Monday, December 30, 2013

Booknote: Batman and Robin, Vol. 3: Death of the Family

Peter Tomasi, Batman and Robin, Vol. 3: Death of the Family. New York: DC Comics, 2013. ISBN: 9781401242688. 


This volume, part of DC's The New 52, was a quick and enjoyable read for me. It was definitely a much better read than the Teen Titans volume in this series (link to my review of the Teen Titans volume). It had a bit more depth for one. For me, it works because I find Damian Wayne to be a fascinating character, and the father-son dynamic between Bruce and Damian works well and is an interesting element in this comic compilation.

This volume covers what happens to Damian at the hands of the Joker during the Death of the Family events. The story starts with a look back at Damian's early outings, where he uses Batman's cowl to patrol the city when Bruce is out of town (a vacation arranged by Damian). This particular story segment has a nice, heartwarming element to it, and it serves to give us insight into the strengthening bond between Bruce and Damian. It serves as a good way to lead into the main story where Joker has captured Damian, who is Robin by now. Joker will make Robin face what may well be his worst fear: that he may have to kill Batman in order to survive. From there, we get to the dinner scene we have seen before in Snyder's Batman volume (you will have to read to find out how Robin gets to the dinner scene).

In the end, there is an epilogue scene where we glimpse the dreams of Bruce, Alfred, and Damian. In some other comic, that epilogue might seem tacked on, but here, after the experience with the Joker, it works and seems proper. This volume goes well with Snyder's main story.

If you ask me, I give 5 out of 5 stars. The story is good, strong, and the art brings it to life. For me, it was a very good read.

Disclosure note: In order to keep The Man happy this is where I tell you that I read this book as an e-book galley from the publisher via NetGalley. It was provided in exchange for an honest review. Book is due to be out Decemeber 3, 2013.

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