Son of the Bat or Son of the Demon?
In The final issue of this series Tim faces off with the man who murdered his father, Captain Boomerang.
The Good
Absolutely perfect cover.
Marcus To's work on this issue is absolutely perfect from cover to cover.
Much of the issue's him shadowing Boomerang and him internally narrating. Nicieza has such a firm command of Tim and it's really going to be a shame that he's not writing him in September.
All of Batman's "sons" possess amplified aspects of his personality. This being the case, Tim is definitely Bruce's intellect on ten. This issue more than any other I've ever read show's just how intricately Tim can plan. The way he engineers Boomerangs death allowing him a myriad of chances to escape was brilliant and exactly in character.
Mr. Freeze has a bit of spotlight in this issue, he's one of my favorite Batman villains so seeing him used and written so well was a huge bonus.
Nicieza owns Tim Drake, point blank, but he also has a good feel for all the members of the Bat Family. The way he writes Dick and Bruce in this issue is perfect. Each of their reactions to what Tim decision to take vengeance on Harkness is pitch perfect. The tension between Tim and Bruce is absolutely amazing.
The Bad
Because the sparse dialog the issue reads really briskly.
That this series is ending.
Much of the character building Nicieza (and Yost) have done on this book may be ignored come September.
The Verdict
BUY THIS COMIC!!!
Nicieza ends this stellar series in fine fashion giving Tim Drake a long waited chance to exercise some demons which have haunted him. The decision he makes here will forever change him (or at least may if not ignored in September). Fans of Tim Drake and this book will be thoroughly satisfied and those who haven't been following his time as Red Robin can jump right in and enjoy this issue as well.
