I've been ignoring my time with DC comics lately, partly because of the numerous storylines I've had to follow, and the long waiting gaps of titles that were delayed due to a brief hiatus period. Batman and Robin falls in the latter category, and as a true blooded bat-fan, I've only recently given myself the time to reacquaint myself with the new Dynamic Duo's adventures. In a way, it's the flagship title for now until Bruce Wayne's eventual return, and with Grant Morrison handling matters, things are bound to get worse before they get better, and that's just what's happening now with "Blackest Knight".
Batman and Robin #7 and 8Writer: Grant MorrisonArtist: Cameron StewartWhen we last left the new Batman and Robin, they had a final confrontation with the Red Hood and Scarlett, which ended with Jason Todd's arrest and a paralyzed Damian Wayne brought to his mother Talia for spinal surgery. Before being put away by the cops, Todd vehemently shouts out to the new Batman, Dick Grayson, that he could have brought the original back to life through a Lazarus Pit - a device utilized by the great assassin Ra's Al Ghul, which brings the user back to life, but drives them unpredictably insane as well. Jason's words strike deep into Dick's heart, and his conscience wrestles with the prospect of finally bringing his mentor - the true Batman - back to life. With no second thoughts about the matter, Dick Bats brings the charred remains of the Dark Knight to England, where one of the few remaining Lazarus Pits remain. To find it, Dick enlists the aid of Britain's resident caped crusaders, Squire and Knight, and go through the local criminal connections to find its location. After a go around that involves the Pearly Prince and Pearly King, Knight eventually finds the Pit and alerts New Bats and Squire to its location, but not without a few surprises and hijinks involved. After battling henchmen of the insidious King Coal, Batwoman is suddenly found in a coffin, and after a brief misunderstanding, joins the team to find the body of the "Real Batman" rising from the newly found Lazarus Pit. Now that the deed is done and his heart's desire seemingly fulfilled, can Dick Grayson finally pass back the torch to his mentor... or has he made the gravest mistake of his life?Right at home and at the element he wants to be in, Grant Morrison is having a hell of a time taking Bat fans to where no caped crusader has gone before, and in this case, it's Dick Bats who will take the ultimate plunge by playing with forces not meant to be tampered with. This story is more of a tease than the actual return of the original Dark Knight, and explores a side that not too many stories in the comic world address nowadays - your good old fashioned "back from the dead with reprecussions" tale. Besides bearing no relation to the DC event monstrosity that is "Blackest Night", "Blackest Knight" is a well though off tale that practically wraps up loose threads that faithful readers have been puzzled with Morrison's other stories, particularly "Batman R.I.P" and "Final Crisis". Rest assured, it answers questions many have directed and postulated over the demise of The Dark Knight, and evidently, it's priming everything up for the "Return Of Bruce Wayne", which is a separate miniseries due this May.
As an adventure out of Gotham, it's fun to see Dick Grayson on a solo adventure that's more of a personal crusade than an actual call for action in a foreign land. His progress as the new Batman has been stellar, and while one may point out that he's far too lax and less menacing than the original, he handles the role quite well on his own, even succeeding in areas that his mentor could not. Damian is excluded from this adventure, but his recuperation under his mother and Alfred's care is seen when the story drifts to check on his progress. New Bats does get help though with Squire and Knight, and these two offer a cheerful dynamic than the cynical and brash attitude Damian offers to Mr. Grayson 24/7. Also, the lovely Batwoman gets to guest star in this story, but for what reasons besides offering fillers in the plot I don't know. Probably all will be revealed and everything will come full circle in the final part of this tale. While the last chapter of this nefarious tale is still due next week , those keeping a close eye on things will notice the subtle hints and pieces Morrison has placed fall into place, particularly in issue #8, when the deed has been done and the once charred remains of "Batman" are brought back to life.
Frank Quitely takes a break from art duties save for the covers, and stepping in for him is another talented artist - Cameron Stewart. While his pencils may be quite different, Stewart's art is pretty neat on its own and does well to tell the story and illustrate this big and challenging situation in the new career of Dick Grayson. It gets the job done in a good way, and the bat action scenes are nicely drawn to perfection. In a way, it's art that takes inspiration from Batman Animated, and it also tries to mimic Quitely's art for consistency purposes. All in all it's a different take and a good change for the meantime.
Overall, I like the "Blackest Knight", and what becomes of Dick and Damian because of the events here will probably change the dynamic of the "dynamic duo" for the future.There will be consequences, I bet, and knowing Morrison, we'll be treated to more twists and turns before there's actually resolution involved that people will be happy about. Anybody looking for the best Batbook around, you've come to the right place.
Ratings -
7/10 (Issue #7) 8/10 (Issue #8)
