“MEMENTO” Part Three
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Miguel Mendoça and Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by James Attias
Batman and Robin #16 is taking us deeper into the mystery. Who is Memento? Why is he in Gotham? And most importantly… Can he be stopped?
Trauma
This issue does a great job of showing us the current status of Bruce and Damian’s relationship. We know after the events of last issue, Damian witnessed the death of a child… Up close. This has affected him. Bruce, being his usual self, tries to understand Damian’s feelings, but misplaces his concern with rage. Tragic. But textbook. I really did enjoy how this story was being told at the same time as battling that. Great balance.
The story itself does a good job of trying to change the Scooby Doo trope of it’s alway the only other person around who isn’t a main character. We’re building something more into this mystery. I hope it pays off.
Old Flame?
I’m unclear as to why some pages had a different artist. If you’ve ever read any of my reviews you know I need an ironclad reason for an artist to change mid way through a series, let alone an issue. Unless it was for flashback purposes. Either way, it didn’t distract too much. But I did notice it. The writing for the mystery and the fatherson trauma was very entertaining. I’m in deep now. Usually when a ‘New Villain’ comes into town I’m not worried… I’m fully expecting to never see them again after 2 or 3 issues. This time around I do expect they will leave as soon as this story is done. But for the first time in a long time… I hope they stick around!
Conclusion
Batman and Robin #16 is an entertaining, story building issue that treated us to some emotion, some exposition and some mystery. What more could you want?! Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment