This is not a great book as a single issue; however it is a good chapter in Morrison’s larger Batman arc with roots in RIP, Final Crisis and the Return of Bruce Wayne.  It’s the typical first part of a new arc, laying foundations for things to come but it is enough to keep me interested and looking forward to the next issue.

First, the Frank Quitely cover was awesome.  We’ve all seen a Batman try to prevent a Robin-Joker-crowbar three-way from happening before, and it’s apparently Batman’s fate to always be late to that party.  I only wish this was the same Joker that was in the interior. I hope Quitely will be doing another arc on this book.

The story is good, again as a part of the larger story.  Gordon and Bats are piecing together the puzzle of El Penitente’s plan that goes back to the first arc and Professor Pyg.  Robin interrogates the Joker, which gave me my favourite the line of the book “I was a Little Boy Wonder once, too.”  And of course, we get the ever popular Robin-Joker-Crowbar, which is now a staple of Batman books. 

But by far, the best part of the book is the prologue with Dr. Thomas Wayne.  There is some stuff in those first four pages, which like anything Morrison does is going to require a bit more explanation. And the best panel of the book is Dr. Wayne apparently at the cosplay party in the hotel from “The Shining”.  Can you actually show that panel in comics, with out having it wrapped in a paper bag, or having to ask for it from behind the counter.  There is some suggestive shit going on in the background.

The art is very cool, except for the fact that I don’t like Irving’s Batman or Joker and that is a problem for a Batman title.  The coloring is exceptional, the background coloring evokes emotion and establishes mood.  There are some amazing Batmobile scenes; one in particular has the B-car just sitting there in a foggy red mist.

I don’t always get Morrison and what he does, but I’ve been having a tremendous amount of fun over his entire Batman run.  I’m invested, but I’m starting to want some answers, and it looks like they might finally be coming.  Its only 3 days, 3 comic book days, 3 Morrison comic book days,  until the eclipse in Gotham and it is going to be a dark day when Bruce returns. 

If you are new and are interested in Batman you really should go back to the start of Morrison’s run on Batman and follow the whole run through.  It’s a fun ride, full of cool ideas, it’s sometimes frustrating but it is very rewarding and intriguing.  When it’s all said and done, I’ll be going back to take the ride again.