Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman & Robin #16
DC Comics
Morrison, Stewart & Irving
Morrison leaves Batman and Robin with a bang as he wraps up so many plots and sub plots that have been running for years. Morrison even ties a bow on little things, such as the meaning behind the acronym R.I.P. This issue is satisfying in so many ways after reading his run for the past three or four years and wondering about some of the hidden meanings behind so many of the events. However, the issue is far from perfect. As a whole, though, this is a great read for an oversized finale to one story and the beginning of an entirely different one.
Batman, Bruce Wayne, returns and stands with Batman, Dick Grayson, and his son, Robin, in a stand against Hurt and the 99 fiends at Wayne Manor. This opening is brilliant. The three characters quickly get past the awkward reunion and get down to business. Bruce manages to scold and give props to both, as any tough-love father would, after being away for so long and finding his house in disarray.
The opening presents both the very best and worst of the issue. The layout and depiction of the two-page, thirty-plus panel fight sequence is simply brilliant. Each panel links with the previous to tell a fluid and visually amazing story. However, Dick Grayson appears to be a third of the width as Bruce and looks like an underdeveloped teenager. I was sort of shocked at the physical difference between the two.
The opening also calls attention to the fact that the issues appear to have shipped out of order. With The Return of Bruce Wayne #6 having yet to ship the gap in the story is too obvious to ignore. It's forgettable in the long run once the issue ships next week but it is annoying here and now.
The bulk of the remainder of the issue simply zooms by way too fast. Bruce deals with Hurt, while the other plot threads are rushed to a conclusion. You know you have too much story when the Joker is a key player in the issue and barely appears and seems to be an afterthought when Bruce summarizes the ending to his team. It's a shame that this couldn't have been fleshed out a bit more over one or two more issues.
The artwork ranges from amazing to puzzling as a number of artists take over to help Stewart complete the issue. Some of the panels sparsely resemble characters in other areas and the fight with the Joker is cringe-worthy as it appears to have not been fully inked or colored as I had to strain my eyes to determine the action on the page. In a question of consistent art versus timely shipping I would rather have the timely shipping so I prefer to think of the art slips as just errors during printing.
When did the Morrison run really start? Was it with Batman and Son? Was it with issue #666 or the start of R.I.P? Wherever you believe it actually began you will find that you can relax your mind at the conclusion of this issue. Most of your questions are answered and a very different and new beginning is launched. I can't wait to go back and reread this whole thing….but I guess I need to wait for Return of Bruce Wayne #6 to ship. I highly recommend this comic book.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
