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A review by just_fighting_censorship
Batman & Robin, Vol. 4: Dark Knight vs. White Knight by Paul Cornell
4.0
At least this series ends on a high note.
This volume has three main story lines, the first of which was my least favorite. Some lady with a hole in her head has a grudge against Bruce Wayne because he didn't love her...
The second and title story was my favorite. It was dark and creepy and violent plus we get a few Arkham scenes. The villain's origin felt a little hokey, but he looked cool and had a pretty interesting MO.
Rounding out the volume was a story about Jason Todd AKA Red Hood, so your enjoyment of this story will be dependent on your feeling regarding this character. My personal opinion is one of indifference but I enjoyed the dynamics between Todd and Grayson.
Overall, Dick Grayson's Batman is wonderfully characterized and has been the highlight of this book and the entire series. I thought I would absolutely hate reading Batman books pretty much devoid of Bruce Wayne, but it was well done and interesting. Additionally, Damien Wayne was tolerable. This is the best treatment of the character that I've read. First, the other characters openly acknowledge that Damien is annoying. Second, Damien whines a little less and is actually useful. Third, he misses his father, the reader can sympathize. And lastly, I think that teaming up with Dick makes Damien more than just the "son of Batman". It allows him to be a fuller character and interact with a Batman that isn't teaming up with him out of obligation or parental bias.
This volume has three main story lines, the first of which was my least favorite. Some lady with a hole in her head has a grudge against Bruce Wayne because he didn't love her...
The second and title story was my favorite. It was dark and creepy and violent plus we get a few Arkham scenes. The villain's origin felt a little hokey, but he looked cool and had a pretty interesting MO.
Rounding out the volume was a story about Jason Todd AKA Red Hood, so your enjoyment of this story will be dependent on your feeling regarding this character. My personal opinion is one of indifference but I enjoyed the dynamics between Todd and Grayson.
Overall, Dick Grayson's Batman is wonderfully characterized and has been the highlight of this book and the entire series. I thought I would absolutely hate reading Batman books pretty much devoid of Bruce Wayne, but it was well done and interesting. Additionally, Damien Wayne was tolerable. This is the best treatment of the character that I've read. First, the other characters openly acknowledge that Damien is annoying. Second, Damien whines a little less and is actually useful. Third, he misses his father, the reader can sympathize. And lastly, I think that teaming up with Dick makes Damien more than just the "son of Batman". It allows him to be a fuller character and interact with a Batman that isn't teaming up with him out of obligation or parental bias.