The tie-ins better than the main story
I already know what you're thinking, 'how is this better than Blackest Night'? Now, I'm in no way saying that Blackest Night is bad or that issue one was not better than this, but I felt that this book was better than Blackest Night this month because Tomasi is doing what almost every other writer is failing to do with the new Batman and Robin, he writes them right. Tomasi's Batman and Robin is on par with Grant Morrison's. But while Morrison showed how Nightwing didn't have any respect or support in his new costume, Tomasi shows how Batman doesn't take any insubordination and demands support from his partner and colleagues.
Dick and Damian are amazing in this issue. Dick is Batman in this comic not dressed as Batman, is Batman. When Damien questions Dick or halts at a command, Dick immediately lets Damian know that he is in charge and that he isn't going to take any crap from him. But unlike normally enjoying Damian get his, you actually feel for him and can see what is going on through his eyes. You can see that underneath his arrogance and tough attitude, he is just a kid drafted into a war that he fears and does not completly understand. You can sense a sort of warmth and connection in both of them, and tell that even though they may not fully like each other, they still care for one another. Even though Dick sounds and acts like Batman, he still comes off as himself and Damian still acts tough and arrogant, but is slowly starting to respect Dick, and wants to be respected and trusted as his partner. Overall, both of the character's emotions and actions are explored in this issue, and you can see great potential in both of them as the new Dynamic Duo.
In the end, BN:Batman starts off great and has potential to be as entertaining as Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin. But Unlike Batman and Robin, this isn't only connected to the partnership of Batman and Robin but rather is a story about 'Robin'. With Dick in the cowl, Damian wearing the R, and Tim reuniting with his adoptive family, this is about how the former Robins and the new Robin will come together and show that Batman's legacy lives on.
