Title : Batmn & Son ‘Absent Fathers’ (Part 4 of 4)
Writer : Grant Morrison
Penciller : Andy Kubert
Inker : Jesse Delperdang
Colorist : Guy Major
Letterer : Rob Leigh
Editor : Peter Tomasi
Publisher : DC Comics
The hugely-hyped teaming of Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert reaches the end of their first story-arc together in Part 4 of ‘Batman and Son’.
Apart from the (apparent) addition to continuity of a genetic son to Batman, this patch of issues hasn’t constituted anything too ground-breaking. It has simply been an interesting, well-characterised Batman story.
Now that the arc has a chance to breathe, I’m looking back on the ‘cleaning up’ of Gotham City which took place on the first few pages of the first issue. I’m remembering how it seemed like a huge deal for all the Batman titles for Batman to have cleared the city of villains, and for it to be referred to in nothing more than a throwaway line. Looking at the arc as a whole, I don’t see how that part of the story was vital for the arc proper.
In any event, the gap between the ‘two Robins’ is emphasised here, with the upbringing of Batman’s ‘son’ showing clearly in his attitude to the necessary prerequisites for advancement. Morrison’s characterisation of Alfred in this sequence is particularly good.
Morrison neatly turns the dynamic on its head later, though, when the overall lack of self-esteem and confidence is demonstrated.
As could be anticipated, things come to a head in a confrontation with Talia at a location revealed to Batman during the issue.
Without giving away the conclusion, nothing sprang out to me after the build-up. The tone of the confrontation between Batman and Talia was well-written, but hardly added anything to the dynamic that has existed for a number of years. The addition of Damian as an actual rather than potential child didn’t cause me to react particularly difference.
Andy Kubert’s work, on the other hand, is nothing short of stunning. His depiction of Alfred and Batman is first rate. In conjunction with inker Jesse Delperdang, he uses the cloak worn by Damian to add a sinister quality to the boy that can only be achived with the proper artwork.
And the double page spread of the Man-Bats simply has to be seen to be believed.
Overall, this is a good performance, but with such a star-studded line-up, its only natural to expect a little more.
