no worries indeed
One aspect that people seem to forget about batman, despite how many times it appears is that Batman (no matter the title) is a story of family. It started with the loss of family on that one fateful night, and even now we can label characters as being part of the Bat-family. Yet the dynamic between Batman and Robin is developing the family relation, not of the bat-family, but of the Wayne family watching Bruce Wayne, the son of the late Dr. Thomas and Martha Wayne becoming Bruce Wayne the Father. (Compared to the pre 52 Batman and Robin, which was more of an Older Brother and younger brother relationship).
Following from where the last issue left off Damien has killed Ducard (?) and turned to look at his father, exhausted and ashamed of his actions. Bruce then carries Damien on his back to the bat-plane while the rest of the boat burns and sinks. As the plane takes off Damien whispers “Titus” to his father, saying that that’s the name he’s given the dog. As the two reach the cave Alfred asks for the damage, and Bruce urges that he take care of Damien first, indicating how he doesn’t want to lose another son, by a simple glans to an old robin costume (you know the one).
Now if there’s one thing that I can say about this issue it’s that neither Batman or Robin appear in it. No, instead we get Bruce Wayne and Damien, as reflected in Gleasons’ artwork in the first few pages as the cowl is not worn by Bruce, and the small Robin emblem and utility belt of Robins are discarded from Damiens’ costume, leaving the both of them bare leaving only he father and the son. If there’s one thing that Tomsai is doing in the series it’s developing Bruce Wayne from the boy who watched his parents die in that alley way that one night to a man who has to finally come to terms with his roll as a father to numerous children, personified in Damien, stopping him from living in the dark and painful past and finally turning his attention to the future. We’re shown Bruce panicking as he returns Damien to the cave, even shouting at Alfred, before apologizing, as he worries about his sons’ safty and wellbeing (even giving us a nod to a past fathering failure of his) and then the final talk between the two in the den, finalizing the transition of these characters. This is truly the issue, if not the story, that Bruce and Damien needed to build up this relationship, and that Bat-fans needed to remind us that batman is a human beneath that mask and not a monster (I mean lets look at Bruce hitting Dick in the face in issue #7 of Batman and Nightwing. Truly a warming family moment). This is only helped by Gleasons pencils that in an issue that doesn’t have the characters wearing their masks and where their emotions (yes emotions in a batcomic. What next eh) are shown in the characters body as well as their dialog, especially Damian confession of his fear. But I’d say that not only is it those last pages of the issue that pull at your heart string, but also that last wordless image which sums up the peace and change that this series has developed in the past 8 issues.
In conclusion I can give this issue nothing more than a 5/5. This issue and story is one that tugs at your heartstrings and truly shows that there is a human being with emotion under that cowl. I would advice for everyone to read this issue, but only if your going to read the other 7 issues as well. Snyders Batman run might be pushing batman to his most difficult challenge, but Tomasi is pushing Bruce Wayne to his most emotional challenge. So if you can get a hold of all 8 issues pick them up, if not the Batman and Robin Volume #1: Born to kill trade paperback comes out in July. So once again, Batman and Robin #8:-
5/5
