Issue number two of Batman and Robin hit Wednesday, and I have to say that I'm surprised at just how good it was.
The opening sequence is told as a flash back, with Dick Grayson explaining to Alfred what happened at the police station.
And what happened was hell on wheels. Frank Quietly draws a masterful action sequence as Batman and Robin protect the police station, at he cost of their partnership. The first half of the book flies by as Batman counters the circus attacker with his own acrobatics. And if you look closely you'll see that the sound effects are again absorbed by the surroundings so that when someone crashes into a wall, the cracks in it spell out "smash." It's a really smart way to convey the sound without a silly word balloon or big red letters. How did no one think of this before?
Morrison also has Dick Grayson embrace his roots and speak carney slang, as well as talk about his time spent on the Bludhaven Police Department later when talking to Alfred.
As the first half of the book finally hits the breaks, we get to catch our breath and watch Dick and Damien butt heads. Damien raises all the issues that "only Bruce can be Batman" fans have raised about Dick Grayson taking over the role. Dick Grayson then spends some of his own time doing some soul searching, only to come through the other side quickly and ready to jump back into action.
The coloring is bright and beautiful and is a prefect compliment to the art. Anyone out there boycotting this book is really missing out. Maybe you're doing it because you think "only Bruce can be Batman." Well, let's face it. Bruce will be back eventually. And if you're boycotting it because you didn't enjoy Batman: RIP or Final Crisis, this book is a whole different animal.
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