Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have the unenviable task of following up on the devastating “Batman Incorporated” #8. While this could have easily been a melodramatic filler issue, “Batman and Robin” #18 is a wonderful treatise on the Batman and Robin relationship, and graphic story-telling in general.
Spoiler Warning for “Batman Incorporated” #8.
Written by Peter Tomasi
Illustrated by Patrick Gleason• You dare not miss this issue!
• It’s the BATMAN AND ROBIN story of the year!
Fans of Jonathan Hickman’s “Fantastic Four” run may remember the silent issue following the death of the Human Torch in ‘Three.’ This story-telling technique required artist Nick Dragotta to tell a story through facial expression, body movement and positioning. This allowed the reader to insert their own meaning based on real life experiences, resulting in an emotionally powerful issue unique to each reader. Tomasi and Gleason use the same approach, and in doing so craft the perfect companion to “Batman Incorporated.”
While this issue follows from “Batman Incorporated,” it’s written with regular “Batman and Robin” readers in mind. Tomasi touches on threads and themes from earlier in his run. Alfred mourns over the Bat-family portrait that was seen a few issues back. Damian’s portrait remains unfinished, with blank space enveloping the character. This can represent both the void left in Bruce and Alfred’s life, as well as the limited amount of time they had with Damian. Titus, Damian’s dog, sulks around the manor, waiting for his master who will never return. We follow Bruce as he reflects on Damian’s leftover belongings; his mat by the fireplace, his sketch journal, his robin costume. These scenes presents sides to Damian’s character that aren’t often seen behind his tough exterior.
Bruce deals with his loss in the only way he knows how, by going out on patrol. However, there’s no escape from his searing grief, as he sees Damian by his side at every turn. Soaring over the streets of Gotham, in the passenger seat of the Batmobile, Damian’s ghost haunts Batman, reminding him of happier times. It’s been suggested that the companionship of a Robin helps temper Batman’s rage. Without a Robin by his side, Bruce goes on a rampage. Gleason draws a Batman that is larger than life, a force of nature that envelopes all of Gotham. In the end, Bruce returns to his cave to find one last message from Damian, bringing this issue to its emotional climax.
Comic books are obviously a graphic story-telling medium, but more often than not art takes a backseat to the writer’s words. Here, the story-telling responsibility falls squarely on Gleason’s shoulders, but he’s more than up to the task. The plot is easy to follow and the character’s moods and actions instantly understandable, even without dialogue or narration guiding the reader.
It’s hard to not gush over this book page by page, as there isn’t a single page that is lacking in detail or noteworthy composition. From small touches like the Bruce’s stubble or the wrinkles in his grimaced face, or the scene on the top of the GCPD, Gleason packs a ridiculous amount of detail in this issue. The rest of the art team deserves praise as well. Inker Mick Gray makes wonderful use of shadow, covering Bruce’s face in darkness as he stands next to a fire, or casting Batman as a black figure crouched on a lamp post. Colorist John Kalisz uses a red-heavy pallet; fire, blood, and ominous skies. The colorist widens up on a fantastic double page spread, depicting Batman’s one man rampage through Gotham drenched in a full spectrum of color.
We have a few more weeks to wait before Grant Morrison has the chance to deal with the fallout of Damian’s death. However, “Batman and Robin” #18 does a wonderful job of capturing Bruce’s grief at the loss of his only son. The death of the Waynes is the tragic driving force behind all Batman does, but the loss pales in comparison to the loss of a child. “Batman and Robin” has at times struggled to remain relevant among the handful of other Batman books, but issues like this go a long way towards proving its worth.
Final Verdict:8.8 – Buy. A beautiful book, both artistically and emotionally.
