Memento is making his name known in Gotham with his recent attacks and is pushing Batman and Robin to their limits. This threat dates back centuries, but is this the original Memento or is this a copy cat? And what ties does he have with Bruce? The mystery is starting to unravel, and the duo’s detective skills are put to the test. Miguel Mendonça takes over for illustrations along with the returning Carmine Di Giandomenico for the flashback sequences in this issue of Batman & Robin. These are my thoughts.
First of all, apologies for the delayed review. I was called in by the Justice League. No big deal but in all seriousness, I can definitely state that issue 16 is my favorite in Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s run so far. While there wasn’t a lot of action in this issue, Batman’s detective skills took center stage in the story. I was completely fascinated throughout, and I now appreciate the previous two issues more in hindsight. The build up that Johnson established previously had payoffs in this issue, and Memento’s backstory was fleshed out a little bit. Damian is still affected by this traumatic event that happened in the previous issue, and I feel empathy for him because anyone with a soul would feel the same way. So Johnson’s writing and the artwork by Mendonça in those moments really hit hard and are emotional.
I am also starting to appreciate this slow, methodical pacing more especially in this issue. The flashback sequences this time flowed a lot better in the story than it did in the previous issue. They gave some crucial details about Memento and how Bruce was tied to him when he was studying under a detective in London. A new character is also introduced named Katherine Lautrec, and she and Batman have some great banter with one another. And once again, Mendonça’s art really does a good job of visualizing these key character moments. While Katherine (who studied with Bruce in London years ago) and Batman are sparring using sarcasm, you can really tell through the characters’ body language and facial expressions and how they are trying to one up each other.
Mendonca’s artwork definitely lends to this type of story that Johnson is trying to tell. The world is very Gothic, and the atmosphere feels like it is out of a horror film by Robert Eggers. There were also moments where the colors by Marcelo Maiolo really stood out like when Damian was thinking back on the little girl, and the flashback image of that moment was in a bright red. I just found that image really striking. Memento wasn’t really in the issue that much, but his presence was felt thoughout, and I give credit to Johnson for making a compelling villain so far.
My only issue I had is how Bruce and Damian’s relationship is being developed. While I’m appreciating Damian being really affected by the little girl being killed and how he’s questioning his life’s decisions including if he wants to continue being Robin or not, I just feel that this interpersonal drama between the father-son duo is just stagnant and feels forced. I get that the angsty teen who bickers with his stern father dynamic is a cornerstone to their relationship in most depictions. I just want their relationship dynamic to grow and mature and for it to be reflected in the story. Damian was sidelined for the most part in this issue and while I didn’t really mind that, I’m starting to find Damian’s subplot as meandering a little bit. We’ll see if it picks up the excitement and intrigue in the following issues.
Recommended if…
- You are a fan of the more detective-centric Batman stories.
- You have been enjoying the series so far.
- You want to know who the heck Memento is.
Overall
While it took a little bit to fully buy into Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s story, Batman & Robin #16 ramps up the intrigue in the mystery. New details about Memento get revealed and Damian deals with the trauma of what being a superhero really means. How will the Dynamic Duo deal with everything that’s going on? Now’s the time to start really getting invested in the series. Until next time!
Score: 8.5/10
