BATMAN AND ROBIN #3

There once was a farther and son action team. Who always squabbled over the way they seem. The Son was a sod, and the Father was a plod, but together they were surprisingly lean. As presented from the likes of Writer: Peter Tomasi; Artist: Patrick Gleason; and Publisher: DC Comics in December 2011.

So what’s the story morning glory?

In ‘Knightmoves’, we see how Bruce (Batman) Wayne deals with the threat posed to him by the assassin, Morgan, relating to Bruce’s son, Damien (Robin) Wayne, eminent demise.

Please note; this happened last issue.

Initially, this comes in the form of Batman shielding Robin from external forces, by distracting his nocturnal pursuits with a new pet dog, plus Alfred playing him at chess.

However, Robin is not too keen on being idol, and so he escapes from the Batcave, only to confront Morgan after he thwarts an attempt made on a couple being mugged.

Thankfully, though, Batman turns up to save his son from Morgan’s wrath, which inadvertently leads both Batman and Robin being subdued – strapped into a chair – and then ready to watch a movie. 

Please note again; this is not as nice as it may seem.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

I liked the exchange between Robin and Alfred, when Robin disrespects him by stating ‘Don’t give up your day job’, only for Alfred, in turn, to mumble under his breath ‘Don’t worry Damien, I won’t’, after it is revealed that he has planted a tracking device on the little f*cker.

Good on you Alfred. 

Was the story any good?

Again, Peter Tomasi does his best at presenting a new dynamic for this the dynamic duo, by placing both of them in danger with an unknown foe that we – the fans – know hardly anything about.

Now as a story goes, I really did like it – it had that soft and deadly quality about it, which made me itch as if something bad was coming on the horizon. Moreover, I did like how the overall story played out – both as a personal tale, and as a tale within a larger story arc too.

Was the art any good?

Patrick Gleesons art is nice if you like a manga-esque style with your monthly dose of Batman. Personally speaking, I find his wares a bit hit or miss really – as on the one hand, I can follow his layouts fairly well – while on the other hand, his style is overly pronounced and saturated for my normal tastes. Also, I did find that when the backgrounds were ‘empty’, that the foreground did look too simple – if you catch my drift.

What is the best thing about this issue?

I liked the interaction between Alfred and Damien, plus Damien’s interaction with Morgan. For me, these ‘segments’ had a very revealing quality to them, and showed more about Damien’s character than he has let on so far.

Plus, I did like Batman’s fight with Morgan, as it was more than just a BIFF! BAFF! BOFF! Very captivating.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

Listen, I know that this does sound a bit strange, but I did not like Batman’s poses at the beginning of the issue. Well, it made him seem like Edward Scissorhand or something, or maybe some sort of Gookie-Goth who likes to masquerade in dark places – very cosmetic.

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

Now this may sound simple, but I thought that Alfred summed up this issue quite nicely all in all – ‘You must honour your father’s wishes’.

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

This story has a Goth tone to it, right? And it is also about a Father and a son in a bit of a pickle, OK? So what better way of illustrating these two concepts, than through the song ‘Shaddap You Face’ by Joe Dolce. Ha!

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

I would have just added a bit more sparkle into the processing’s, just to contrast the already gloomy tone that this book has. Well, the art is moody, the villain is moody, and the heroes are moody too. Heck, the only one that is not moody, is Alfred.

God bless him.

Final thoughts...

Even though I did moan about this issue, I have to say that it was a very enjoyable read. However, what I would next like to know, is how long will this 'family dynamic' stay on this book? Also, is there a way to make it new and fresh each and every month, without it seeming too repetitive?

I have a point, right?

Marks out of 10? 8.5