Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #40

Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's Batman and Robin and I have been through hell and back. In the beginning, I've witnessed the father and son, Bruce and Damian Wayne, struggle with establishing trust and partnership in the Born to Kill story arc (my all-time favorite New 52 story), which essentially proved to be worth all the drama once I was reassured with the affirmation of the love and affection that grew steadily between them as seen in the first annual. There was also that symbolic dream sequence issue that solidified this title as an emotionally resonant piece. 

As I journeyed on, I saw Damian Wayne survive his first encounter with the Joker but his mother's vengeance proved to be deadlier which tragically cost him his life as examined in the wordless issue of REQUIEM. We also get Alfred's heartbreaking singular scene about it, Batman's uneven stages of grief and his hunt for his son's corpse, until we finally reached the coiling prickle of ascent in Robin Rises, an arc that restored my faith in everything when it finally resurrected Damian Wayne in his rightful position as the Boy Wonder--but not without inheriting accidental superpowers courtesy of the chaos shard. And this is the final stage that Damian has to overcome now that he has returned for good.

One thing that has made Tomasi and Gleason's collaborative work on Batman and Robin for New 52 so heartbreaking, intelligent, meaningful and commendable lies in the strength of its characterizations and development which serve as the driving force behind the stories Bruce and Damian encounter along the way issue after issue. It is proven time and time again that this is foremost a story about father and son at its very core and Tomasi only goes wrong when he starts deviating from this trusted formula which had happened once or twice with the forgettable Terminus and zombie arcs. Those are necessary mistakes, however. 

On the other hand, Gleason as the artist has immensely improved with his visual style and approach. This was realized and highlighted in his depictions of the scenes for Robin Rises as further enhanced by inker and colorist Mick Gray and John Kalisz respectively. I remember remarking on the bland simplicity of his earlier work for B&R which was why I am more than happy to say now that he has since grown and honed his artistry. His visual contributions to Tomasi's narrative helped this series become what it is today for fans like me who remained steadfast and supportive to this dynamic duo's adventures, trials and triumphs across the short years they've been in print since the launch of New 52. This title for me was simply an exercise in beauty and grace that can only be found in the storytelling of the comic book medium. This is the final issue of the series and therefore my last review, and I would just like to say that nothing has been as moving and intense as witnessing Damian Wayne grow up and be a hero worth believing in as depicted tirelessly and with great care and sensitivity as Mr. Tomasi had. 

His writing for this Robin has stirred many powerful emotions from me as well as imparted valuable lessons regarding real strength, compassion and familial love and devotion. I admit I was wary and anxious when Damian was resurrected with powers but I was glad that this only showed how much he has evolved as a person. He may still display cocky tendencies here and there but he's no longer the selfish boy I've met in the beginning; trained by his own mother to be a killing machine and has a complete disregard for his own safety and sanity. This Damian Wayne has proven himself to be his own brand of heroism once he has finally embraced the goodness and light that were always a big part of the reason why his father never stopped believing in him. 

Here are some of my favorite moments for this issue:

In the end, Damian Wayne did lose his super powers (which were drained from him after extensive use) but he has gained something more long-lasting. He wasn't broken up about it at all which showed his maturity. Damian doesn't need to be a Superboy. He's Robin and that's all that matters to him. To end this amazing and glorious series, Gleason gave us this panels reminiscent and nostalgic of the Batman and Robin I grew up loving. I literally squealed as I turned the pages and then cried a little all over again with that subtle moment of Batman glancing at his side (which was a call back to that scene in Requiem), happy to see that his son is truly fighting beside him once more as his partner. It was such a powerful scene for me. 

It was a happily-ever-after I will never trade for anything!

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT OF BATMAN AND ROBIN, Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason!~

RECOMMENDED FOREVER AND EVER: 10/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #39

I've been so busy with my X-Men comics diet that I wasn't even able to keep tabs of DC announcements in the last three months or so, which was why I completely missed the news concerning the cancellation of Peter J. Tomasi's Batman and Robin. Well, DC is launching with brand-new solo titles of select heroes this June. That roster includes Cyborg, Starfire, Black Canary, etc. But why is this happening, you say? There was a big event in the DC universe just recently called Convergence (and Divergence, apparently? Let's find out on May 2) so that debacle pretty much affected the New 52 continuity A LOT.  Not to worry, it won't be another reboot, of course. There are just some additions and adjustments we all need to get cozy with come June. The most notable of which is the fact that there's going to be a total of twenty-four new titles to be released. 

See, I know there's a reason why I've been avoiding exploring the other corners of DC and decided to focus mainly on Bat-titles instead. DC, after all, is filled with crazy, shifting events and I don't want to approach that roaming storm at its highest velocity just yet. One of these days, I will get around to JLA and Futures End stories but first and foremost, I'm all about Batsy and his fam.

Anyone who has been reading my reviews in BCG would know by now that Batman and Robin is my most favorite title from New 52 (Born to Kill as my topmost fave graphic novel for New 52 as well) because Damian Wayne is my Robin. And he is going to get HIS OWN TITLE! And you know who's writing AND illustrating it? It's no other than Patrick Gleason, current B&R artist! INSERT MORE EXCLAMATION POINTS HERE! That's why I had no reason to be heartbroken over the cancellation of Tomasi's B&R because I'm looking forward to Robin, Son of Batman A LOT! Sure, I'll miss Tomasi's interpretation of the father-and-son dynamic and relationship but a part of being a comic book fan is being able to fiercely hold onto the stories we love while also having the courage to let go when change comes to pass. I'll probably post a tribute entry for the B&R series as soon as it releases its final issue (#40?) just to finalize my own farewells.

Now let's move on to the review. First off, THAT COVER. I literally squealed as soon as I beheld it. It was reminiscent of Action Comics' cover of the very first appearance of Superman back in 1939. Looking at it just makes me giggle a few times in a knowing, douche-y sort of way, inviting the questioning glances of strangers sitting close to me in a bench as I stared at this one's cover for a while. At that point, before I even began reading, I made two inferences: (1) this is going to be a fun issue, and that (2) Superman might be making a guest appearance. I was ultimately right on both accounts.

I'm confident about Pat Gleason's art style by now. I've witnessed him grow so much as an artist since issue #1 and no other issue testifies to his creative progress more severely than this one. Super-powered Boy Wonder might be a filler story but it manages to be incredibly engrossing even when it's more or less filled with goofy moments and hilarious dialogue exchanges. While issue #38 was a rather poignant and reflective issue where Damian Wayne makes peace with his clones by allowing them to live and this singular act has therefore cleansed him of his violent past as an al Ghul, this issue is lighter and funny. Beginning with Robin taking away Penguin, Killer Croc and villains that appeared in that forgettable Terminus arc (Termi-who?), he ties them all in a neat bundle then flies up so he can dangle them in stratosphere (I mean, why the fuck not?) so they can have some serious discussion concerning a shift in the Gotham status quo. At the last minute, his powers failed him and the collective thugs almost fall to their deaths but Batman luckily swoops in with his plane. He grimly looks at his son and orders him to get down. Damian looks away from his dad, and right at us, with a vaguely embarrassed expression in his face. The golden moments don't stop there. Next we see Bruce and Damian in civilian clothes, in a fishing boat, supposedly bonding like a father and son should--only Bruce admits that this was all Alfred's idea. Neither is enjoying the quiet time at the lake, that's for sure. They do have a conversation about the most likely origin of Damian's powers (something about the chaos silver shard Batsy used to resurrect him).

I just love the absolute hilarity of this issue. As much as I'm pleased that he was wise enough to make peace with some of painful aspects of his past in the last issue, I'm also glad to see Damian running around with his powers like a normal ten-year-old this time, where he gets cocky and demonstrates his prowess in the most immature of ways. The most memorable of which has to be when he stared carrying around the Bat-signal (Oh, look it's been repaired. Shall we start a countdown for the next time it gets destroyed AGAIN?) It was such a ridiculous (and endearing) image of him, prancing with said large equipment on his back, shining light on the scum of the streets, warning them not to do anything criminal. Once more, Batman was there, unfazed by his son's increasingly erratic behavior. Can we talk about how awesome Bruce is this issue? He's more trusting and patient lately. He might be worried about the grave consequences of his son's newfound abilities but he's taking it in a stride, generally just grateful that his boy is alive. It's subtle and unspoken but it's definitely apparent that Bruce and Damian are a real family now, and their love and devotion to each other have deepened after all the trials they have faced and conquered individually and as a unit.

The most striking of moments happened after Batman and Robin apprehended a group of criminals and Damian, in frustration, reveals exactly how he feels about his new abilities which is basically the fact that he's NUMB and this must be so terrifying for him. He might be invincible but it would seem like having such powers is not necessarily a good thing if it meant that he was feeling less human. I really thought this moment was brilliant, especially the way Bruce handled it:

The last four to five pages were awesome because Damian gets to see the Justice League headquarters for the first time. Although he acts dismissive about it, it's apparent that he was excited to be inside it. Superman and Shazam were the only ones present and Sups immediately expresses enthusiasm over meeting his best friend's son for the first time but Damian brushes him off. Shazam cheerfully engages him in small talk about the home base and other kid stuff, and I thought it was interesting to pair them off because they do share a closer age range (Shazam's persona is after all a thirteen-year-old boy) and I think a friendship is more likely to flourish between them if the writers decide to give it time. It already started in a good place. Shazam seemed more than eager to be talk to and hang out with someone who isn't always a serious, intimidating adult like the rest of his Leaguers. His ready and casual remarks about Damian's powers were reassuring; he didn't judge or condescend Damian in any way. Every small interaction they have so far shows how genuine and interested Shazam is about Damian and I could tell that he can wear Damian down and Damian will eventually learn to get used to his presence. I'm really excited to see what the next (and most probably last) issue of B&R will handle these two. This issue ends with Batman allowing Robin to join them in a JLA mission and Damian was shocked by the confidence and trust his father expresses in that moment. I was impressed. Just look at this last page:

 

With plenty of funny and insightful character moments, Super-powered Boy Wonder felt like a filler issue with a great weight of substance. I noticed that this was already dated for April 2015 which only meant we're getting the next one around May, right around another Free Comic Book day, and before the June launch of the 24 new titles. I may be on the Marvel side of things this year but make no mistake: my heart still belongs to Batman and DC!

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #38

I'm still reinforcing my X-Men comics diet but I decided that, every once in while, when a new issue from among the three Bat-titles I look forward to the most is released (namely Batman, Batman and Robin and Detective Comics), I'll come back to this blog to type out a review just to stay on track. And how could I not with this one? After all, Peter J. Tomasi's Batman and Robin series remains my absolute favorite of all the New 52 titles and it's mostly because Damian Wayne is MY Robin, always and forever. A whole year has passed since he died in Morrison's Batman Incorporated. A big gap has to be filled in the meantime so Tomasi had employed other characters (Aquaman, Two Face, Wonder Woman, etc) alongside Batman to make up for Robin's absence.

It was only last Christmas when Tomasi and co. took us to a very enticing and heartfelt journey toward Damian's inevitable resurrection in Robin Rises arc, and it was personally a very cleansing venture for a fan like me. Grant Morrison may have created Damian Wayne but I would like to believe that it's Tomasi who redefined and strengthened his characterization for New 52 which was why his loss was so substantial before, and why his return felt like a victorious gain.

