The DC All-In initiative officially kicked off last week, and this week, it continues with Batman and Robin #14. An official jumping-on point, Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernandez take over the series after an excellent run by Joshua Williamson. This series has been about the bonding of Bruce and Damian, and that continues on some scale in this new story arc.
Batman and Robin #14 opens in Gotham in 1892. It’s a mysterious opening, which bookends well with the cliffhanger. Something strange and supernatural is up!
The story then smash-cuts to now, with criminals firing guns in a high-speed chase. Enter a shadowy bat figure who sends one of the shooters off a bridge. Javier Fernández comes in hot with some wicked sharp and kinetic art capturing the frenetic action and fast movements of Batman and Robin well.
Batman is a bit burlier, and Robin looks a touch older, too. That’s especially the case when Robin and Batman go to a function without their costumes later in the issue. There’s a good balance between the two in and out of costume, reminding us that their relationship has different levels.
That poor criminal.
Credit: DC Comics
Back to the action, Johnson and Fernandez close out the opening action sequence with an incredible moment of speed and tech. Don’t miss it.
Regarding the story’s main thrust, this issue ties into Bruce’s childhood. This is a clever way to bring Damian into Bruce’s past while also showing Damian needs to grow up a bit. It’s too early to tell what is happening with a character who knew Bruce’s father, but it’s exciting to see the story going in this direction.
For fans looking for father/son time, Johnson delivers. Their bonding feels realistic, and there’s a nice touch involving Damian’s grandfather. Damian continues to work on his comic art and the rather serious wrinkle of what dinner is, and it’s a nice check-in.
Juxtaposed with Damian attempting to sit at the kid’s table, Bruce goes rogue and shows he can do Batman things without the costume. The closing action sequence reminds us Bruce can be just as savvy and cool as James Bond.
Batman and Robin #14 is an exciting start and a great jumping-on point. It sets up a new supernatural mystery, establishes the father/son dynamic, and has some crackling action to go with it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.