Comic Vine Review

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Batman, Incorporated #11 - Interlude: A Bird in the Hand

4

Meanwhile in Japan...the Batman vs. Talia/Leviathan story takes a pause while we catch up with another Batman Inc member. Things get a little crazy.

The Good

I've been enjoying Grant Morrison's BATMAN INCORPORATED but there has been a feeling of the story dragging a little. Part could be the fact that the story essentially started before the New 52. Recently a certain key event happened in issue #8 and the next two issues still didn't fully resolve it.

Even though this issue adds to the prolonging of the story, it was a welcomed interlude. There have been questioning over the decision for "Batman Incorporated." Throughout these past issues, we haven't really seen too much of the other members, which seemed to be the whole point of the concept when it was first introduced. The series felt like yet another BATMAN comic with just a little more mention of having Wayne Enterprise backing it all.

There have been some interesting members of Batman INC introduced and some we just haven't been able to get a grasp on. This issue takes the time to return to Japan and see what Jiro is up (first seen in the first issue of the first volume of BATMAN INCORPORATED). While briefly seen in BATMAN INCORPORATED #0 (co-written by Chris Burnham), we get to finally see him in action, on his own (sort of).

Burnham gives us a different type of Batman INC story. That's a good thing. You can feel that Burnham was definitely going for a different type of story. It's possible that some might not 'get' what is being achieved here but the nods to the Japanese pop culture fits nicely with some of the aspects Morrison touched on with Super Young Team in FINAL CRISIS. It does interrupt a heavy story taking place in the series but there is something about seeing other areas of the DC Universe. Some of the scenes and actions are borderline absurd but, again, that's the point. There were many moments I had a big grin on my face.

Jorge Lucas' art has a slightly gritty feel and simply captures what we can assume was the essence in Burnham's script. This may not be the BATMAN INC story everyone is looking for but it is more of what I'd like to see, rather than just focus on Batman.

The Bad

While the story had a fun feeling to it, it is a departure from the main story. There's likely to be a good reason this issue was needed but there's no reason to dwell on that. It's unfortunate that it does have to happen in the middle of a big battle. This is something that would be perfect for the BATMAN INC special or if it was decided the series should shift its focus on different characters in different arcs. It may not fit in with the overall Batman vs. Leviathan story but it was still a fun read.

The Verdict

Whether you're loving Morrison's run or waiting for it to end, this issue does what we should have seen earlier, a spotlight on other Batman Incorporated characters. Chris Burnham takes over the writing duties and shows us what Jiro, the Batman of Japan is doing these days. It's a great departure from the ongoing (and slightly morbid) story dealing with Batman vs. Talia. Burnham and Jorge Lucas give a fun look at what's going on in Japan. With characters like Lady Tiger Fist and killer female biker gangs, this issue definitely fits into Morrison's world. It'd be great to see the series focus on the various different Batman Incorporated members since we don't get to see much of them. This may not be your typical BATMAN INCORPORATED story but, in my book, that's a really good thing. Hopefully we'll see more of Burnham's writing in the future.

18 Comments

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Cruehead45

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Edited By Cruehead45

To me this is the worst issue of the series and pointless. All it was is some Japanese dude running around in a really bad Bat suit with a fairy as a side kick whom I guess are lovers???? Any this issue was just bad bad bad. It strayed way to far away from what Morrison is doing with Inc. When I finished this issue I just thought meh put it in a bag and board and probably won't pick it up again. To sum this issue up it was nothing but a bunch of wanna be characters.

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tec79

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Edited By tec79

I found the story to be very enjoyable. Like most readers I would have preferred that the main story continue but I hope this will allow issues 12 and 13 to feature Burnham's art exclusively. I think this was a great example of the viability of the Batman inc. characters to carry a title or possibly solo titles. The end of Batman incorporated as an entity does not negate the possibilities of the characters that have been featured, a transition to a Batman and the Outsiders on going featuring Incorporated alumni and new additions would be a welcome addition to the New 52.

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Dud317

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Edited By Dud317

This issue would have served more of a purpose in the INC world if the previous issues followed the same formula. However, since the Damian storyline, this story seemed forced and a pointless waste of a issue so close to the end. It was cool to see some references and jokes to Japanese medium, but maybe perhaps you guys are right. Maybe DC is gauging an interest in a future Batman UN-INC. These heroes will still be around even if INC disbands, right?

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Shika1Dude

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Shika1Dude

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Edited By Shika1Dude

Yea, its a shame Batman Inc is ending, I LOVED the whole idea of international Batmen and how they are under this umbrella. I felt the concept could have been explored further, somehow make Batman himself a special guest to this international team book. not saying i didn't enjoy the leviathan deal, its just this series wasn't what i expect. This issue itself is what I'm looking for *GO Team Burnham!!

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Mucklefluga

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I want a Man of Bats and Raven Red series the most! Followed closely by El Gaucho and Nightrunner.

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The Mighty Monarch

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I get it, but that doesn't make it good. It wasn't ' borderline' absurd, it drove over the border faster than the speed of sound riding in a hot pink clown car with square pretzels for wheels. The dialogue was atrocious, and the villains were incredibly obnoxious. And 'Batman of Japan' is the dumbest name, why is he the ONLY one who doesn't get his own name?

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Lone_Wolf_and_Cub

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This Issue was pointless.

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detective38

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This issue sucked. I hated everything to do with final crisis so I absolutely do not care about whats happening with morrisons japanese heroes. Also the batman of japan is a stupid name at least give him a proper name. 2/5 stars in my opinion

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Eeshaan1685

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Edited By Eeshaan1685

This was a pointless issue. I wanted to see Batman fight Heretic and Talia.

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manwithoutshame

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I don't get why Morrison has the end the series, I think he finally hit his stride with Batman Inc.

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dernman

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Edited By dernman

Didn't like this issue. Also I prefer the Mr Unknown look and name for the Batman of Japan.

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longbowhunter

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Diamond flaked and didn't send my shop any copies. Have to wait a week or two to read this.

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jsphsmth

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Edited By jsphsmth

Funny how the best Batman Inc story are not written by Moronison. This series really should relaunch under a competent writer. The one-shot in August makes me believe DC is considering it.

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ULTRAstarkiller

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@g_man great review but does it show Batman fighting Heretic and Talia?

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Sleepbutnodream15

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I loved this issue! The last two issues of Batman inc definitely dragged, but I've loved all of its New 52 issues. Can't wait for issue 12!

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BatWatch

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Edited By BatWatch

Yeah, I didn't like it very much. I really wanted to because, like you, I want to see a variety of Batmen in this title, but it didn't come together for me. I got many of the Japanese craziness references, and those parts I liked, especially the opening scene in the Japanese Bat Cave, but I didn't want the whole story to feel ridiculous. The motorcycle villains motivations were just too stupid for me to believe even somewhat tongue in cheek. Also, the art was not particularly good.

The BatWatch Review is up.

Shame this series is ending Burnham could have written it. I get the sense that this book may feel like it is dragging to some because something big will happen in the last issue and this series and the rest of the Bat books need to get ready.

I've been wondering if this issue and the Special are an attempt to gauge fans desire for a continuing series. We might see one yet.

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johnny_spam

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Edited By johnny_spam

Shame this series is ending Burnham could have written it. I get the sense that this book may feel like it is dragging to some because something big will happen in the last issue and this series and the rest of the Bat books need to get ready.