday."
@BC!1- My guess is that Chew #2 made a play for POW. Though my store sold out so I don’t know if it was any good.
"You had at me at hello." Or rather, First page. I just… wow. What a beautiful first page to this book. What amazing battle scenes, what stellar characterization. Am I gushing? Yes. Is the book really this good? Yes. This is the Batman I want to read. A human, emotional, smart, clever Batman. I don’t have the feeling Dick has already put the plot together and is just "Playing along" like so many Bruce stories went. I just never expected to see this Batman back in the comics, especially after the Nolan films.
Great pick! This issue had everything, action, drama, a bat-four wheeler and kung-fu fighting siamese triplets! 🙂
I don’t get why people say Morrison doesn’t care about characters he freaking references Dick’s time on the Bludhaven PD; I want to see him write Dick speaking Roma
Did anyone see this connection when you read these two issues?
In that; basically Damian is the Jason Todd for Dick…..Let me explain. lol
Todd was not always a great partner to Batman. He didnt listen all the time, and when he decided to go against Batman’s wishes; he gets killed. Here Damian seems to be exactley the same way because he wont listen to Dick and when he wants to go out by his own rules…he gets his ass kicked.
I dont know if Morrison is doing this purposely but I saw that when re-reading the first two issues.
Okay, I caved and bought this and the previous issue. What can I say? They’re terrific. Probably the best character writing I’ve read from Morrison. I’ll at least stick with this through the Quitely issues.
@TNC – I can see that parallel, but I think the motivations are considerably different. Damian has no respect for Richard (I have reached my limit on the word "Dick") and supreme confidence in himself. Jason was rebellious as well, but he was going it alone out of desperation. The Joker had his mother. (That is my recollection of A Death in the Family. Thank you in advance to whoever corrects me if I’m wrong.)
@ohcaroline – Glad to hear you liked these. Now you need to read Red Robin and you will be as thoroughly brainwashed as the rest of us.
@stuclach Ha ha, don’t push your luck. But I am reading DETECTIVE and STREETS, and since I haven’t read a Batbook regularly since GOTHAM CENTRAL, it’s a step.
Now we just have to get you off those filthy mutant books. 😉
@ohcaroline – Psychological research says after doing something three times it becomes a habit. So…welcome to the Batfamily. Don’t try to resist it. Help yourself to this koolaid.
I don’t know if the three times thing is true, but these people think so (http://bit.ly/HkPlD).
I don’t know what Paul is talking about. I hate mutants. Especially stupid Scott Summers.
@ohcaroline – Who or what is a Scott Summers?
Now, this is what I call off topic.
@stuclach: I dont know what a Scott Summers is. But if I can just judge from the name:
It’s a mid-30’s male who never filters his asshole personality and takes his friends on missions he has no idea if it’ll work. That is…just from the name alone 🙂
@TNC – So…Damian is a "Scott Summers"?
You see what I did there?? Right back on topic. Is there some type of award available for thread repair?? A t-shirt with the iFanboy sausage ad on the back would be perfect. Size XXXXXXXXXXXXL. I love sausage.
Scott Summers was in a new comic that came out this week, UNCANNY X-MEN, which I would have enjoyed if I didn’t hate mutants as much as Paul loves Dick Grayson.
My pick of the week was ECHO, incidentally. Iron Man & Exiles were great, too. Is this still on topic or do I have to mention Batman?
Oh, wait, Dick Grayson is Batman.
Confused now.
@stuclach: I have no idea what just happened, but it was all kinds of awesome.
What was happening in the very last panel of the book? Not Dicks new ride, the page before that. Is something happening to Damien?
On the second-to-last page, Damian is under the dogpile of Pyg’s henchmen. The very bottom panel seems to be a cutaway to other henchmen in another part of Gotham. Suicide bombers causing mass destructionIt is kind of a jarring transition because you have to go by the change in background. If there’s one flaw in an otherwise perfect issue, it’s that that transition is probably too subtle.
Ok. That’s makes more sense than what I came up with originally.
