The fun continues with Batman and Robin #3 a non stop roller coaster of comic book heaven. Well that is a bit of an exaggeration, but this issue does continue the trend of excellence the proceeding issues set.
The issue starts with Batman interrogating the henchman of the deranged Professor Pyg while Robin is at the professor's mercy. Professor Pyg shines in this issue as his madness is hilarious while being scary as hell. Professor Pyg's diabolical plot is revealed and Batman and Robin struggle to put a stop to it. New characters are introduced, retribution is had, and an ominous feeling that this is only the beginning of the new Batman and Robin's adventure in this series.
The writing by Grant Morrison in this issue is excellent as usual. His handling of Batman and Robin new dynamic is exciting and fresh. This Batman and Robin argue and disagree while still having a mutual respect for each other. Damian's arrogance is played well against Grayson's playfulness as Batman. His handling of Professor Pyg, however, steals the issue. Morrison takes what would be a silly villain and turns him into a crazy nut job that ranks up there with the Joker. Morrison makes Professor Pyg hilarious one minute then scary as hell the next. His story is dark, funny and deep. Morrison's story even fits in with his Batman R.I.P story showing that all his work on Batman has been connected and is still leading to more. The end of the issue introduces the reader to the antagonists for the next arc, but subtly hints that Professor Pyg's plans are not yet over. Overall the writing in this issue is superb and is exciting to read.
The art for this issue is done by Frank Quitely. There are some writers and artists that seem to go together like peanut and chocolate and this pair of Morrison and Quitely is one of those. Quitely's style of art fits perfectly with Morrison's dialogue and characters. Damian is given an arrogant air to him that matches his character, while Batman is given a lighter air to him. Professor Pyg once again gets the focus of this section as his depiction is as mentioned above one of a comedic second rate villain to a first rate horror show. His pacing of the action scenes leave the reader breathless as every panel works fluidly with each other leader the reader effortless through the action. Quitely shows just enough in his panels for the reader to take everything in and absorb it. Overall the art in this issue is great and its a little sad that he will be leaving until issue ten however with what he gave in the first three issues of the series I do not think anyone is complaining.
This issue is just plain fun to read. It manages to have an air of playfulness while maintaining a deadly serious story. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and my one complaint is that it was over to soon. I highly recommend this comic to anyone who is a fan of Batman and Robin and to those who aren't this story arc is an excellent one to break into. Even with Frank Quitely leaving after this issue I am still very excited for the issues still to come and I am definitely going to be picking up the next issue. |
