COMIC REVIEW: FTN reviews Batman Inc. #10

Writer: Grant Morrison

Pencils: Chris Burnham (Jason Masters, pgs 10-11, 16-17; Andrei Bressan pgs 12-13

Colors: Nathan Fairbairn

Continuing with the aftermath of Damian’s death, the issue starts out with a visit to Azrael, whom, as far as I know, had not made an appearance in any New52 title thus far. We also see Ra’s al Ghul again for the first time since issue #2, who doesn’t seem to be too perturbed by the slaughter of his grandson. Jason is finally found, and where he is/what’s going on with him seems to be taking another interesting turn in this ridiculous web Grant Morrison has created.

Like a lot of issues in Batman Inc., this seems to be another one that is clearly setting up the next major point in the story. That’s fine, but the story seems to be dragging a little. I can’t help but think, “Just get on with it already!”

I am more and more curious about the Heretic, though, and what will happen to him in the end of all this. Like Morrison has said in a few interviews, the Heretic is really just a big three-year-old and doesn’t understand. And I can’t seem to get a read on Talia. She seems to be constantly switching from grieving mother to apathetic leader. Regardless, it’s not earning her any points in my book.

The art was…eh. I do love Chris Burnham’s gritty style with this book. I think it fits the overall themes and scenes really well. I’m not even too bothered by Jason Masters stuff, because, in a way, I find it a bit similar to Burnham’s. But those two pages of Bressan’s I did not like. Body poses were fine, but the faces! I could feel myself physically grimacing at them. But I also feel like, if I was given a chance to see his stuff for more than just two pages, I would have gotten used to it and moved on. But what we were given…no, not a fan. Bressan’s style did not gel with Burnham and Masters’ stuff. At all. As always, though, I do love Fairbairn’s colors. And he knocked it out of the park once again.

Minus a few other books, Batman Inc was the only gatefold cover that actually had something to do with the story, and that was nice. I really wasn’t expecting that ending with the Man-bat serum. So while this was another transition-y/filler issue, there’s just a huge sense that it’s all about to hit the fan and I absolutely cannot wait.
3.5 out of 5 nerds