And Then I Read: BATMAN & ROBIN 14-16

Images © DC Comics, Inc.

Okay, I admit it, I've lost track of this story. I read these issues over a month ago, and even then I don't think I had a good handle on it, as it's just part of a much larger Batman epic Grant Morrison has concocted that runs through a number of titles. The focus of this one was originally between the new Robin, Batman's actual son with Talia Al Ghul apparently, Damian, and the new Batman, Dick Grayson. There's still some of that here, but it's kind of buried beneath other parts of the Batman megaplot (if that's a word). Then we have the apparent return of Bruce Wayne's father, The Joker up to his usual cruel villainy, other odd villains like Pyg, and lots of other stuff. One thing you can crdit Morrison for, he's not coasting, these issues are crammed with characters and events. I suspect if I were reading all the other Bat books, it might become clearer.

Most of the art in these is by Frazier Irving, though I think this page is by Cameron Stewart, who did part of issue 16. Both artists are excellent. Irving's work is an interesting mix of black outlines and interior color with a painted look, which I suspect is achieved largely on the computer.

If you're following Morrison's epic, these will be key reading. If not, you might still enjoy them for the art, and for the snappy dialogue and a wealth of surreal characters and situations. Mildly recommended.