Mar 10, 2022
I'm going through a reread currently as this is one of my personal favorite Batman runs and damn do Tomasi and Gleason come out swinging. It also manages to thread the almost impossible needle of being both completely accessible to new readers, while deftly building on some great Morrison comics that came before it.
I think the characterization of just about everyone in the book is pitch perfect, particularly Damian. I love the way Tomasi and Gleason show the inner conflict that arises out of his parentage and his need to be the best at all times. It's really compelling and drives the central conflict in the book, while eventually allowing for some real development in the relationship between Bruce and Damian. I think the story's central
themes of learning from your mistakes, not dwelling in the darkness of the past, and trying to do better really hit home by the end.
Alfred is also written perfectly here, as he plays the middle man trying to connect Bruce and Damian. His ability to cut between the arguments they're having in a sincere and logical way is compelling and a credit to Tomasi's writing skill.
Gleason also does some fantastic stuff with the shadows in this book, with the help of colorist Mick Gray. There's so many great looking scenes with Nobody and Batman that makes for a really fun read and the way they fleshed out the background between the two was clear and concise. I highly recommend if you're looking to read some of the best of the New 52 era. more
/vol-2-pearl-TP.jpg)
/vol-1-born-to-kill.jpg "Batman and Robin Vol. 1: Born To Kill")