The last issue Robin Rises: Alpha hasn't been a fully satisfying installment from last December but this one, though strangely entitled Superpower-Fly Robin Fly, packed some great character moments that are comedic and touching, and they are mostly coming from Damian. Things are almost back to normal between father and son; Batman is accompanied by Boy Wonder in routine nocturnal patrols again, and their relationship has been better than before. There is trust and compassion even if Damian's newfound superpowers slightly threaten the balance that they have worked on and fruitfully achieved together. Bruce is understandably worried that his son may be losing some agency and control especially when he's not used to the superpowers he inherited from, let alone the extent or how to best utilize them in missions. Alfred, however, sagely advises him to give the boy some solitude to figure out things on his own. After all, both father and son have been through hell and back (if not literally) so Bruce should just allow Damian to come to terms with this change by himself first because he has become an adult now with an obligation to make his own choices.

Bruce owes it to him to recognize that. This issue heavily deals with second chances and the nature of personal responsibility and I admire the very grounded and muted tone and approach of Tomasi's writing for it. Tomasi could have easily written an action-packed issue that shows a superpowered Damian being a badass but he opted, once again, to explore how this affects Damian's psyche. The result of which is quite an admirable piece that once again resonates.

There are a handful notable scenes here. First, we have his nightmare sequence of his late mother and grandfather Talia and Ra's haunting and taunting him. Artist Patrick Gleason (with colorists Gray and Kalisz) truly brought these panels to life and infused them with horror and visual retrospection. I bet it's refreshing for them to work on a more varied color palette than the previous ones with the hellish landscapes of Apokolips (which were unmistakably superbly illustrated as well). Afterwards, he visited the graveyard where his grandparents and mother's coffins lay, contemplating about the fact that he was once buried there with them--and what it now has to mean that he's still alive and therefore has many other things to accomplish in this world. He flies to the sky, looking at Gotham City in the perspective of a Superman or any semi-godlike being and realizes that he should not be above it all. So he visits his mother's old compound where she kept and experimented his clones, destroying some of its content before he swims to Atlantis and talks to Aquaman who agrees to free said detained clones from confinement (as referenced from the issue where he and Batman teamed up against Ra's, which was probably one of my favorite instalments). After he reached the shore with his clones, Damian allows them to live in peace, claiming that they were still a part of him and deserve more than the cruel lives his mother have put them through. This just goes to show the full measurement of his maturity and compassion. Reading that scene honestly warmed my chest area. This isn't the same stubborn, impulsive and reckless Damian from ages ago. This is a young man coming to terms that he has the power to improve lives as oppose to destroying them. It takes more strength to do the former.

In that sense, this issue showcases us a Damian Wayne who learns to forgive the atrocities he came from and accept that although he is very much capable of committing the same kind, he would rather embrace a nobler role fighting the good fight beside his father and partner. He may still be a child age-wise, but he very much a grown-up whose actions and decisions must always be for the betterment of self and others. His scene here were meaningful and beautiful to see unfold. I expect as much from Tomasi whose Batman and Robin has always been very character-driven in a sense that it prioritizes growth and internal struggle of its lead heroes, particularly that of the titular Robin. I CAN'T WAIT FOR WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE FOR THIS TITLE!

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Robin Rises: ALPHA by Peter J. Tomasi

Picking up right after the events in Batman and Robin issue #37 last Dec. 17, this was an issue I was looking forward to the most especially when its release was around Christmas Eve. Anyone who has been following my Bat-reviews knows for a fact that I'm a Damian Wayne fanatic, particularly the way B&R writer for New 52 Peter J. Tomasi has characterized him and his relationship with his father and partner, Bruce Wayne. When Grant Morrison had him killed in Batman Incorporated, it hasn't been an easy transition for everyone, especially for this Tomasi title because he had to adjust to this development for every release, touching upon the five stages of Batman's grief until DC finally green-lit the return of Damian Wayne to comics.

Robin Rises was the story arc that followed Batman's journey to the planet Apokolips right after making a decision to resurrect his son once that opportunity became ripe and possible for the taking. Though the Justice League themselves were on the fence about the ordeal, Batman carried on with this mission though he also made sure that he was doing it for the right reasons; better reasons than those he had when he was still in denial and grieving his son. The one-man crusade was not a solitary undertaking, however, because Alfred chose to also commission the rest of the Bat-family (Batgirl, Red Hood and Red Robin) to follow Batman to Apokolips and assist him in any way that they can. Sporting some badass Robin-themed suits, the trio were accompanied by Damian's pet dog Titus and a reluctant Cyborg.

While at Apokolips, Batman faced Kalibak and a horde of alien creepy-zoids who prevented him from taking back his son's cadaver. The rest of the resurrect-Damian missionaries, on the other hand, found themselves caught up in tons of gory confrontations, unable to get to Batman until the opportune moment presented itself. That said moment occurred when Batman came face-to-face in a dreaded collision with Darkseid who wishes to avenge himself from the last encounter with the Justice League. After a bloody strife, Batman was able to acquire both his son's corpse and the chaos shard which has the ability to revitalize the human body. He escaped together with the rest of the gang just in the nick of time and collapsed in the batcave, about to be killed with the hellbat suit he had been wearing for a while now. But Bruce couldn't care anything less as he forces the chaos shard into Damian's lifeless body. A few seconds passed and Damian awakens. He and Bruce share an overdue reunion embrace with Alfred, Batgirl, Red Hood and Red Robin in the background with faces a mixture of shock, awe and relief. But right after their hug, Bruce suddenly loses consciousness in Damian's arms. AND HERE WE ARE.

