From DC Comics, Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray.

This will be a full and frank discussion of the comic book.  So if you haven’t read it yet don’t read this review.  Carry on!

This is what I’m talking about!  After the disappointing Batgirl issue this month, Batman and Robin arrives on the stands with an incredible story that actually deals with the repercussions of Death of the Family.

Bruce, Alfred and Damien try to get a good night’s sleep after the terror they experienced from the Joker.  Every one of them has dreams/nightmares and it reveals so much about the characters psyches.  Alfred’s gun is incredible.  Bruce’s Moby Joker is an image and an idea that will come back to the Batman line of comics for years.  But Damien.  Holy crap Damien.

I was apathetic to the character before.  I’m well aware that many hate him and many love him, but I hadn’t read anything that put me on either side of the argument before this issue.  Sure, much of it is Peter’s writing.   The dueling Damiens.  The haunting image of Batman being bled by his namesake.  Finally the childish glee of the ending.  It was just fun to read.

Then there is Patrick’s art.  There is one panel, in which Damien holds his boot next to his father’s, and this one image says volumes.  How Damien sees his father, himself, their alter egos.  It put me permanently into the Damien fan club.

By all means if you’re one of the many who picked up Batman this month be sure to grab Batman and Robin as well.  Scott Snyder isn’t the only one doing new exciting and enjoyable new things with the Bat family.