This was an odd issue for me that just was not up to its usual standards.  I thought that Stewart's art was really good and enjoyed it quite a bit, as well as the Quietly cover.  The story, however, just wasn't there for me this week.  I'll go ahead and get my complaint about the misprint out of the way right now, that should not happen in a book, especially one this big.  But it happens, oh well, I'm over it.  I think my main problem with this story, other than it being kind of weird, is the overall lack of depth.  I mean, I understand what is going on, but the story is a little choppy, a little rushed, and I'm not sure how the cult aspect of the story makes a whole lot of sense.  Maybe it will be explained better next issue, as Batwoman's presence in the story is explained in this issue.  Speaking of Batwoman, as a reader of Detective Comics she seems much weaker and unprepared in this book than she does in DC.  Hell, Morrison even kills her off (I know she will be resurrected).  Just didn't work for me because she is a cool character and I just did not think Morrison did her justice in this issue.

There are, however, some positives about this book besides the art.  I like the ongoing story with Damian and his recovery, especially now that the clone Batman is after him and Alfred.  It was also nice to see some explanation, although brief, as to whose body was being kept in the Batcave since we know Bruce isn't dead.  I'm glad we are approaching Bruce Wayne coming back, though I know others wish he would be gone for longer and I too am enjoying the Batman books right now, I miss Bruce Wayne as Batman.  I also rather like having Batwoman in the book, even if she is not written particularly well.  I'm hoping she is written better for the rest of the story.  I'm interested to see where this book goes from here, and fell that while this issue was more or less subpar, it could be setting up a good storyline for the next few issues.

Overall, a bit disapointing but not terrible.

My rating: 3/5

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