“MEMENTO” Part Four
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 #17 has one foot in the past, and one walking on broken glass in the present. But much like everything in Batman’s life. His past shapes everything.
Someone Has To
With a gaggle of detectives everywhere you look in this title, you’d think someone might finally find a clue to chase. We’re shown how a very young, very angry Bruce was first introduced to this case when he was learning the art of detection in London, many years ago. It’s always fun to read about Bruce’s travels pre-Batman, to true pure bat-fans, it’s years and years of story that we get pieces of every few years, an untapped fountain of ‘how to become Batman’.
On the other hand, what does it take to be a child soldier… Damian has been going through some trauma, and I feel bad for the kid.
Someone Else Has Too
Damian’s journey in this story has really grown the character. Personally I’m so invested in his story throughout this arc. He was always so confident, so full of himself, knew he was the best. But the young warrior has developed something he was sorely lacking since his creation twenty something years ago; empathy. A child was hurt whilst trying to save the day and Robin feels responsible, he was powerless to help. Which also brings back the burning memory of another time he was powerless to save someone he loved… Alfred. Compelling stuff, I’m really enjoying the direction this story is going. The art is good, and I do like differentiation in colour – yellow means past, but does it have to be all yellow/gold? Maybe I’m just being picky, I really did like it.
Conclusion
Batman and Robin #17 is a great read, if you’re a fan of Damian Wayne, this issue really does show off how much the character has grown. Worth the read for that alone!
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
