Batman Inc. #8 Review
Going into Batman Inc #8 I knew exactly what to expect because let’s be honest every comic book site under the sun reported on the notorious NY Post article. I have jumped in and out of Batman Inc. because it has just been awful. I just feel like the whole leviathan story line was drawn out to much and the art by Chris Burnham really didn’t appeal to me.
Batman Inc #8 is the biggest story in comic books this week so of course I had to actually read the issue. The issue was basically Damian Wayne’s swan song. Gotham is under siege because of Leviathan and the entire Batman Inc. is on the case except for Damian. Bruce wants him to stay in the cave because the situation is far too dangerous. Damian completely disobeys Batman’s orders and heads to Wayne tower so that he could help his father calm down his mother Talia Al Ghul. Along the way he partners up with Nightwing to stop his advanced aged cloned brother from reeking havoc. Cloned Damian is an absolute beast that looks a lot like Azrael. He makes quick work of Nightwing which cuts short the reunion of the epic Batman RIP Duo. Morrison did a great job brining Nightwing and Robin together one last time. When they spoke about being the best team ever I knew the writing was on the wall.
Once Damian had said all of his goodbyes there was only one thing left to do… Damian tried his hardest to fight his cloned brother but with Leviathan shooting arrows at him and his brother throwing him into walls I don’t think he had much of a shot. Needless to say the unthinkable happens and yet again another boy wonder is slain.
The Good
What I liked about this issue was the dialogue between Nightwing and Robin. We have seen these two work really well together in the past and I actually loved when they were the dynamic duo. It was rather sad seeing them together for one last time but very necessary.
I also enjoyed the multi-panel page Chris Burnham created for the final battle between Damian and his brother. In a relatively small space he was able to convey everything we all needed to see and know without reading a word.
The Bad
Because of DC and the NY Post I knew everything that was going to happen in this issue which made for a rather terrible read. While reading I couldn’t tell if I hated the book because I knew what was going to happen or because it was awful.
When I did finally reach the end of the book I felt angry and unsatisfied. The way Damian died just was not epic enough. Honestly he might of well had gotten shot. At least when Jason Todd died it was done in amazingly over the top fashion. What does Damian get a back alley stabbing. In all fairness I don’t think I would have liked any scenario Damian dies in and I feel like DC has made a grave mistake. The boy wonder should not have died because it’s been done already and look how that turned out.
Also Damian had created an entire fan base for himself and now what?! What will they do with Batman and Robin which has mostly been a Robin book for the last few issues? I mean after the Batman & Robin annual and anything to do with the Batman #666 universe how could they do this?! As you can tell I am completely and utterly upset about this book. Damian in my eyes has grown to be my favorite Robin and now he is gone. The feeling of lost for one of your favorite characters has happened to most people but for me this one’s extra sad and I feel like I lost a friend.
Verdict
I am a pretty angry Bat Fan and I just can't see myself reading another Grant Morrison book again!
