When we last left Batman and Robin (boy, that sounds so cliche), they found themselves face to face with their new adversaries in town - the new "Dynamic Duo" of The Red Hood and his sidekick, Scarlett. Bare in mind, this is the same Red Hood that's had multiple incarnations of himself done in the past, and while I thought it would be a guessing game to who his true identity is, the beans were spilled in this issue... and the result was just too obvious. Regardless of that fact, the book clings on to what makes it a hot title - pure dynamic action and heart stopping adventure. This issue's got that and a whole lot more, but if you're new to the series and just got started, it would be wise to backtrack and catch up on the first four issues if you haven't thus far. Things get serious for the new Bat-Team from here on out, and it's a dangerous game they're playing in Gotham City.
Batman and Robin #5Written By: Grant Morrison
Illustrated By: Philip Tan
Cover By: Frank Quitely
After crashing an underworld meeting and eliminating most of the criminals involved, the deadly team of the Red Hood and Scarlett finally come face to face with the new Batman and Robin. The two teams engage in a melee that's short lived, but the Dynamic Duo manage to save the Penguin from biting the bird's nest, placing him in protective police custody. The hood, revealed to be the returning Jason Todd, is not deterred by the crime fighters, and has firmly resolved to dispose of the two if they get in his way. What both parties don't know, however, is that the mafia's hitman"El Flamingo" has arrived in Gotham, and he's not playing cops and robbers either.
The second part of the Red Hood saga is where the fun begins, and I'm happy to say that Grant Morrison makes great use of the all characters involved in the story, including the titular villain of this story arc. I was a bit hesitant to assume that Jason Todd would be returning to this alias again, but given the guy's penchant for using firearms and extreme measures to combat crime, there's no one else worthy enough to assume that corrupted mantle again other than him. It makes perfect sense too, considering that his time as "Batman" during "Battle For The Cowl" also saw the troubled ex-Robin take up guns and go ballistic everywhere he sees a crime happening. Honestly, I'm not much of a fan of Jason or his Red Hood persona, but Morrison may just make me a believer yet. His portrayal of the character is in line with continuity, and he's always been the renegade who'll cross the line to get the job done, hence the many slogans used like "The Punishment Fits The Crime". Jason's new look sans the hood is a questionable makeover, but I guess that's the book's way of distancing him from the Bat-Family, and the narrative does explain why he looks that way. Hopefully we'll get more back story on his character by the next issue.
While we already know that the Hood's going to give the new Bats a run for his money, let's not forget about his partner in crime, Scarlett, who's become more dangerous than ever since her introduction a few issues ago. Morrison fleshes out her back story and "evolution" into her new persona in the first three pages of the book, and it's up to the reader whether he wants to be sympathetic or disgusted at what she has become now. As another victim of circumstance, the girl formerly known as Sasha has now fully embraced her new life as a "crime fighter", taking up the Red Hood's cause and becoming quite an effective sidekick in the process. In the last issue's review, I mentioned her use of the Iphone to take snapshots and "tweet". Apparently, it's become an effective means of "getting the message" to the citizens of Gotham City that "Crime Will Pay", which clashes with the "No Kill" mantra that Batman and Robin subscribe to. In fact, the way Jason compares his team to the Dynamic Duo are priceless quips you have watch and read for. Also, watch out for the hidden elements, including that conspicuous looking fellow/ author/ amateur detective. Knowing Morrison, he's got tricks up his sleeve still, and he's really on a role here.
Ok, now that we've defined the baddies, let's not forget the stars of the show - "Batman and Robin". These two give their weakest performance yet in this issue, and I'm not exaggerating either. They get kicked in the arse big time, and get captured and sent somewhere unknown by the Hood and Scarlett. Call it sloppiness or the first mistake the duo's made, but I think they've finally met their match, and now they're in a situation that's akin to the "1960's Bat-Traps" we'd see Adam West and Burt Ward in as kids. "Will the Dynamic Duo get out of this predicament in one piece? Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion... Same Bat Time... Same Bat Channel!". Heh, I've always wanted to say that, and with Robin wounded and Batman unconscious, it fits the description perfectly. The last few pages, showing the Hood and Scarlett face their own problems in the form of "El Flamingo", shows a similar deadly situation up for the "Deadly Duo", and their attacker is one messed up assassin who's got dirty secrets of his own fleshed out in this book. This felt a bit anti-climactic, but we'll never know the true end to things until the next issue when the saga wraps up.
With another book out and about, it's safe to consider this issue of Batman and Robin a good read for those dying to have some Dynamic Duo action. I admit, this isn't a strong stand alone issue compared to the others, but it's great if it's collected, full of messed up elements and crime fighting in each story that Morrison's become well known for during his entire Batman run. Add that to the amazing talent of Philip Tan and his pencils, and you've got a solid book that should cover your weekend reading nicely. As always, Morrison's other pencil buddy Frank Quitely handles the alternate cover art to this book, so there's always an option if you're one to collect multiple covers. Pick this one up if you've gotten this far since the start of the series. Otherwise, wait for the tpb, and read up more reviews around to find out why everyone's talking about this book. Definitely, it's a must read for the average Bat fan.
Score - 8/10
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