Apparently NoBody is SomeBody. Specifically, THAT SomeBody
The Good: Hilarious cover.
This series definitely earns its title, a lot of emphasis is put on the strained relationship between Batman and Robin, and Bruce's awkwardness at raising his own son.
Seing the montage of Damian's training was great. In general Patrick Gleason still draws some gorgeous scenes with the action.
The regular villains were more more believable.
NoBody's big first Gotham scene is beyond amazingly creepy. Such a superb set up for a villain the likes of which I've rarely seen.
The little looks at Damian's inner turmoil are just heart wrenching.
In general, the pacing in this book is infinitely better. Tomasi really knows what he's doing now with the story and the duo, I'm hawlway through the book and then...
The Bad: ...Tomasi trips himself. The main villain is introduced to Bruce in civilian clothes and the know each other? The hell Tomasi? You were doing a great job slowly building this intriguing psychopath, and then you just shove him out awkwardly to center stage before he's read his lines? The scene is so ubearably AWKWARD to read because of the suddenness of it, and the way it completely dismantles all the amazing subtle build up we had. And it doesn't make sense. Who is this guy? How does he know Bruce? What's his actual problem with Batman Inc? If you want answeres to these questions, you're smart and read this right, but to everyone else, DC's message is apparently 'go screw youraself.' The entire finale comes out of nowhere and makes no sense. And also, Bruce is WAY too calm for him to be talking to this guy so casually. It makes no sense
Gleason draws some gorgeous costumed action, awesome villains, and a great Batman family. But his Talia is absolutely HIDEOUS.
I feel like this series has definitely taken a few steps back with Damian. I can't really see a lot of the character development of the past year in him now. And Bruce puts WAY too much emphasis on it, like he just got Damian a week ago or something. I thought we were past this.
Bruce is also WAY too calm for him to be talking to this .
REALLY? You're reintroducing Ace the Bat-Hound? Following up to Morrison for an arc doesn't make you Grant Morrison.
In Conclusion:
This series walks on a line between amazing and crappy, a line so fine that it cuts its feet a lot trying to stay on. The first issue had some good dialogue, interesting dynamic, and terrible villain scenes. (Plus the 'anniversary' thing.) This issue was better written, but stumbles more in the story area. These villains seem like they're supposed to be familiar, but they have one guy come out of nowhere, make Bruce talk uncomfortably out of character, and be very vague about the plan. I wanted to love this issue because the beginning was incredibly strong, but the end was an absolute mess. Still, there wasn't a scene like Bruce's "embracing life bull crap" so at least this issue's better for that. That and the better pacing for half the issue.