Replacing regular artist Patrick Gleason, Andy Kubert illustrates this oneshot issue Alpha. The first few pages have shown us the same sequence of events from the last B&R installment #37 and it wasn't that bad of a recap. It heightened my anticipation for what happens to Bruce afterwards which was unfortunately an anticlimactic ruse. He was surprisingly okay after all. Tomasi was merely going for a dramatic cliffhanger from the last issue but had no plans to make it bad again for the father and son. A part of me was relieved because I don't think I'd be able to endure a switch, with Bruce about to die himself this time around just when he got his son back. But another part of me feels slightly cheated because Bruce's sudden recovery from the hellbat-suit's malfunction felt a little too convenient for the plot. Nonetheless, we get some cool action once Kalibak was able to transport to the batcave. It was also at this moment that Damian's superhuman powers were unleashed. He beats the crap out of Kalibak while the rest of the gang provided minimal support. I would point out that Alfred was particularly amazing in his scenes, playing the role of the loyal butler with a badass streak as he courageously soldiers on to help the others defeat Kalibak especially when Batman was in no shape to be fighting. Damian's newfound powers was a peculiar thing; I'm not sure if they're going to be a permanent part of his character now, but it would be interesting for me to see next year how these powers will affect and contribute with his missions as Robin.

The overall art for this issue wasn't as diverse as I would like but the action panels were great enough to hang onto page after page. I also have these following panels that I loved to death because they had some kind of emotional resonance to me. I think my biggest nitpick for the visuals of this issue is that the background details can be distracting because they look so odd in some pages as if they were rushed at the last minute or were never given any notice to while Kubert illustrated the ones that are supposed to be the spotlight. Still, I thought these were forgivable slights. In a nutshell, Robin Rises: ALPHA was an acceptable follow-up to the previous installment even if there were a few moments in this issue that I feel should have been polished better. In comparison with the earlier issues, I felt like this wasn't as strong as I would have liked it to be.

THE DYNAMIC DUO IS BACK, Y'ALL!~

RECOMMENDED: 7/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #37

IT HAPPENED.

Peter J. Tomasi's Robin Rises arc has been building up to this moment and for a time I refused to believe it was going to take place. I didn't want to believe it because I was doubtful and paranoid that a happy event will ever be possible for Batman and his family. But it happened. IT HAS REALLY FUCKING HAPPENED and yet I still cannot believe my eyes. There was even a soundtrack playing in my earphones (Adele's Make You Feel My Love of all things) as soon as I reached the climactic page where Damian Wayne--MY Robin, the Boy Wonder whose death felt like a rush of a thousand heartbreaks--opened his eyes, and reached out to his father for an overdue reunion embrace.

Weirdly enough, I was decisively numb all over as I flipped through the pages. I was already just going through the motions at this point, unable to see anything clearly except for the colors of the panels which are all soaked in vibrant red; every action sequence dripping with restless energy. I could feel Batman grasping for dear life as he tries to defeat Darkseid, all the while his entire attention was on preventing his son's cadaver from falling to the abyss in the middle of battle. I felt his exhaustion and anxiety as he clasped at that chaos shard and absorbed the shock of Darkseid's power; the relief he felt upon jumping with the rest of the heroes into the boom box for teleportation just in time before he collapsed to the floor of the batcave with his hellbat-suit only minutes before explosion. Pushed to his limits, Batman carefully disarms himself from his armor with all the strength he had left and forces the chaos shard into his son's chest.

I could hear my own breathing at that point, and it was faint and shallow, almost as if I was deliberately trying to calm my nerves before I even start freaking out. I was in a daze as if I was floating weightlessly in a dream I've had several times but still unsure of how it ends. And then I reached the page where the panel below was featured (Bruce's shattered memories of his parents dying on one side and Damian on the other as he screams in agony "DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!") and I had to stop reading so I can cover my face with my hands. I still did not cry. I cannot process what was happening. It took me two minutes before I could take my hands off my face and proceed, as bravely as I could, to read what happens next. I think I shared Alfred and Barbara's shock, awe and desperation the entire time. There is nothing more for me to say. I got my Christmas wish. Bruce and Damian Wayne are finally reunited.

 

 

 

On Christmas Eve, I'm going to be reading Robin Rises: ALPHA next. Right now, I'm filled with euphoria that I can almost choke on it. Thank you, Mr. Tomasi and co. THANK YOU!~

 

RECOMMENDED: 10/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #36

This issue lived up to its title (Chaos) and is definitely a Robin Rises installment that refuses to slow down page after page that I could feel myself slightly panting as I peruse through. Every scene happened with a tantalizing briskness that amplified the urgency and action of the fight scenes and even the conversations among characters. Batman is still sporting the Hellbat suit as he effortlessly and yet aggressively takes care of business (read: so much ass-kicking occurs) and the illustrations for the planet Apokolips still challenge the eyes of a reader, with colorist Kalisz not letting up with his choice of palate, ensuring each panel is bursting from its printed confines with red, yellow and black. The remarkable style of artist Patrick Gleason has evolved since the first issue of Batman and Robin. I used to complain about his too simplistic background detailing; but now I couldn't ask for a more visually-oriented story than what he has produced here with Tomasi who still writes this story arc with a careful yet deliberate pacing.

I loved that cover at first sight; just look at it! Batgirl, Red Hood and Red Robin are wearing a uniform in honor of the fallen Damian Wayne and they have never looked and felt like a family than they do now here in this issue. Damian's pet dog Titus was also there to the rescue, as well as Cyborg. This is one determined team that will support Batman all the way! Bruce himself is livid and I could tell tha he will (AND CAN) tear Apokolips into tiny pieces if need be, and I still can't believe that there is yet another trial ahead before any of them gets Damian's cadaver back. The suspense and build-up WILL KILL ME like never before; and I already suffered from Scott Snyder's own issue #36 for his Endgame arc in Batman. Here I feel as if I just sustained second-degree injuries. I say 'second-degree' because I feel like there is more in store for me, a readily teary-eyed Bat-geek who is so heavily invested on this arc therefore I am already just too damn highly sensitive for any of this goddamn shit! Not since George R. R. Martin's A Storm of Swords did I ever feel like a fictional story/characters can actually BE THE DEATH OF ME. But enough about abrupt sentiments--we need to talk about something very important now; something I have put off for months because admitting it will begin a new cycle of joy and anguish for me:

I AM READY FOR DAMIAN WAYNE TO COME BACK.

