With Grant Morrison taking the new flagship of “Batman and Robin,” writer Judd Winick fills in some gaps with this issue.  Focusing more on the new Batman, Winick gives us his take on the Dick Grayson’s growing pains.

I found the dialogue to be adolescent and trite.  How many more times is Dick going to complain about having to wear a cape?  Dick and Alfred going on about the cape’s weight being too heavy and it not being conducive to Dick’s fighting style was putting me to sleep; since when was Grayson such a bitch?  I really wish Alfred slapped him- bitch slapped him.

This issue jumps around to fill in some Gotham gaps.  The war between Penguin and Two-Face is finally getting some attention, although it wasn’t very exciting.  As Batman changes, so does Commissioner Gordon, trying to adjust to this new crime-fighting pal.  There were some nice little character moments throughout the issue, but nothing stellar.

Mark Bagley is drawing some dazzling pages.  The opening page’s battle-wounded Batman is masterful and rich.  I am particularly impressed that you can actually see Dick Grayson’s feature under the cowl.  The pages of Commissioner Gordon are subtle and refined, a combination of strong inking and smart coloring.  Batman’s muscular physic was a little overkill for my taste, but still nicely drawn.

Bagley’s art helps to save this issue’s bland story.  Nothing of real consequence happens; “Batman” is definitely playing second fiddle to “Batman and Robin.”

2.5 out of 5

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