SYNOPSIS: Damian has been kidnapped, and his father will stop at nothing to get him back. But with Memento’s hallucinatory concoctions still coursing through Batman’s veins, and racked with terror and guilt for what has happened to his son, this father’s greatest fears are now made manifest. Can the Dark Knight hold himself together long enough to rescue Robin before it’s too late?
The issue certainly starts interestingly enough, eschewing the traditional format of a comic and opting for a storybook-style narrative that is supposed to be Thomas Wayne’s journal. PKJ gives wonderful insight into Bruce’s father, characterizing just how busy he is but how important his young son is as well. It’s a simple but important memory, spotlighting his aspirations for Bruce.
The two-page spread that comes next shatters that idyllic musing with a dash of cold reality. The Dark Knight crashes through a window and calls the Bat-Family to help their brother. A real sense of urgency is created here, carrying over from the prior issue. Adding to this is a state of confusion for Batman as the scenery shifts multiple times, finally landing in Damian’s room. The disorientation makes the tension even more palpable for the reader.
Batman’s investigation leads him to an interesting find- a comic called “The Adventures of Robin & Batman”, created by his son. This is where the story really gets off-beat as we get into the mind of Damian. Johnson continues to flesh him out further, adding a deeper layer to his characterization. It’s hard not to have your heart break as you read it. He’s struggling with his role as Robin and the guilt he feels over the injured girl from the charity benefit.
I’ve mentioned in past reviews how prior writers have added to Damian and how they have matured him past the petulant brat we were introduced to in Batman #655. Johnson organically adds not only a new ambition for the grandson of Thomas Wayne, but a sense of humility as well. The change in his worldview is a significant moment of growth that I can’t wait to see Johnson explore further.
The art is just as strong as the writing in this issue! Miguel Mendonca handles the art set in the present day, bringing a detailed realism to his visuals. Hugo Petrus illustrates the pages that reflect Thomas Wayne’s journal, bringing out the kindness and humanity in young Bruce and Alfred. As such, there is a very classical feel to the opening. Finally, Juni Ba provides the art “drawn” by Damian Wayne in his self-made comic. It’s cartoonish and with a hand-colored feel, setting it apart from the manga style we’ve connected with Damian previously. I love it all.
“The Gotham Cycle, part one” is another stellar issue by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and the coterie of artists that join him. Each one brings such a distinct flavor and enhances the emotionality of the story, creating a unique work that stands apart from the other Bat books this month. Johnson dives into the heart of Damian Wayne, making the possibility of his abdication from the role of Robin have narrative potential. Thrilling and heartfelt, Batman and Robin needs to be on your pull list! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A+
