“MEMENTO” Part Two
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Javi Fernãndez and Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by James Attias
Batman and Robin #15 is a cool action packed detective story filled with mystery and memories!
Quiet Your Mind
This book is way better then it had any right to be, the Batman and Robin title has been great over the last year, keeping the father son relationship front and center, so for this issue we really get to enjoy Bruce dealing with his son Damian, who is struggling to find purpose. We’re dealing with a cold calculated killer, who has history in the distant past, in Bruce’s past and in Gotham’s future. Welcome to Gotham… Memento.
With Damian now being 13 or 14, it is natural that he should start to be a little bit more independent. Some stories by other writers have him always on his own, some have him with teams, friends, you name it. But this story, with his father. With Batman. It gives him the burden of always being watched by the world’s greatest superhero, detective, fighter.. The list goes on. This writing matches reality, that when one is around parents, you often slip back into the habits of a child. I really enjoyed Damian facing that and overcoming it.
Prep Time Out
It was also wonderful to see Batman in this issue facing a crisis, with no prep time, no suit, no gadgets, no comms. Only using his brilliant mind and strength of will to overcome the odds. The art this issue was a little loose in areas, but the vividness of the many fires drawn was wonderful. The direction the writing is going, I wouldn’t be surprised if elements from this book start to find their way into other Bat titles. So you best be reading this and them.
Conclusion
Batman and Robin #15 was a dark mysterious read that has us all wondering what will happen next, will Batman and Robin be able to stop Memento?! Only time will tell.
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment