Introducing Shush. Who does she work for? And how have they turned one of Batman’s greatest tools against him? Urban Jungle continues as the father and son dynamic duo are on the deadly case! But first, Damian must deal with…his first day of school?! Batman and Robin #2 balances and delivers the domestic and dynamic in a second issue that continues the fun new series.
While the other Bat comics are embroiled in “Gotham War,” Batman and Robin #2 continues the step back with its story where that’s happened/happening but focused squarely on Batman/Robin/Bruce/Damian. Written by Joshua Williamson, Batman and Robin #2 continues the first issue’s excellent balance of domestic life with high flying adventures.
Picking up on the first issue, Batman has been dosed with something that has made Bats attack him while a group of villains have made off with a scientist. The second issue pulls back the curtain on both with explanations that balance the more serious and grounded nature of modern Batman comics and a campiness of classic Batman. It’s explanations and actions that feel so silly when you zoom back and think about them but delivered in a way that you accept what you’re being told.
But, it’s Damian who stands out as Williamson continues to nail home that this is a kid who has never had a chance to really be a kid. He connects with people he shouldn’t really be connecting with and doesn’t know the “normal” social interactions someone his age should. That’s emphasized in the opening sequence as well as Damian in school, which also highlights the fun humor Williamson delivers throughout his writing. It’s all fantastic that shows off why Damian is one of the best Robins and how much he’s grown since his first introduction.
The art by Simone Di Meo continues to be amazing with Steve Wands delivering a punch of emotion with the lettering. The style and coloring of the comic feels like a great blend of recent Bat styles, a bit of neon of Future Gotham and the more dreary grounded current issues. There’s a youthful punch about the comic that matches the vibe and energy of the writing and Di Meo adds detail that also adds to the story. Damian stitching up his father has a specificity about that that tells us a lot about Damian and also Bruce’s wounds. It’s all worth a pause, examination, and contemplation. The devil is in the visual details here.
Batman and Robin #2 is a solid issue and between it and the debut, makes the case this is the Bat comic on the stands right now. It’s a fun read with a mix of grounded and campy, seriousness and humor, with relationships at the center of it all. Sit back and enjoy this one.
Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Simone Di Meo Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.45 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