For the longest time I thought Dick Grayson was the only Robin I will ever like. I don't know Tim Drake enough and it's only this year that I'm beginning to soften up with Jason Todd. And then Damian Wayne came along in Peter J. Tomasi's New 52 title and I still uphold Born To Kill volume 1 of this series to be my most favorite comic book for New 52. Damian Wayne is MY ROBIN, and his demise had been an agonizing torture. I had to re-live the loss over and over for every fucking Requiem issue released. I feel the widening chasm of his absence every time I flip a Batman story where Bruce is fighting crime solo. I buried him away and dreaded every release of this title, knowing I am getting closer to having him back into my life again. AND IT TERRIFIED THE LOKI OUT OF ME. But after months of ignoring how badly I feel about his death and how his potential resurrection makes me nervous, I realized now as soon as I read this installment that I AM READY FOR HIM TO COME BACK TO ME. I said I wanted to be cynical, that I don't want to get my hopes up. I said that I don't believe that Tomasi and DC will resurrect him. With hope comes despair after all. But that was then. NOW I JUST WANT BRUCE TO HOLD HIS SON IN HIS ARMS AGAIN, ALIVE AND WILL SOON BE READY TO FIGHT BY HIS SIDE ONCE MORE. This is honestly all I want for Christmas.

All I want for Christmas is for father and son to be reunited.

"Some things are worth getting your heart broken for," as Doctor Who once said. This is why I've also decided to spend the last week of November reading the next issues for Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin run from the old continuity. I'm no longer afraid to accept Damian Wayne back into my life. I'm going to be preparing for it for the rest of this month.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #35

It's been a long time coming and it's finally happening.

DAMIAN WAYNE IS COMING BACK. There is a small part of me, however, that keeps crushing every seed of hope that would persist to grow from my broken heart. I still don't want to believe that his resurrection is a guaranteed thing even if this is the point of Tomasi's issues as of now. I should be happier about this. I don't think anyone loves Damian Wayne as much as I do, and losing him last year was so devastating and so real that I never thought I'd recover.

So yes, it's been a long time coming.

But is it really happening? Maybe I just don't want to dare myself to hope. Maybe I'm still in denial that things can and should get better for Batman and the Bat-family, but if any fictional group of characters deserve some sort of happy consolation for all the tragedies they faced alone or together, it's the Bat-family.

We are now at the third part of the continuing Robin Rises saga and this issue entitled Hellbound brings us to Apokolips where Batman, donned in a specialized Hellbat suit (a combat armor designed by the collaborative efforts of the Justice League), confronts Godfrey to claim back his son's cadaver as well as the crystal. Back on Earth, his surrogate children Tim, Barbara and Jason finally made up their minds to aid Bruce in his mission . They go to Batwoman to tell her that she's going to have to take care of Gotham by herself for a while because they need to help Batsy. She agrees with this arrangement readily. The kids return to the cave and they are then assisted by Alfred so they can go to Apokolips using a device called a Boom tube. It's something akin to space-dimension travel, and Leaguer Cyborg is the only one who the means to create one. The Bat-family then decides to lure him to the cave and use any means necessary to subdue him and get the equipment necessary inside his circuits to make the Boom tube work. Lots of technical mumbo-jumbo that you don't really need to understand to be able to enjoy what is happening. Artist Gleason and colorist Kalisz turned this issue into a vibrant explosion of colors, with the majority of the panels dominated by red, yellow and black. It's a flattering combination, I daresay.

Once the kids got the Boom tube working, they immediately jump into it to get transported to Apokolips but not after Cyborg wakes up and follows after them. Titus, Damian's pet dog, latches onto him though so he's going to make the trip. They were greeted by a group of, er, hell aliens who are carnivorous and ready to fight them. Meanwhile, Batman is getting closer to Damian's corpse but there are still complications. The issue ends with a cliffhanger and I have to wait for next month to know what happens to the Bat-family and if that issue would mark the return of the Boy Wonder. The mixture of dread and anticipation may just become the death of me so I try not to think about Damian these days. It's a good thing I'm solely reading Batman Eternal this week because I am not ready to continue reading Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin run because Damian's there and I can't allow myself to start feeling things for him again. I just...DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT DAMIAN, OKAY--

No, Alfred. SHUT UP! I'm not ready. I'm just not ready to unearth my precious feelings for this character! Seriously, when I saw that image above, I felt my nose flare and my eyes sting. I could feel the tears coming and it's so confounding because I don't understand why I even want to cry. I can't deal right now. Give me some Eternal for now. I need the distraction!

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #34

I put off reading the second part of Robin Rises since last month, considering I still had my Hellblazer comics diet in place then. Now I was more than eager to start reading Tomasi's run again especially now that Damian Wayne, killed by Grant Morrison in a climactic issue in Batman Incorporated, is coming back.

Comic book characters have been killed and brought back to life before, and the challenge is to make sure that their comeback will not dilute or lessen the impact of their previously established deaths. When Damian Wayne died, it had been a huge event where all Batman-related titles had their own bereavement issues called Requiem. Tomasi himself wrote the most intriguing and emotionally heartfelt piece in tribute to Damian Wayne as well as two annual issues that celebrated the life and memory of the fourth Robin.

After an acceptable period of time, Tomasi is finally tasked to bring back Damian Wayne in the DC continuity and I can only hope that it would be handled with the care and the understanding it deserves. Anyone who had read my reviews for all previous issues of Batman and Robin can understand by now how much Damian Wayne still means to me (I CRIED SO HARD thrice because of this character), and how much I trust Tomasi to deliver another emotionally resonant story. So far, he's taking his time with Robin Rises, and covering all bases needed.

