This issue moves all the pieces in place for Batman RIP. The talk between Robin and Nightwing hits upon the idea that Batman had to pay a price for what he went through in 52. I don't have my issues out at the moment, but I believe I remember one of the warriors who cleansed Bruce in the desert said something to that effect as well. I think this is going to play heavily into RIP, someone comes to collect what he owes for that experience. This issue also brings Talia and Damion into play as well. They both realize something is going on, and are working on a plan to deal with it.

The main part of the issue is the dinner between Bruce and Jezebel, and the attack on them. I don't think it was a coincidence that a member of the 10- eyed warriors was who attacked them, and I also think the fact he was missing one finger has some significance as well. The scene with Bruce in the kitchen shows how paranoid he is becoming with all that is going on with the 3 Batmen, and his mysterious ultimate adversary. While Jet is yet another flame that discovers  Bruce's identity, I somehow this won't be like all the others, and may play a large role in RIP.

The art was pretty mediocre in this scene. Many of the figures had unnecessary line work on their facing giving it a very sketchy look that was not appealing. Bruce just looked freakish in quite a few scenes. One thing the artist nailed perfectly was the scene with Bruce standing over the body of the assailant with the Bat-Signal in the background. That scene gave me shivers. Other than that, this issue left me missing Tony Daniels a lot.

This issue was a lot of set-up for RIP, but it left me ready for the event, and gives us many different things to consider as we head into this event