So is this the new Robin?
Damian died.Almost everybody knows that already and this issue serves as a requiem issue in honor of Damian.But we kind of get another perspective of things.We get to see how things have been since the death of Damian thorugh Harper Row's eyes and how she things should be.
The last time we saw her it was in #12 where we were kind of introduced to her character.Then we saw what she were,what she was fighting for and how she will affect Batman's life.She looked like an average character that if she is under the right hands she can become a great character but in this issue more we learn about her and as more she appeared as that vigilante she wants to be the more I started disliking her.The whole origin of Harper and the things that drive her to that point are the same as Stephanie Brown and I don't see why didn't Snyder introduce Stephanie instead of Harper.Stephanie is a character that has proven to be good and interesting and people like her and I don't know why is Snyder just making things harder for him.Not he has to develop Harper to that point where she won't be a Steph rip-off and to be a likeable character.
And I came to the point when I will ask the question: Does Batman actually need a new sidekick right now?My answer is no.Batman is one of those characters that almost ever has had a sidekick and the dynamics between the dynamic duo are something almost everyone likes but right now if Batman gets a Robin it would be too forced and almost no one will like the idea.And that is the road Snyder is currently taking.He is starting to introduce the superhero part of Harper until the point where people will take her seriously and she will become Batman's new sidekick.But I am completely against that.I find her interesting and all but I can't see her as a good partner of Bruce.
And for the best part of the issue was the amazing interior artwork from Andy Kubert.During his run on the last Batman volume with Grant Morrison I loved his work and I also loved him in Flashpoint.He is an artist that should get more work and I enjoy every page he makes.His style is unique.It has a lot of details but it's not too rough or not too bright.It's in a perfect level.
Besides the fact that I am not liking where Snyder is taking Harper the issue wasn't bad but It can't compare to the amazing silent issue that was Batman and Robin #18.Snyder is a writer that started off pretty well with Batman but right now the direction of things is not the best in my opinion.
