BATMAN AND ROBIN #8

[ CHILD SAVINGS ] 

You should never be proud of death. Watching someone take their final breath. Batman knows this is a fact. Whilst Robin is just cracked. And Nobody is reading Macbeth. Sad story, but true story. Just ask, Writer: Peter Tomasi; Artist: Patrick Gleason; and Publisher: DC Comics in May 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

In 'Born to Kill: Black Dawn', Batman and Robin both try their best to cope with the aftermath of 'the brat' killing 'the nobody'.

ROBIN: As soon as Robin books an appointment for Nobody to see God, and then collapses through shear fatigue, he is then taken back to Wayne Manor by Papa-Batman, so that Alfred can take care of him.

BATMAN: Strangely enough, Batman is in a right talkative mood at the moment. He vocalizes his anguish to his dead-parents, about what he should do with Damien. He thanks Alfred for helping him and his son, in their hour of need. Plus he also relays to Damien some back-story concerning his own feelings towards Nobody, and what they both have in common.

Oh! And I best not forget, the Wayne's take their new dog, Titus, for a walk too. For a short while anyway.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Would I be cheating if I'd quote a quote from this issue? No. I don't think so either. I just thought the proverb Bruce told Damien a right 'eye opener' I can tell you...

'If you walk down a road paved with vengeance then you should dig two graves, one for your enemy and one for yourself'.

Not only does this poignant adage tell in very blatant terms the 'moral behind this story'. But it also is a very nifty saying to remember. Right, kids?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

Did you know that there was an invisible character in this issue of 'Batman and Robin'? True. It wasn't a person though, oh no. Instead, it was a question that resonated throughout the pages.

"SHIT! WHAT NEXT?".

OK, so maybe the expletive was not uttered. But the sentiment is one that has to be addressed sooner or later, making this story a blast in a book.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I may be picking at straws here, but I did not like the look of that 'hover car' that flew the 'dishevelled duo' back to the Batcave. Well, this is a story dowsed in reality, right? Not a sci-fi romp designed to the hilt with flashy gadgets and avant-garde automobiles.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: As I stated previously, the 'resonated question' was a very original concept to ply onto a Batman story. Also, I did like the way that Alfred received some kudos from Bruce, in the way that he helped him and his son when they both needed it. I just found this personal and non-translucent little touch, gave this book that added dimension in connecting the characters with 'us readers'.

ART: Patrick Gleason's style really does work wonders with the tone and the pace of this issue. His minimalist and moody approach at shading and depth, just makes certain panels appear to have come straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

WAYNE MANOR: OK. I know that this isn't the normal thing you'll find in a casting call. But I have already done Batman, Robin, and Alfred, so what else have I got, huh? Western Manor in the Cotswolds. This luxurious abode is very nice this time of year don't you know. 

TITUS: Wouldn't it be funny if you saw this bitch licking Batman's feet? No. Of course I do not mean the wonderful Paris Hilton. CoughCrapCough. I mean the bitches bitch 'Tinkerbell'. OK, I know that this cute canine isn't the same breed as Titus! But it would be a nice change of pace for this DCnU Batman, huh?

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

If You Kill Anybody Again Young Man, You Will Be Sent To Your Room Without Any Lunch.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

Quite some time ago, morose British rock-band, Tears for Fears, wrote a rather tranquil and moody song that mirrors the sentiment of this comic surprisingly well. Suffer The Children. Obviously. 

FINAL thoughts...

SHIT! WHAT NEXT? Can Batman actually let this slide? Robin killing someone. And if this is the case, what would happen if another member of his 'Bat-Family' would find out? Red-Robin? Nightwing? Talia? And dare I say it? The Red-Hood?  Ouch! This could be a right pain the cowl, huh? And a quandary which may stain Batman's reputation for many years's to come.

Interesting dilemma, worrying future.

MARKS out of 10? 8.5