This is not really a review, so I’ll just say that the book was great, and move on to other thoughts.

In September, the DC Universe changed, and the transformation was accompanied by no small amount of fanfare, both from within and beyond the comics community. The months leading up to the relaunch were met first with confusion, then trepidation, culminating in a blend of anxiety and excitement about what was to come. And DC Comics did not disappoint; the relaunch was fresh, and it was new, and it generated a whole different buzz, a better buzz than DC had enjoyed for a while. And we fans were entranced and enthralled, and though we were hesitant at first, we eventually jumped on board with both feet and decided to ride the train to wherever it would take us, and never look back.

I’d gotten so used to the DCnU that I had almost forgotten about the Universe That Was. Until this issue, that is. And this issue reminded me that although there was some dead weight that got jettisoned when the Universe started over, there were some good things that got left behind, too. This book and its crazy concept was one of them. Opening its pages and seeing Stephanie Brown as Batgirl, Dick Grayson in a Batman suit, alongside of Red Robin and Robin, with Bruce sporting the “glowing oval” suit–it was pure, unadulterated nostalgia. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now.

I realize that the next (final?) chapter of this story will be set in a time post-relaunch, and then the DCnU will probably move past all this, unhindered by unfinished stories from former continuity. But this walk down memory lane was most timely and welcome. Thanks, Mr. Morrison, for reminding us that what once was great–still is.