BATMAN AND ROBIN #12

[ MY BAT-COUPONS ] 

It's the final stand for all four of the Robins. Lets hope that there no Prancers or any Dobbins! Bruce will be annoyed. In fact he'll go into a void. With General Zod and the actor Tim... err... what was his name again? Maybe these chaps might know? Writer: Peter J. Tomasi; Artist: Patrick Gleason; and Publisher: DC Comics in August 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Have you ever been involved in a riot heralded by the cast of Glee at a funfair before? If so, then you'd have a pretty good idea what this issue of Batman and Robin, entitled 'Terminus - Last Gasp', is all about.

• Picture the scene if you're still reading this sh*t. The bad-guy knows as Terminus is in the process of turning Gotham City into Kim Kardashian's talent -- you figure it out -- and it's up to Batman and Robin to kick everyone back into touch to makes matters Matins Sheen again -- no comment.
• But alas, this task is too much for them, and that is why they are more than grateful -- ha! -- When the ex-Robin's turns up on the scene and a power-up is relayed.
• BOOM!
• OK, more than one power-up.   

Only to be continued if Damien promises to be good boy in the future.

Opps!

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

There were three pieces of dialogue in this issue that I thought were a blast to read. Firstly, when Batman says to Terminus 'Seen one lunatic, you've seen them all' -- that was very apt. Secondly, Nightwing 'Fight Club' gibe and his 'Foot fetish' comment to Red-hood -- that was very apt too. And thirdly, Jim Gordon's musing of 'Always nice when something new works the way you want it to' -- apt-city.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

The two stand-out scenes for me in this story were, firstly, seeing all of the Robin's battling together side by side -- I've been dying to see that for ages. And secondly, the Batman power-up was rather unexpected, and I found it a nice surprise too.   

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

The whole end sequence where Batman ran off to save the city from a nuclear bomb was something I've seen many-many times before. Also, as much as it pains me to say this, I would have liked to have seen who would have won out of Damien against Tim or Dick.

Admittedly, these are very small gripes compared to the quality of this issue. Nonetheless, one's worth mentioning all the same.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: One of the most creative things about this tale was the flavour of its structure. It stated off on a high-pitched keel, and then it became more and more daring by the page turn.

Oh! This reminds me of something else. Check out what I mean by this somewhere below. 

ART: Is it just me, or is Patrick Gleasons art getting better by the book? Honestly, at first I wasn't too keen on his manga style at all. However, in this story I felt that he added a little more detail to his line-work -- more depth even.

Moreover, his Batman 'power-up' was a real sight for sore eyes. Dynamic. Bold. And somewhat reminiscent to the Dark Knights 'Kingdom Come' attire.

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

RED-HOOD: Mainly because of the foot fetish comment, I feel compelled to cast this troublesome crusader as the male pornographic actor, James Deen. I hear he has a red-hood too. Allegedly.

NIGHTWING: Now still sticking with this same risqué theme, why not cast everyone's favourite second in command as someone like Johnny Sins -- just with a better hat and a lot more gadgets of course.  

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

Let's Get This Party Started Batman Style! So Who's Going To Bring The Nuclear Warhead?

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

As hinted up above, I have no choice but to compare this comic book parable to a fireworks display. Yes. I said a 'fire-work'. Both of them share a bold and dynamic tone that is just captivating to follow. 

See?

FINAL thoughts...

Compared to lasts issue, this one was a nice step in the right direction. The story was more focused. The art was more detailed. The tale was very pleasing to plough through. And all in all the overall vibe was a... err... have I said 'blast' too many times?

Anyway, bravo Peter and Patrick. All you have to do now is to define what this book is all about within the confines of the  'Bat-Universe', and we will have a winner for sure.

MARKS out of 10? 9