[[“value”:”Batman and Robin #13 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Joshua Williamson’s run on this title turned out to be shorter than expected, coming in at just over a year, but it delivered some serious character development for the title characters. It all wraps up on Dinosaur Island as Batman and Robin confront Bane and Vengeance and seek justice for the murder of Alfred Pennyworth – but this is interrupted when Vengeance darts Damian with a Venom dart, turning him into a hulking beast ready to rip apart Bane, and anyone else who gets in his way. Obviously, Damian started out as a very different character, one filled with anger and resentment who had no interest in his father’s way of being a hero. He’s come a long way since then, and it’s interesting to see if he can still pull back – and if Batman knows how to talk to him to help him. This is a good full-circle moment for the characters and a sort of trial by fire for the crimefighting duo.
I was also impressed with the characterization of Bane here, as Williamson seems to reset him back to being a more nuanced villain. This story is interspliced with scenes of Damian visiting his new school counselor, who is interested in his unique history and wants to help him fit in at the school. We never see the counselor, but it’s an interesting way to flesh out where Damian is now and leave some cool dangling plot threads about Lazarus Island and other plots. It all builds to a last page that delivers a serious emotional punch in the best way. While Juan Ferreyra only came on late in this series, he really is a perfect fit for this arc – drawing monsters just as seamlessly as he does the quiet moments between Batman and Robin. This series will be a great read in a single volume down the line, and I’m betting Phillip Kennedy Johnson will do a great job of building on what Williamson has created starting next month.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
“]] Josh Williamson says goodbye to Batman and Robin with a deeply personal issue for Damian Wayne. Read More