Batman #676 (R.I.P.)

I jumped back onto "Batman" at the beginning of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story and was quickly disappointed. I have never really read a lot of Grant Morrision and was told he's the best. Well, that little story did not live up to the hype. I have never been a huge Batman fan. I generally like him better when he's playing off of the other DC heroes. However, my son wanted to keep getting the Batman Family of books ("Batman", "Detective Comics", "Robin", & "Nightwing"). While the latter three books have kept my interest, I have been somewhat confused by Morrison's "Batman". Having not read the entire Morrison run, I'm probably coming into the party too late. I was hoping that with the "Batman R.I.P." story that Morrison would welcome new readers by making this issue new reader friendly.

Art Rating: 2.5 out of 4
Story Rating: 4 out of 4
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 4

I was truly impressed with this issue. From the first page through the end, Morrison kept the pace up and the plot points coming. Morrison has truly take the Joker to a dark place and it is interesting to see this insane take on the character. The reader gets to get into Bruce Wayne/Batman's head a bit in this issue and Morrison shows that he is very much a conflicted character. Tony Daniel's art is good but it just doesn't scream "Top Tier Book!". He does a fine job of putting Morrison's plot to page and his Joker looks very insane. The true star of this issue is Morrison's writing. He has me looking forward to how this story plays out.

Batman #674

I am not afraid to admit that the I have been lost over the last few issues of "Batman". I know Grant Morrison is supposed to be the comic writer extraordinaire, but coming off of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" he did not do the new readers any favors. This issue Morrison begins to correct that error by providing some explanation to what is going on. The pacing and dialogue were top notch. Morrison gives this issue a bit of a "Marathon Man" feel with Batman in a precarious position. Tony Daniels continues to impress me with the art. He does a good job taking what could be a confusing story and putting it on the page.

I wouldn't point to this issue as a good jumping on point for new readers of "Batman". However, it is the closest that you're going to get in the Morrison era. The multiple Batman arc gets some explanation and Batman once again proves he's a badass. The best read yet that I have read of Morrison's run.

Batman #673

The best part of this issue is Tony Daniel's art. He captures the different eras of Batman here. I'm really not sure what writer Grant Morrison is going for here. I jumped onto "Batman" during "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" arc and I am at a loss during the last two issues. With this issue being mostly in dream state, it didn't provide me anymore understanding of what is going on.

The one thing this issue did for me is point me to Bill Finger. Grant Morrison gave Finger a nod in the credits. I then went searching for who he was. I grew up knowing that Bob Kane created Batman and did not really know who Bill Finger was - except for his creation of the original Green Lantern. I was amazed to see how much influence Finger had on the creation of Batman. Without Finger, I don't think we would have Batman. If he really was this involved in the creation of Batman he should be named right alongside Kane as a creator - much like Siegel and Shuster for Superman.

So, the story in the issue didn't do much for me. Daniel's art and the discovery of some comic's history were the bonus.

Batman #672

I wasn't very impressed with "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" and was not going to add another monthly. However, I gave into my son's wishes and picked up "Batman" this month. I dig Tony Daniel's art. I like not only his interpretation of Batman but what he brings to both Jim Gordon and Alfred. I have to say that story-wise I was a bit lost in this issue. I'm not sure who all the players are and what their back story is. I may have to go pick up some back issues to understand where all of this is coming from.

While not a good jumping on point for new readers, as seen by my confusion with who's who, my son really liked this issue and is looking forward to the next. I'll hold my judgement for a few more issues.

Batman #671

"Batman" #671 continues "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story. Part four of the seven part series, The disparate story lines come together with Batman, Ra's Al Ghul, and the Sensei meeting at Nanda Parabat. I believe my lack of knowledge of the current Batman mythos hindered my enjoyment of this comic because I've never heard of the Sensei character and didn't get a big "wow!" out of the big reveal here. I did enjoy Morrison's fight between Batman and the Sensei. Tony Daniel's captures the action well, having fun with the Sensei's fighting style.

The only gripe that I have against this story line is that it was billed as this big event and comes across as just another story. I don't have a feeling for the big stakes here - what's really on the line? Other than that the read has been fun and action filled.

Batman #670

"The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" begins in this issue. Billed as a prelude to the storyline, writer Grant Morrison gives new readers a descent jumping on point for this 7-part series. While I don't have a great depth of understanding of where Damian comes from and that Ra's Al Ghul was even dead, I enjoyed Morrison's story. Tony Daniel and Jonathan Glapion's art is pretty good capturing Batman's persona very well. Daniel provides good layouts and panels with backgrounds and detail, which has become uncommon in current comics.

Morrison has peaked my interest with this prelude to what looks to be an interesting story. If you are looking to jump onto this story and are afraid you need a PhD in all things Batman to get it, don't worry, Morrison sets a very good tone that doesn't leave you scratching your head.