“Robin Rides The Black Mariah”
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artists: Jorge Jimenez
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Max Byrne
After the previous issue, which served as a highly effective way of establishing the new status quo under Fraction… Batman #2 is a more sentimental issue in some ways, as it employs the use of multiple flashbacks to go deeper into the relationship between Batman and his 3rd Robin, Tim Drake. Less of a headline grabber than the Robins that came before and after him. I am very happy to see him taking up a prominent position in this new era for the Dark Knight.
Family Matters
Amidst the Bat-Family antics, there is a tangible sense of the net being tightened around Batman and his cohorts. With Vandal Savage still positioned as Commissioner of the GCPD, his agenda against our titular hero is becoming more apparent. Framing Batman as an enemy of the police force rather than an ally, it is now open season on costumed vigilantes in Gotham City. Costumed villains are one thing, but now the Five-O are going to make sure that there will be some extremely busy nights ahead for the guardians of the city!
Driving Forward
The juxtaposition between the innocence of driving lessons of the past and the unforgiving world of the present are keenly felt indeed. Police brutality is at an all time high, to which even Batman is not immune. Let’s say that the cowl’s durability is put to the test at point blank range, which is the catalyst for those driving lessons to bear fruit. The highlight of the issue is within this section as we see just how many gears the Batmobile has at its disposal. If three quantum gears for use during spatiotemporal crisis events were not enough, the promise of a “secret gear” is something I hope gets a pay off at a later date.
The overall story arc isn’t greatly advanced in this issue, there is still a sense of table setting going on. Fraction is certainly favoring the long game thus far, eschewing mic drop moments for building a world that feels full of depth and moving parts. I hope the ends do justify the means, but it is a case of so far so good.
Conclusion
Batman #2 is a worthy read, full of world building and character beats. The slow moving march to Batman v Vandal Savage’s GCPD is intriguing, enticing and engrossing. Roll on issue #3!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
