There are a lot of Batman comics out there, so what makes this one different?  This one has Robin.  And not the old Dick Grayson Robin, or either of the other two.  It is his son.  And he has a very smart mouth.

There are a lot fans of the current Robin, and I can see why.  Usually he is written very snarky and quite funny.  He is so irritating sometimes that you enjoy comments and the effect he has on other characters.  That doesn’t really come across in this book so far.

This story sets up the premise of the book.  It retells Batman’s origin for the 1000th time, but in a new way so you don’t mind it so much.  It also sets up the Father-Son relationship early so any new readers can understand.

The story moves along briskly and keeps you interested.  It introduces a new mystery villan that should prove to be interesting.  My only quibble with the story is how sentimental they make Batman, who does not seem have any emotions other than vengeance.  But it guess now he has a sentimental side and a fatherly protection side?  I guess even Batman can change.

The art is very good.  DC always puts top artist on the Batman comics. There are a few panels of great detail (like in the sewers or the guys in gas masks) and there are some that aer quite sparse (Robin sleeping, the swimmers in the pool).  Overall he does a very good job, but I doubt he will surprise you too much.

B  —   Don

If there are going to be way too many Batman books as part of the new 52 launch, at least they’re all pretty good. I’m happy to see Damian staying in the Robin role, this time alongside his father instead of the “Dick & Damian” pairing that made up the last series’ eponymous duo.

I’m also happy to see more confirmation that the “Batman Inc.” story is still moving along and hasn’t been wiped away. The Batman of Moscow had a definite “KGBeast” vibe, and the introduction of an antagonist who is busy wiping the new Batmen off of the map is an interesting if inevitable development. As much as I miss the Dick Grayson/Damian Wayne Batman & Robin team, this book has me interested in seeing how that team-up compares and contrasts with the father & son team that is the centerpiece of this series.

B —- Ed