Batman 682

Solicitation : Two issues of BATMAN in one month! Now that “Batman R.I.P.” has concluded, the aftermath begins! If you thought mastermind writer Grant Morrison surprised you with “R.I.P.”, just wait until you see what he has planned for this retrospective story. In his last hours, Alfred the Butler tells the life story of the Batman as you've never seen it before in this two-part adventure which bridges the gap between the events of “Batman R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS. Learn the secrets of Batman's early years! Witness the nightmare of a Gotham City where Batman never existed!

Written by Grant Morrison Art by Lee Garbett


Synopsis : Bruce Wayne is sitting in Wayne Manor (set before he becomes Batman ), we see him bat up, which happened the first day he went out to fight crime. Alfred comes in and submits his resignation. Alfred tells Julie Madison that Master Bruce has to cancel. Bruce talks about wanting a disguise. Alfred says that the Bat did not break the window, it was open. Alfred says it could have been worse. He thinks of other possibilities like Waspman, Bugman etc (they are hilarious).
We see flashbacks Of Batman meeting Hugo Strange, Alfred is removing a bullet out Of Bruce and they start discussing what else could have come in the window that night. Owlman, Catman (obviously a nudge at the two characters already in the DC Universe), Pigeonman, The Raven, Mosquitoman, The Skeleton and other association names.

We get a shot Of Gordon and Bruce Wayne meeting and discussing Batman's sighting.Julie breaks up with him and leaves for Hollywood, Batman is indisposed tied with a chemical vat below him. Are the Guns and Batman a Year One reference? Bruce is really pushing himself in the beginning. He doesn't eat, sleep and has lost his sense of humor. He depends on 10 minute micro-sleeps. He gets up talking about chemicals. Lots of chemical references in this story. He is at his parents grave and is informed about Madison's departure. He hardly has any emotion. His Life is only Batman. We see more flashbacks of Batman's career, fighting The Monster Men etc.


We revisit Richard Grayson's parents getting shot and Dick being designated as his ward. Richard volunteers to join Batman's quest for Justice. The fun and campy days of the 60's with some parts of the TV show and the campy writing. Really funny. The introduction Of Batwoman as Bruce's love interest. Dick has his doubts about her. We see her tragic departure.

Batman perseveres and recovers. He volunteers for a Space research project, where we see the Introduction of Dr.Hurt (more on him in March when i review Grant's Batman run.). We see Kirby's Lump creature, who is hiding inside Batman's memory and converting all his memories for a higher need.

We see the old Outsider story where Alfred died and they bury him. Bruce is being tortured inside the Torture device from Final Crisis Issue 2 Some more of the campy stuff with Joker being a buffoon and not the murderous psychopath that he usually is. Nightwing leaves to join the Teen Titans and is no longer Robin. Bruce gets darker and starts to rebuild himself. He suddenly realizes that Alfred isn't the real one as he remembers his death. He says that he is coming for his tormentors.

We cut to an alternate reality of Thomas Wayne stopping Joe Chill from shooting them and Bruce is now a loser who cant do anything for himself and is a major disappointment to his father. Simyan and Mokkari are talking and discussing how they are using Batman's traits to create an army for The Dark Empire, after which they will use his body for spare parts. Yikes !!!!

Review :  I read this immediately after I finished Batman RIP, reading this in accordance with Final Crisis, this feels as a much better read. This is majorly a retrospective story of Batman which he is seeing, feeling or sensing in his mind. The whole concept Of The Gods Of Apokolips coming to Earth, supposedly a backward planet and use Earth's greatest and most powerful , The Ultimate Man, The Batman to create an army. Imagine 10000 Batmen, they could take over Earth is minutes and Darkseid would not even need the Anti-Life Equation. The idea is fascinating, reading of all of this with Batman RIP where Batman fights The Black Glove, it all fits in and is very well done. The writing, characterization and voice Of Batman and Alfred are outstanding. The retrospective story is done well and is shown respect without any Major retcon. Notice the idea of Chemicals. I'm sure that will play a role later in the story.


The art is decent. Nowhere near the quality and standard of Jones and Manhke but its acceptable and suits the needs.  I would have liked Kubert Or Frank Quietly to do them but its all right. Expecting better from Lee in the next issue.

Story : 9.2
Art : 8.6

Last Thoughts : This is essential for those who are interested in Batman's story in Final Crisis (aren't we all ?). We know he has a major role to play and hence I would recommend this, not just for the story but for Grant Morrison's celebration Of The Batman mythos of the last 70 years and not being a retcon machine

Next In Final Crisis : Batman makes his stand against the Lump as all hope of Earth's heroes dwindle. Can One Man stand against The Mighty Dark Empire Of Darkseid? If anyone can , its Batman........ See you then.