SYNOPSIS: Scarface has returned, the Quiet Man is still on the loose, and Two-Face and Penguin encircle it all. Batman and Robin have found themselves caught in the middle, desperate for answers and on the brink of defeat! The Dark Knight Detective and the Boy Wonder have one more trick up their sleeve, but will it be enough? Find out in the thrilling final issue of Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s epic run!
There’s an old proverb, “All good things must come to an end,” and so it is with this title.
Launching in September of 2023 under the pen of Joshua Williamson, Batman and Robin fell under the “Dawn of DC” banner and once again paired Bruce Wayne with his son, Damian. Williamson helmed the book for thirteen issues, handing the reins over to Philip Kennedy Johnson, who took the baton and ran with it, building on the relationship established by the likes of Morrison, Tomasi, Waid, and the aforementioned Williamson.
I’ve been banging the drum for this book hard once Johnson came aboard, and he did not disappoint, introducing new threats to Gotham like Memento and The Quiet Man, all while paired with some stellar artists.
So, here we are at the finish line, with the citizens of Gotham caught in the crossfire between Two-Face, The Penguin, Scarface (and The Ventriloquist), and The Quiet Man as Oswald Cobblepot addresses the crowd at the Camillian Plaza in front of the newly reopened Sacred Heart Medical Center.
When violence erupts, The Caped Crusaders have their hands full trying to contain it stealthily to not upset the crowd and cause people to trample each other in their haste to escape. Artist Fico Ossio does a great job with the visuals here, tricking up his layouts and panel work to offer the most excitement he can. Marcelo Maiolo does his part, too, with colors and lighting that make the scene pop, while still cloaking the Dark Knight in the shadows. The palette at times recalls the films Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, but it goes down far easier on the printed page.
Of course, things take a turn, and Robin is confronted once again by The Quiet Man. Johnson really highlights the personal growth of Damian here, not to mention Bruce and The Quiet Man. If you’ve been sticking with this book since its inception, there’s a payoff.
While the action takes up the first half of the issue, the remainder ties up loose ends and strengthens relationships. Damian takes over the narration here, and since his official debut in Batman #655 (20 years ago!), he’s been on quite the journey. Johnson leaves him in a very healthy place, where he is doing what he wants for himself, not because a parent told him to, or destiny decided his path for him. It’s an extremely satisfying ending with a dazzling splash page to cap things off.
I’m going to miss this book. Sure, you can follow the adventures of Batman and Robin across the pages of Detective Comics and Batman, but none of those have the specific focus of this title. At the very least, Johnson and Co. go out on a high note, delivering a thrilling finale and reaffirmation of why the Dynamic Duo are the best partnership in comics! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A+