Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Chapter Nine
Written by: Greg Rucka
Penciled and Inked by: Klaus Janson
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Colored by: Steve Buccellato
Editor: Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics
So last issue ended with Ra’s’ long lost daughter, Nyssa, plunging a knife into his chest. This issue begins with Ra’s succumbing to his wounds after he delivers a few last words to Nyssa. Batman meanwhile is busy trying to save Talia, who was also mortally wounded last issue. As Ra’s al Ghul breathes his last breath, Nyssa inherits the title “The Demon’s Head,†including an entire tribe of Ubu’s at her beck and call. While Bat’s tries to save Talia he is overwhelmed by Ubu’s.
He awakens in the desert next to Ra’s corpse, which he then ceremoniously burns. Back at the Batcave Bruce confirms that the folks who died were indeed Ra’s and Talia as he and Alfred try to unravel the mystery. Later Bat’s confronts Nyssa at her castle, in an attempt to figure everything out.
It is then and there that he realizes how both their parents affected their lives, and how the lost loved ones altered their lives and how alike they are. Just then Talia enters the room (rejuvenated by the Lazarus Pit) and declares her allegiance to Nyssa and that Bruce is no longer her “beloved.†Nyssa and Batman part ways enemies.
This miniseries has been great. Rucka has told a Ra’s al Ghul story that is on par with the great ones by Denny O’Neil. The only problem is; Ra’s is dead! I love Ra’s. Ra’s may be my favorite character of all time. I’m less than happy. This story ended perfectly, a new status quo has been created, and a threat has emerged. Rucka has an incredible grasp on Bats and Ra’s. I look forward to the eventual follow up.
Janson is a legend, and his work never fails to impress. Whether it’s Nyssa’s cold indifference, Talia’s rage, or Batman’s processing of information Janson is adept at creating vivid facial expressions. The action also looks wonderful. Speaking of wonderful, Robins (and company) continue to provide the best lettering in the business. The dying speech by Ra’s, the confrontation between Batman and Ubu on page #13, and the computer on page #10 all provided an extra level of reality to the issue.