If you don't know this about me yet, I will state that the first thing I ever notice about a story is its pacing. It's almost visceral, the way I can pay attention whether or not a story is being told in either too quickly or too slowly. I believe the right combination of elements can perfectly come up with a pacing that makes the reading experience very engrossing page after page after page. Some stories' pacing suffer mainly because the essential elements, mainly the characters and the central plot, are not complimentary with each other when it comes to the way they function and support one another. Thankfully, issue #34 entitled Ties that Bind showcases the best exercise in balancing elements to ensure that pacing becomes a noticeably enjoyable built-up to a climax that should prove rewarding if the writing is consistent. The events pick up right after the last issue which featured the Justice League trying to convince Batman not to resurrect his son. It was an issue I very much liked because of how the JLA members were portrayed; there was respect, trust and admiration among them and Batman which is why their needed intervention was sincere. But Batman's ultimately unshakable decision to still do things his way still won over and JLA may not approve but they certainly felt the need to understand Bruce's choice even if they also cannot betray their principles and offer to assist him. In this issue, we saw Bruce inviting the rest of his surrogate children: Barbara (Batgirl), Tim (Red Robin) and Jason (Red Hood) to the bat-cave for three important things:

First, to apologize. It was a long time coming since the events in Death In The Family with the Joker but the timing couldn't have been better. I am moved that Bruce is seeing things with better clarity in context of the loss of his son. He knew that though getting back Damian is the priority, Bruce also acknowledges that he is not the only aspect in his personal life that was fractured and must be fixed, and so he finally found the courage to make amends with the rest of the Bat-family. Secondly, he told them that he will no longer withhold truths from them because doing so in the past had cost them a steep price where their lives were endangered. Lastly, he asked for the three of them to protect Gotham City while he's on his way to Apokolips. As for their part, Barbara, Tim and Jason listened to Bruce's litany and accepted his apologies. The unquestionable loyalty and leadership with the Bat-kids and Batman respectively is emphasized during this conversation and it made me feel good. I care about these characters and I want them to put aside their differences and work together and that's exactly what I got.

This one scene went on for the majority of the issues (at least thirteen pages) and artist Gleason made the most of the dialogue-heavy script by illustrating dynamic and even symbolic panels and designs. It's risky for Tomasi to write a script mostly driven by dialogue but I guess that's where his trust with his artist comes to play. They did a pretty fantastic job with these pages and there was no humdrum moment which is also saying much of Gleason's evolution as an artist throughout B&R issues. Next to Snyder-Capullo, their collaborative work is my second favorite in New 52 comics lately, and this issue has sealed that.

Now I won't spoil the next three events that happened after those thirteen pages because I want you to check them out yourself because Robin Rises is something I happily recommend. The build-up is being handled with great care and I'm very excited for what's to come. As much as I want to believe Damian Wayne is coming back, there is still a part of me that refuses to expect too much. I'm going to trust Tomasi a lot more than I ever have, and I can only pray that he will stick the landing on this one far better than the conclusions from his previous story arcs.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi issue #33

"And you built it with our help; all of us contributing to it for a singular purpose we all know too well. And that is to keep you safe--because you were the only one without powers--the only one who was all flesh and bone in the line of fire" ~Wonder Woman on Bruce Wayne

Yes, my Batman comics diet may have ended but I'd like to add this issue to that finish line, if you all don't mind. After all, I did finish my BCD a day early so today still counts as the last day for me to wrap up all my Batman readings. And being a big Tomasi B&R fan, I can't think of a better way to spend my day than talk about ROBIN RISES.

First off, it feels so darn good to see ROBIN in the title again. Now I have enjoyed Tomasi's run in spite of Damian Wayne's demise; he made up for it through the Two-Face issues he wrote that were simply outstanding and were able to keep my heart at ease. However, The Hunt for Robin and the Omega issues have substantially built up the return of the Boy Wonder and so I was all kinds of nervous once this issue finally arrived. Historically, my complicated relationship with Tomasi as a writer can be a very masochistic endeavor. When he's at the top of his game, his stories soar and are resonant in all the right place. When he isn't, what we get are very poorly-conceived and vaguely resolved conflicts and plot holes. Happily so, this issue that marks the first stage of Damian Wayne coming back to comics falls on the former. 

The question I know that I have to ask is: should we get our hopes high about Damian coming back? That really depends. I want nothing more than to see my Robin again but I will not settle for less, narrative-wise. The tribute to his death has been stretched throughout multiple titles, all of which largely contributed to the hefty impact and poetic significance of his death. And for this issue, it looks like neither will Tomasi and co. settle for anything less than perfection. I believe that we're off to a great start here. Everything in this 20-paged comic felt graciously paced including the dialogues exchanged among Batman and the rest of the Justice League. Those are hands-down my favorite moments. The Wonder Woman I quoted at the beginning of this review is my favorite of the dialogue.

The heartfelt and sincere concern expressed by Arthur and Diana is notable. They don't condescend and passive-aggressively discourage Bruce for trying to go to Apokolips and face Darkseid to claim his son's corpse back. Their disapproval and words of caution are direct which only showed that they have respect towards their grieving comrade. They don't necessarily need to claim that they can understand what he's going through but they do caution him to be prepared--and let them aid him. Going back to that WW quote, it was a reference to the Hellbat armor that JLA made in order to protect Batman from extreme physical harm in their missions. Diana reminds Bruce that it was a team project. They built it together not because they want to impose control over Batman's actions. It was an earnest gesture shared by allies for a member of the team they know is the most human of them all.

I just enjoyed the characterizations about the relationship dynamics among JLA, specifically where Batman is concerned. Superman also makes an appearance later on which is another sweet moment. Again, like Diana and Arthur, they don't try to forcibly dissuade Bruce from his goal to resurrect his son but what they do desire is to fight alongside him. This is not to discredit Batman's strength in any way. To me, it felt like an acknowledgement of friendship and camaraderie among them. And I do hope that by the next issue, Bruce will accept. In the meantime, the Dark Knight is preparing for battle. He has enlisted Batgirl, Red Robin, Red Hood and Alfred. But how about Nightwing? That was a noticeable absence but knowing Dick Grayson, Bruce may have already given him a heads-up so I do have hopes he'll be in the next installment. I also want Frankenstein added in the mix again. His abrupt exit was suspicious. I felt like there's more to it than just that.

