t’s been a while (again) since I’ve wrote something here. Real-life work has pretty much taken away my time to actually perform a writing task such as this one. But if there is one thing I was able to do, that is to keep collecting comics. So for now, I’d like to present my views on the various comic book-related events that has just (or will be) finished. I’ll try to avoid as much spoilers as possible, besides, there’s Wikipedia for that. First up in the plate:

BATMAN R.I.P.

When the event was announced, a lot of speculation rose as to what will happen to both Bruce Wayne and Batman himself, ranging from a mere retirement from the scene to an actual death. But one thing is for sure: DC Comics and writer Grant Morrison did deliver on another potential Bat-classic.

The core plot of Batman R.I.P. tackled on the possibility of having Batman face an enemy that virtually knows everything about him and how he’d survive. In here he tries to come face to face with an organization known as the Black Glove, who has continuously hounded Bruce for a period of time. During the series itself, he gets beaten down physically, emotionally (by targeting other prime members of the Bat-family like Alfred Pennyworth, Nightwing and Robin) and mentally until at one point something breaks from within himself: an emergence of another psyche brought about by his training during the events of 52.

The way Grant Morrison handled the story telling can be seen as eccentric to a particular degree, which kinda fit with the overall theme of the story arc. When I was reading the comic books month per month, there were times were I would need to reassess what actually transpired. By reading every issue twice I was able to grasp the events and see the events clearly. After reading the whole thing once again in one sitting, I was able to fully appreciate the entire event. Even the way The Joker was used here is clearly another defining moment to the character. I guess the same could be said about the art. At first, I didn’t like the way Tony Daniel did Batman #676, but as the story progressed I started to like it gradually.

The only gripe I have about it all was how it actually ended. Maybe I was looking for something more grandiose. Maybe I took “Batman R.I.P.” a bit literally. But yeah I was indeed expecting something bigger. Maybe it’s just not here in R.I.P. Maybe in Last Rites. Hell, maybe even in Final Crisis. But I’ll be on the lookout for whatever that is. Especially with Battle for the Cowl in the horizon.

But wait! What’s an event without TIE-INS!

NIGHTWING: This confrontation between Dick Grayson and Two-Face has been eagerly awaited by all Bat-fans. It actually started off strong but kinda ended flat. I was expecting the two to go all-out, but I guess it’s not yet time for that?

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS: Ahh, Batman’s own covert-ops team. Frankly, I don’t know what to make of the team. I only read it just to see how Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) would react. Good thing I really did not expect anything out of them.

ROBIN: Now this kinda ticked me off. Whether it was because of Chuck Dixon’s unceremonious exit or the waste of potential for both Tim Drake and Spoiler (Stephanie Brown) I honestly don’t remember anymore. But yeah it ticked me off.

DETECTIVE COMICS: Now this is something that caught me off-guard. I’ve been always a big fan of the Batman-Catwoman dynamic, and I really dig how it was used here. Apparently set just before the main R.I.P. story itself, it shows Hush trying to take away the things Batman already has, including the heart of Catwoman. I liked the over-all feel of the story as it as mysterious as the main story itself. What I really liked about it the most is how it was played out. Appearances by Zatanna and Scarecrow further added to the feel of the overall story.

Overall, Batman R.I.P. is indeed quite a read. We may need to look at Final Crisis for some closure though, but even with that, the after-effects won’t be felt right away. At least for the time being. But I’ll definitely be looking forward for the Battle for the Cowl when it starts in March next year.

Next up: Secret Invasion? New Krypton? Final Crisis? Well,whichever finishes first XD.