I decided a long time ago that I would buy this hardcover because I was reading the first two arcs of Batman & Robin so much that the issues were getting all banged up from me taking them outta the polybags so damn much.  I have quite a few of the variants in my collection so I figured it would make more sense just to buy the book and just pull it off the shelf when I wanted to read it again, and I do read it a lot. Especially the first arc with Frank Quitely that just kicks ass, even though I’ll admit Quitely isn’t my most favorite artist…

A whole bunch of folks say that the second arc is what pulled a lot of people out of the story but I always had to disagree there.  Phillip Tan certainly isn’t one of my favorite artist either, actually I don’t even have a favorite, but the guy’s stuff isn’t a fraction of as bad as people seem to say.  I really didn’t have a problem with him at all until the last issue in this collection where things seemed a bit rushed, but I can’t complain because I HATE delays!!!  Tan’s arc might not be the most beautiful thing ever printed or published, but he surely got the job done accurately, and in time leaving me dying in anticipation for Cameron Stewart and Andy Clarke to takeover.  I plan on buying the second hardcover as well!

Other than Frank Miller, and Loeb’s HUSH arc, it’s in my opinion that Morrison’s run on Batman AND Batman & Robin is the best thing to happen to the modern take of the character, not taking anything away from Dini’s run on Detective which I find pretty compliant too. 

There were peeps out there who absolutely hated Damian Wayne when he first came on to the scene, but I’ve always loved the little jerk (not in a homo child molester way though).  I always though Dick Grayson and Tim Drake as Robin were too big of ass kissers and I always enjoy it when Jason Todd or the Scrappy Doo-like Damian mix things up quite well.  Morrison definitely brings out the best in the character.  Tony Daniel writes a decent Damian too, but never nearly as in depth.  It would be foolish to think that DC doesn’t have BIG THINGS planned for the little jerk in the future of the Batman line, even when the big BW returns to the fold, and the Batman & Robin hardcover is the best inclusion of the future Batman yet!  Most folks say that there is no way a 10-year old could bring so much to the table, but you guys need to understand:  First of all, Damian isn’t any regular person.  He was literally BRED to be a warrior.  Second:  He was raised by his mother’s fraction of the league of assassins.  And THIRD:  This is a fucking comic book!!  Stop taking things so damn seriously…

Nightwing was never my favorite character, but Grayson as Batman makes things a whole lot more interesting.  The Return Of Bruce Wayne has already begun, so it is very obvious that Grayson as Batman is only a limted engagement.  I’d enjoy it while it lasts because I certainly am.

This will most likely get my vote for hardcover release of the year.