“THE GOTHAM CYCLE” Part One
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Hugo Petrus, Miguel Mendonça and Juni Ba
Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by James Attias
Batman and Robin #20 is a wonderful three tiered layer cake of storytelling that gives us stories from Thomas Wayne, Damian Wayne and The Dark Knight himself… Let’s delve…
Thomas Wayne’s Journal
The first story in this very creative issue, is a sketch drawing/retelling of something from Thoma’s Wayne’s diary in his own words. This was a fun way of seeing how the father of the boy who would be Bat was around his young son. It tells an emotional story that would have played a larger role in Bruce’s life, had his parents not been gunned down. I really enjoyed reading this, my only issue was it was a smidge hard at times to read the handwriting with these old peepers of mine, but with a little zoom and a little effort, it was a great read.
Robin Has Been Taken. All Bat-Family Report In.
After a glimpse into the past, we’re brought crashing back to the present. Batman is tripping on a weaponized hallucinogen, and he is frantically now on the hunt for Robin. who was taken by Memento. All hands on deck, alert the Bat-Family! Alert Scotland yard! If you’ve got a cape and a mask, report in. It was super interesting to see Batman acting like a parent who lost a toddler in a supermarket. Deep down we know Robin will be ok, but until he is, heart rates are all elevated. I love love looooved a line of dialogue in this part that was said by Batman “Find your brother” chills… Literal chills. This part of the book was a lot less gimmicky, but being book ended by different ways of storytelling, it made it so much more exciting! Loved it.
Robin and Batman by Damian Wayne
The final of the three different sections of this issue was Batman reading a comic book written and drawn by his son Damian. Drawn with an advanced, younger style of art, which was fun, as Damian is meant to be 14/15 these days. As well as seeing Bruce reading his son’s work and as a proud father and a proud Batman to his Robin’s detective work, it did bring a tear to my eye.
Conclusion
Batman and Robin #20 is a really fun, really creative way of telling a story. I loved the art, I loved the writing. I can’t wait for the next issue, where all of this pays off.
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
