All of the Bat titles are struggling to find their footing in a world without Bruce Wayne and this title seems to be more lost than the others.

Writer Judd Winick is just not hitting a stride with this storyline. There are pieces that never come together nor hold our attention. War is raging between Two-Face and the Penguin and the greatest causality is us, the reader who bought this crap. Dick Grayson’s internal monologues are ridiculously monotonous. The plot is not much better.

Mark Bagley’s pencils are as inconsonant as the plotting. The hyper action panels fail to provide subtle details to refine the characters. Batman looks like he’s jacked up on Botox, incapable of cracking a frown or smile.

This issue ends with yet another “Batman” demanding of Grayson “Where’s the real Batman?” I am wondering that myself because this Batman is a bore.

1.5 out of 5

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

Writer Judd Winick takes the reins of the Batman flagship with a new hero wearing the cape and cowl.  With last week’s fantastic first issue of “Batman and Robin”, I wasn’t expecting much form this one.  What could be done with this title that would be relevant?

Glad to say, I was very pleasantly surprised.  It fits more naturally between “Battle for the Cowl” and “Batman and Robin” #1.  Dick Grayson gives his reasons for abandoning the Batcave for a new base of operations.  Winick provides the context for Alfred and Dick Grayson to mourn Bruce and prepare for the future.  The emotions were natural and unforced in their honesty.  The humanity behind the tights and capes was authentic and tragic, yet didn’t linger too long with the tissues.

Ed Benes draws a sharp Batman book.  With a number of panels needing to convey raw emotion, Benes is up for the task.  Of particular note are the faces of Alfred and Dick as they share their feelings about each other and Bruce.  He captures a powerful moment when Dick’s reflection merges with Batman’s cowl.  It makes you want to clap or cheer.

Batman’s main title is in good hands with this creative team.  The final panel is a true work of art, Batman poised ready to protect and serve – and scare the shit out of the bad guys.

4 out of 5