Batman

• Title: Batman: The Dark Knight #1
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: David Finch
• Artist: David Finch

I don’t know that we need another Bat-title, but as long as its not penned by Grant Morrison I’m not going to complain too loudly at Batman getting another monthly comic.

David Finch does double duty here as both writer and artist and I must say this isn’t a bad first issue. We get appearances by two classic Bat-villains as well as the introduction of a figure from Bruce Wayne’s past. I appreciated Finch’s decision to let us view Dawn Golden only through the eyes of the young Bruce before the death of his parents. Although the story centers the missing troubled young woman, who may have come to a gruesome end, the only relation we make to the character is the same one Batman does.

Finch does a good job of jumping Bruce back into the saddle of Batman but still showing some rust (such as his confrontation with Killer Croc in the dark alley). I don’t know that I’m ready for the “terrible ramifications” this story is meant to have on Batman’s life, but it’s a strong beginning. Worth a look.

[DC $3.99]

• Title: Batman: The Return (One-shot)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Grant Morrison
• Artist: David Finch

Leave it to Grant Morrison to give us the worst opening and one of the worst final panels of the Dark Knight’s career both together in a single issue for the extra-special price of $5.

This Batman: The Return one-shot further sets up Grant Morrison’s latest pet project Batman Incorporated by defining roles for the rest of the Bat-crew. Or that’s what it should do. For some reason almost all of those conversations take place off the printed page. The glimpses we get, such as the dialogue between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson is actually pretty good, but sadly it’s drowned out by mutated killers, terrorists, and a secret organization operating around the world known as Leviathan.

And then there’s the mindbogglingly bad opening which gives us Frank Miller‘s iconic bat through the window scene from Batman: Year One…from the bat’s point of view. That’s right – FROM THE BAT’S POINT OF VIEW! Wow, just…wow.

There are short sequences here that work between the bookends of sheer crapola, but without a doubt everything could be handled better. For the increased price we’re given several pages of concept design for a comic that’s better off forgotten.

Joy.

At least the cover is kinda cool.

[DC $4.99]

• Title: Batman and Robin #16
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Grant Morrison
• Artist: Cameron Stewart

Guess who’s back under the cowl? Grant Morrison’s Black Glove story arc mercifully comes to an end here as Simon Hurt‘s plans are stopped by Robin and not one but two Batmen.

On the plus side we finally get some explanation as to who Hurt is and how he’s managed to survive for so long. We get to see Batman finally smashing this annoying character’s face in (something I’ve been waiting months for). And Morrison delivers an ending which changes Bruce Wayne‘s relationship to Batman permanently and sets the stage for Batman Incorporated.

…

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