Batman: The Return #1 – Review

By: Grant Morrison (writer), David Finch (penciller), Batt and Ryan Winn (inker), Peter Steigerwald (colorist)

The Story: Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham and giving orders. It might be best to say that General Wayne is back, because he’s got a small army of people he can draw on for his new vision of crime-fighting.

The Review: This book wowed me pretty much from cover to cover. The production (paper and thickness) felt satisfying to sit back and open. David Finch’s art, ably interpreted by Batt, Winn and Steigerwald, was awesome. There were a few gratuitous poses here and there, but the evocative settings and dynamism of even the heroes standing about made the whole story seem to be in motion. As an example, take a look at some of the non-standard chores the art team really knocked out of the park. First, the three-page opening with the wounded bat, especially the background of the library. Then, check out the batcave in Batman’s first briefing. The level of detail in the backgrounds and in the characters (unfortunately posing like they came out of the 90s) was eye-catching. And, check out the overview of Yemen. Great stuff. Money’s worth it for the art.

On writing, Morrison was nearly tone-perfect. He caught all the characters at their best (with one exception that I’ll get to in a sec). Morrison writes a good Damian. He’s a hateful, spiteful little bastard you’d just like to shake some so he gets his head on straight, if you thought he wouldn’t bite you. His growth under Morrison (via Dick Grayson) was genuine and Dick earned Damian’s respect. Damian’s insecurities here under Bruce completely transform Damian’s axis of aggression as he realizes that Dick is his only hope to keep on being Robin and growing into what he and his father want of him. It was really fun to watch. At the same time, I loved the role Bruce carved out for Dick. It is appropriate, logical (given Bruce’s new vision), and promises to keep my favorite member of the Bat-family at the front of things for a while yet. The quiet moments between Alfred and Bruce were also great to watch. And finally, as a reader of Batgirl, I also like the direction here that will play out in a book that needed a shot in the arm.