Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman: The Return #1
DC Comics
Morrison, Finch & Winn
Morrison begins his next chapter for the Batman franchise in this stellar opening issue. The funny thing is that the title of the issue implies that Batman is 'back' when really he does literally 'return' but this comic book is an actual beginning to a completely new phase for the character. I was hesitant about picking this issue up. Mostly because I was leery of being dragged on another 40+ issue story that required remember tiny references dropped here and there over the course of three or four years. And while that may still come, this opener is a straight forward and fun look at how the next phase is to be constructed. This is worth picking up.
The issue begins with a retelling of Bruce Wayne's revelation to become the symbol of the bat. However, it's told from the perspective of the bat. This was a terrific sequence that showed just how an old and worn out bat can continue to make himself relevant.
Immediately following the bat sequence Batman saves a kid with a horrifyingly risky maneuver that involves jumping the man holding the kid at gunpoint while falling off a building. But hey, it's Batman so it's all good.
Batman then holds a meeting with all people bat related. This is the start of his Batman Incorporated really. Some key decisions are made here and one of the results has Batman, Bruce Wayne, take out Robin for a test drive.
Robin, Bruce's son, is undisciplined and comes off as a burden while they are on assignment together. Bruce is ready to cast off the new Robin but Dick Grayson steps in. These pages contain some of the most comprehensive and grounded dialogue among these three characters I've seen yet. The entire sequence shows the growth of the characters along with their feelings for each other and their levels of trust. If ever you wanted a jumping on point then this sequence gets you there in about ten pages.
The remainder of the issue sets up some interesting villains and it contains the fitting heart to heart that Bruce must have (and always seems to have) with Alfred. The back also contains sketches and some of Morrison's script which are welcome additions to this comic book.
Finch is an amazing artist that shows off in a variety of areas in this issue. Finch gets to draw a meeting among almost all the Bat family taking place in the overloaded Batcave. This is a page worthy of a poster. I could ramble on about his art more but I will point out one more highlight: his villains. Just look for yourself and tell me he doesn't put out some menacing looking foes for the Dark Knight.
Morrison sets up nicely the next big Batman story in this concise and direct issue. There isn't a lot of hidden goodies in here, though he does hint at the future once or twice. Instead Morrison creates a fast-paced, wild ride that brings Bruce up to full speed so the real action can start. You could argue that Batman is already incorporated because he has a small army of comic books out there. If you plan to only pick up one then you might want to grab this one because it will point you in the direction of which series to follow long term. Don't let the five dollar cover price scare you off. This was a great read.
4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