Overall, a promising key issue for hopefully yet another excellent B&R story courtesy of Tomasi and co. 

RECOMMENDED: 9/10

Robin Rises: OMEGA by Peter J. Tomasi

I had two new-release issues I looked forward to the most for the end of this month. First is the last issue of Scott Snyder's Batman: Zero Year run (issue #33). The next is Peter J. Tomasi's follow-up to the events of The Hunt for Robin: the most anticipated possible comeback of the late Damian Wayne to the DC continuity, and it starts with Robin Rises: OMEGA. With forty-eight pages, this issue proved to be a promising venture that could indicate that the continuing run for Tomasi's Batman and Robin issues will once more include the second titular character--granted that he will indeed get resurrected (and hopefully it would be respectably and poignantly handled).

Now anyone who has been reading or following my reviews for the New 52 B&R run will be familiar with my eternal love and devotion for Damian Wayne, MY Robin. I was intrinsically and inconsolably devastated when Grant Morrison killed him in one of the issues for Batman Incorporated. Since then, I've watched as Tomasi tried to fill the holes that Damian left as he went about B&R issues with no Robin to support it. Consequently, said issues post-death were a mixed bag for me, but I continued to read religiously nevertheless, considering I also believe Tomasi is one of the best comics writers DC has to offer. For Robin Rises: OMEGA, his talent and craftsmanship are clearly at their top form. The first few pages were a recap of the events from B&R issue #0 to the present and they are definitely my favorite panels of the issue. They showed the progress and development of the relationship between father and son, and Damian's growth as an individual and young hero.

We then pick up after the last issue's events (Batman and Ra's Al Ghul I reviewed HERE) where Bats and Ra's are locked in a bloody fight, punching each other viciously one last time; where the victor would then claim Damian's corpse to bury or do whatever they want with it. A very timely interruption happens and Batman and Ra's agreed to set aside their wager and take care of these intruders who have darker intentions. We then get pages after pages of impressive action sequences which got even more badass once the Justice League appeared to help out their comrade. I personally got giddy over that illustration in the corner where Captain Marvel collected Batman in his arms and carried him to a safe place. It was comedic and the rest of Caps' panels were played for laughs. Batman, understandably distraught since the start of The Hunt for Robin, was not in a grateful mood. 

I won't give spoilers as to how the issue wrapped up but let's just say it was different parts of entertaining, suspenseful and shocking. For the last comment, I say that it is because even after the initial announcement from DC, I still can't believe it's really happening: Damian Wayne will be coming back sooner rather than later--as to the technicalities of it, we have yet to know, but the mixture of joy and dread are palpable for me right now. I know that it would probably be bittersweet. After all, resurrecting the dead have grave repercussions. I am so afraid to see Bruce get spiritually wounded again.

The one spoiler I will give is that the title for this issue is misleading but then again, you really didn't think Damian Wayne will already be appearing for this one-shot comic, did you? No way. It's going to be more complex and delayed than that, knowing Tomasi and co. who will no doubt tirelessly work for the next batch of Batman and Robin issues by August. I'm excited and fearful for everything that's about to happen for this run. Someone--anybody--hold me in the meantime and whisper sweet nothings to me. I'm going to need to prepare myself for another heartbreak and celebration that will come soon.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi Annual #2

It has taken me a while to read and review the second Annual issue for Tomasi's Batman and Robin because I honestly wanted to save something from the line-up before the upcoming release of Robin Rises later this month. I'm fucking excited because Damian Wayne's sudden demise had hit me like a load of bricks fell on my ovaries and turned them into mush. That's how devastated I was. That week is fast-approaching so I finally decided that yes, now is the ripe time to read this, and I ready myself for any feelings of sadness and nostalgia.

With Damian's death, I wondered how this annual special will play out and I was so goddamn pleased that it's a Dick Grayson-centered issue. Dick, as you may know (and if you don't, you suck) is the very first Boy Wonder. Since the New 52 reboot, most of the DC heroes are five years younger than they were in the past continuity, and many of their origin stories have been tweaked, if not outright changed. Dick's first week as Batman's sidekick is explored for this issue. First, we get that terribly hurtful flashback scene with a costumed Dick and Damian on top of a skyscraper, just chilling out after a mission, I presume, and Dick gives Damian advice on how to deal best and work well with Batman. 

The cocky, charming daredevil that he is, Damian dismisses Dick's brotherly concern lightheartedly, believing himself to be the best Robin there is (which I agree with, okay? Dick will always be the first Robin but Damian said it best with this panel):

Look at that cheeky bastard. Look at just how amazingly confident he is about his role in Batman's life as both his partner in crime-fighting and as his son. SO WHY DID YOU HAVE TO KILL HIM THE WAY YOU FUCKING DID, MR. GRANT MORRISON???!!! *long pause* So, okay. I'm over it. I swear to god. I just get so riled up whenever we get scenes with Damian post-death like this which tends to bring up so many feelings from me. But I digress.

What I loved about this issue is that Dick gets the spotlight which is only fitting, seeing as he is the longest and arguably most loved Robin of all time. I also enjoyed reading about his first week on the job; how impulsive he was in a typical teenager fashion to prove himself a worthy sidekick to a generally unimpressed and stern Batman. As some of you may know, I just finished reading Scott Snyder's The Black Mirror about two weeks ago and in that continuity, Bruce Wayne was dead so Dick took up the mantle of Batman and he was so damn engrossing in that role. While reading this issue, I sort of got that vibe again from him as Robin; his flighty, adventurous spirit coupled with his graceful acrobatic movements as he fights the bad guys; his overall fearless acceptance of the dangerous situations he had to put himself in when with Batman--everything I loved the most about Dick Grayson just shines through in these pages which also made me understand why he and Damian got along the way they did (in the old continuity where Dick was Batman, he also had Damian as Robin so these two have had a great working relationship and chemistry from the get-go since). They may not have been related by blood but Dick is Damian's brother through and through, an older counterpart who is just as fierce and as compatible as Batman's loyal right-hand.

