Batman Reborn - some thoughts

I thought I would take this opportunity to take an honest view of the current run of Batman comics in light of the upcoming 'Return of Bruce Wayne' story arc. Even if you don't read comics everybody knows the character of Batman. Most people are aware that Bruce Wayne is Batman - either through the films, the 60's tv series or a comic memory from childhood. But, Bruce isn't Batman. Bruce has been 'presumed' dead for about a year now...since the end of the Final Crisis story arc. In his place stepped Dick Grayson - Nightwing, formerly the original Robin. In light of these changes, the Batman books were re-vamped (around June 2009) and so we had: Batman, Detective Comics, Batman & Robin, Batman: Streets of Gotham, RedRobin, Batgirl and although not a Batman comic per se, Gotham City Sirens. Here are some of my thoughts.

Batman. This has been running really well since the whole RIP story line. Tony S Daniel has been doing a sterling job since taking over (Judd Winick handed over the reigns around #692)and although there has been a lot happening, I have thoroughly been enjoying this run. The art has been excellent, the stories are tightly written and you do get a feel of what 'being Batman' can actually do to you or indeed what it is doing to Dick. I think so far this has been an excellent Batman comic and looks set to continue the good work (I note that certain comic lovers are not convinced on this title at the moment).




Detective Comics. This title took a new life after the excellent 'Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?' storyline in #853. In #854 we find that the main character going forward is a lesbian Batwoman (Kate Kane). A different approach to what is the longest running Batman title. But, it has been excellent. I'll admit my doubts right at the beginning, but it has really grown on me. J.H. Williams was on art and Greg Rucka on writing duties. Jock has taken the mantle since issue 862 I think. This has been a good read - so far you feel that Kate is not a fully fledged 'Bat' character and I like that there is almost a feeling of 'getting accepted.' Of course that will come in time - we have already seen instances throughout other titles where Kate has brought in or referenced. One thing that J.H. Williams did was run two different styles of art through the title - awesome art for Batwoman current day and slightly muted art for flashbacks - it really works. Pick this up.

Batman & Robin. As an aside, before I read this title I struggled with Frank Quitely and his work. Don't get me wrong, as a fellow Scot, I like to encourage and support but I just didn't take to his work. Anyway, I still wanted to read the new Batman & Robin title and always enjoy Grant Morrison (another Scot). Well, as far as Quitely is concerned - I am a convert. It took a couple of issues, but I do see the attraction - something pulls you in - the detail, the angles. Upto #6 this has been my favourite run of the newly formed Batman comics. Quitely did upto #3, Philip Tan got involved and Cameron Stewart also. Quitely has continued to do the covers. #7 wasn't great but it seems to be picking up again and is the lead into the 'Return of Bruce Wayne' story. Issue #10 was excellent.




Streets of Gotham. For me this is the most difficult title the review. I struggle to see where in the grand scheme of things it fits. You get the feeling that it is trying to be a bit more adult and contain adult themes. I am not sure it works. The art is okay although I find some of the faces weird. I also don't like the second feature Manhunter. I feel like it steals some of the pages from core story. It has had its moments but overall this is the weak title from me.

Red Robin. I have mixed feelings about this title. I do like Tim Drake and remember when he first came onto the scene. For the most part this is a more junior title than the rest (alongside Batgirl). To be fair, Tim is quite cool and although he looks a bit Doctor Midnite, the outfit works. Since the title began, Tim has been convinced that Bruce is still alive. We saw him lose his way a bit and it was good seeing him teaming up with Dick in the Blackest Night tie in. But I just want Tim to be a bit more hardcore. There are glimpses, but it just falls a bit short. I think this will be the most inconsistent title - there will be the awesome and there will be the shocking.

Batgirl. I am undecided on this title. The Oracle: The Cure mini was excellent and was promising something quite cool in the pages of this title. It hasn't delivered as promised. Stephanie is an okay Batgirl but is a bit high school for me. I don't like the outfit and she comes across as too maverick. It currently ties in to red Robin and that works quite well but you do feel that you're reading about kids whereas Damien in Batman and Robin acts beyond his years. Dependent on where this goes, I could be dropping this in the next few months.

So there you go!