Although, I haven’t had the chance to read Morrison’s and Quitely’s New X-Men, I believe that they had changed some of the character’s uniforms. Did that really change the character on a negative note? Why would it matter if Batman changed his costume to black or darker blue? The guy just lurks in the shadows all the time anyway, the only people who would even notice is Alfred, Damien, and Gordon. Maybe Alfie could make a cowl that has a more accessible cape for a guy of Richard’s stature to help him out some too? I don’t see how any of that would screw up the story. I’m not talking about some super bogus Batman costume Jean Paul Valley was rockin that I didn’t even think was cool in sixth grade.
When I don’t understand the last page of a serial comic book, I tend to think that’s because they’ll explain in the next issue. Still, if you have to have a shitty panel, this is the issue and that’s the spot to do it.
I think part of this story is about Dick trying to BE Batman. In doing so, he’s trying to take on everything as it was, and as Alfred says "play the role". If he goes the route of Bucky, where he says, "I’m not that guy, but someone else" that’s not the same as playing the role, that’s becoming something new. Gotham needs Batman, and it needs a Batman like Bruce, so that’s how Dick has to play it, and he’s uncomfortable with that, and that’s where his conflict comes from, since he’s not like Bruce.
That’s my read on it.
Re: Morrison and Quitely changing the uniforms in New X-Men there’s actually a lot of in-story discussion about why that change was made. I assume that their choices for the Bat uniform were made with similar thought; it’s not arbitrary and, as Josh said, it seems to be related to the idea of Dick performing the role of Batman.
we should have a little play-date for Batman and Captain America. They were reborn within a month of each other. isn’t that cute?
I loved this issue.
So can you tell me which comic this was?
"(That’s not to mention the totally surprising and totally out of left field comic that made a strong run for the top spot)"
Please tell me Batman Confidential #31
It was not BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL. You’ll find out what it was tomorrow on the show.
I’m guessing the left field book is either Chew #2 (which is getting awesome-r by the issue) or Greek Street #1 (which I have on my stack, but have not read yet).
And yeah. If there was anything like an orgasm in comic book format, B&R would be it. This is accessible Grant and that’s always way better that abstract Grant, in my opinion. He and Quitely bring it everytime they get together and I anxiously await each new issue. Sooooo good!
5 leva on USA Comics.
Was it Marvel Divas?
It´s going to hurt a lot when Phillip Tan takes the art chores over from Quitely. I´d happily go the All Star Superman Way and wait two years for twelve issues if it´d guarantee this kind of quality.
On another subject
I haven´t found anywhere else to comment on this, but first we got Umbrella Academy from My Chemical Romance guy (which turned out great), now the guy from fallout boy is doing his weirdi comic (let´s see how that turns out). So i´m wondering what will come next: Avril Lavignes Ninja vs. Zombie Pirates?
Had to get that off my back. Thanks
Finally got around to reading it. I only have this to say about it: So good.
Good review, Conor.
I can’t wait to see what the comment block for Wednesday Comics is gonna look like next week. I wasn’t jumping for joy about it when they first started talking about it, but it’s gaining on me now.
I really enjoyed the way Alfred is "leading without leading" in this issue. He’s able to give Richard exactly what he needs to put his conflicting feelings about being Batman (and his clashes with Damien) in a useful perpective.
After reading this I would be perfectly content for this dynamic (Dick & Damien) to play out for a LONG time.
I came in to comics late. A year ago (at 33) after seeing The Dark Knight, I needed more Batman. So I picked up a comic. Long story short, I wasn’t crazy about Bruce Wayne being killed off when I was just getting started. But I kept reading, and Grant Morrison has won me over in a huge way. From JLA, to All Star Superman, to Batman & Robin, he had hooked me. I’m now spending every spare moment (and every spare dollar) playing catch up reading trades. And a quick thank you to ifanboy for the great show and website. You guys have helped fill in the blanks and directed me to some great books. Thanks
@jonzombiex65 – Welcome to the site. I have also enjoyed much of Morrison’s work on Batman. You may want to check out his Seven Soldiers of Victory storyline. I am about halfway through and loving it (except for the opening issue. I wasn’t crazy about it.).
I forgot to suggest We3. I loved Morrison’s work on that, too.
i havent read any batman other than trades untill now. and i have to say its one of my best reads i have it has alsome art and the writer is alsome it almost makes you feel like you there it is an alsome read