I no longer ached the way I did when I used to read the past issue of B&R after Damian's demise, particularly on that story arc about Batman/Bruce's five stages of grief. Thanks to this annual special, I felt like a huge weight from my shoulders has been lifted. I have moved on from losing Damian. By the end of this story, we could see that Bruce and Dick (along with Alfred) have also embraced that loss, and all they can do now to preserve the memory of their fallen brother-in-arms is to acknowledge all the qualities that made Damian Wayne an unparalleled Robin of his own making, and live by them. I applaud Tomasi for writing yet another personal story that truly made me feel like I am part of this family. I have been through their pain, anger and grief--and have risen above those awful things the same way they did.

So raise your glass to Damian Wayne. My favorite Robin; a very feisty, overachieving and self-assured Boy Wonder. Son of the Dark Knight; Brother to Dick, Jason, Barbara and Tim; and a Hero to all.

RECOMMENDED: 10/10

Batman and Ra's Al Ghul by Peter J. Tomasi issue #32 [The Hunt for Robin]

It has been both a thrilling and frustrating ride for Peter J. Tomasi's Batman and Robin run. We had thirty-two issues so far which were then composed of seven story arcs (Born to Kill, Terminus, zombies, Death of the Family, Stages of Grief, Two-Face and McKinell, The Hunt for Robin). 

Some have lived up to expectations and even became so much more while others were forgettable pieces that were better left not mentioning at all. Still, Tomasi has impressed us with his sheer insight on characterization and character interplay and his strongest stories to date are often those that I call 'emotionally resonant'. He was also responsible for the creation of the villains NoBody and Erin McKinell who truly come to their own; and, of course, the re-imagining of Harvey Dent's origin story as Two-Face which had more to offer than what was presented, and whose incomplete tale will probably be picked up soon enough.

In this final issue for The Hunt for Robin, we get the last confrontation between Batman and Ra's as they fight over Damian's corpse. Batman just wants to bury his son in peace but Ra's still has his eyes set on world domination and he needs Damian and his daughter Talia by his side to accomplish that goal. Frankenstein had accompanied Batman in the last issue and here we saw him being a very efficient and supportive partner (which actually makes me hope that he can appear in other stories after this because I really enjoy the compassion and understanding that he and Batman share in just a short span of pages last time). This was a great issue thought not something I would consider Tomasi's finest. The illustrations were beguiling, showcasing one of the most exciting fight sequence between Batman and Ra's, in my opinion, as they take turns brutally smashing each other on ice while Frankie and the league of assassins (and man-bats) look on, not daring to interrupt this epic battle. 

While I was reading this, I wondered if Ra's is as selfish and calculating as he claims to be. For some reason, I feel like he is grieving in his own twisted way and that there is still that human part of him that misses his daughter and grandson and so reviving them is also his way of perhaps making up for the times he was less than admirable as a father and grandfather. But I could probably be just reading into it; but it would be great if there's that sympathetic aspect to Ra's, not that I mind him simply being just a relentless immortal with a one-track mind for world conquest. Unfortunately enough, the combat gets interrupted in the most timely fashion. Some jackass villain Apokolips (from the Supervillains storyline following the events of Forever Evil, I believe) appeared and it was really annoying because the story is said to be continuing on two separate issues: Red Dawn and Robin Rises Omega, the latter whose release on July 16 is something I look forward to.

This issue had great action and a serviceable conclusion (with a surprise cliffhanger).

RECOMMENDED: 7/10

Batman and Frankenstein by Peter J. Tomasi issue #31 [The Hunt for Robin]

Now this I like. If there was one character I would like to see again, it would be Frankenstein. I actually enjoyed his appearance in Batman and Red Robin issue #19 where he said one of my favorite lines in the Tomasi run ("I am watching a man racked with pain look for light in a world gone dark") which summarizes Batman any other given day, really. Understandably, when he crossed paths with Batman again for this story, he was not that pleased. After all, Batman did chop him into pieces in a failed attempt at resurrecting his son Damian. So clearly, no lost love between these two whatsoever. But I did find it quite endearing that all that Frankie (yup, calling him that in this review from now on) requires from Batman at this point is a simple apology which Batman was more than willing enough to provide. 

So the team-up commences and it was so goddamn fun to see them interact, help each other and kick ass together.

There was something organic to this team-up too and definitely my absolute favorite (though I also liked Batman's association with Aquaman in the first installment). This second team-up should prove once and for all that the Dark Knight does and can play well with others especially if there is a common, personal goal shared. Frankie's own problem was very moving and his choice of isolation from people is something I know Batman can relate to very well especially the burden that comes along with that decision. There is enough compassion between these two that allowed them to work successfully together and that's the only thing that should matter in any superhero team-ups. 

Though The Hunt for Robin is a pretty standard storyline, it does give readers an opportunity to see Batman work with other people and actually be a human being for once and share his feelings every now and then without Tomasi overdoing it. The confrontation with Ra's Al Ghul in the end is a cliffhanger, seeing as we have one issue left and that could only mean Ra's will not have a chance to escape at last and there needs to be a goddamn showdown between him and Bats. Yeah, you're a formidable badass who is also an immortal with a searing vision for what the world should be, but you don't just take a man's son like that and expect no serious repercussions coming your way.

The artist for this issue is Doug Mahnke and his action panels were quite entertaining. I like the definition and detail in his illustrations. I hardly even notice Gleason's absence because Mahnke was able to get comfortable in taking that mantle quite well. Overall, great issue and I can't wait for the conclusion!

RECOMMENDED: 8/10