SYNOPSIS: As Memento’s reign of terror continues, the city’s inhabitants find themselves locked in terror as Gotham awaits his next move. Meanwhile, Damian Wayne doubts if Batman and Robin are enough to save their city. Are the Dynamic Duo truly helping to keep Gotham safe, or does their presence simply enable violence and villainy to thrive? A heart-to-heart between Damian and Jason Todd, and Jason’s subsequent demystifying of what it means to be Robin, has left the son of Batman questioning his place and his future. Now, with Memento close to delivering a killing blow on Batman, the Dark Knight needs his son more than ever…but will Robin answer the call?
A beautifully stark and haunting cover graces this issue, enveloping all the action and drama contained within.
Phillip Kenedy Johnson, aided by sole artist Javi Fernández, put the Dynamic Duo through their paces as crime fighters and father and son. After a creepy opening page featuring Memento, we are treated to two two-page spreads of Batman and Robin leaping across rooftops and fighting crime.
Batman is still seeing hallucinations and downplaying it, but Damian wisely knows something is up. The action is great, and if it wasn’t for Batman’s troubles, their patrol would be a breeze, highlighting what a well-oiled machine they are, even if father and son are having relationship difficulties.
The scene back at home with Bruce trying to invite Damian to do “normal” things is both sweet and duplicitous. Bruce still has a problem with boundaries and trust, though one could make the argument it is for his son’s safety, you know it’s going to backfire given what Damian overheard last issue. Still, Bruce is trying and he does love his son, a fact that will be even more apparent by the story’s end.
Barbara Gordon is a supporting character, filling more of an Oracle role than the cowl of Batgirl. It’s always a pleasure to see her and having the supporting Bat-Family cast makes this feel like a lived-in universe, harkening back to earlier eras. It’s worth noting for those who like a solo Batman (who just happens to be reading a title called “Batman and Robin”) that having these characters doesn’t detract from Batman being the main character here.
One thing I love about the current arc is how much more prominent Batman is as the lead. He felt like he was taking a back seat to Damian, both in terms of focus and who was the senior partner, but he is full-on Bat Dad here, deeply caring for his son, but also the one who ultimately calls the shots.
As revelations are made, both concerning Doctor Bashar and how Bruce is keeping tabs, tensions get heightened as the issue builds toward the climax. The best page of the issue is a splash page where the scene plays out segmented inside an image of a horrified Damian. It’s powerful storytelling and puts you in his headspace in a unique way.
I would be remiss if I didn’t praise Batman for racing to his son’s rescue, however. Not only is it expertly laid out, but the caution he throws out the window speaks volumes to his state of mind, using every means necessary to not have Damian wind up like Jason. Fernández puts it all out there on the page.
Throughout all this, the colors of Marcelo Maiolo are the glue that brings it all together. From the rooftop shadows racing, the glow of Gotham City in the background, and the horror and fire of Memento, this is a stunning-looking book. Let’s face it, the whole Batman line of books has never looked better!
“Memento, part 6” ratchets up the stakes, but keeps the villain well ahead of his pursuers. I loved PKJ on Action Comics and his time on Batman and Robin seems to be rivaling that. Thrilling storytelling, magnificent art, and characters new and old who are compelling make this a Bat book you need to be reading! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A+
