There have always been allusions to a father and son relationship in discussing the bond between Batman and Robin. Whenever Bruce Wayne takes on another ward, it is often about instilling in them the values he himself practices and ensuring that they take the right path. To my mind, this has never been more pronounced than in the recent run of Batman and Robin under DC’s overhauled New 52 umbrella.
The Robin in question is Damian Wayne, Bruce’s son by Talia al Ghul, daughter of one of the Dark Knight’s most famed enemies Ra’s al Ghul. Trained by the League of Shadows, Damian is a 10-year-old killing machine and demonstrates all the emotions that Batman has restrained and held back through his years in defence of Gotham. Peter J Tomasi’s beautiful writing easily conveys Bruce’s deep misgivings over the potential of failing Damian. “I’m afraid of what Damian could become without me around”, he admits, betraying a fear of leaving him behind if something went wrong.
Alfred remains the stalwart caretaker and source of advice for the Dark Knight. Very familiar with raising a child filled with anger and resentment, Alfred is almost perfectly suited to helping Bruce on his path of raising Damian as a son. Also, among so many panels of Damian lashing out in anger, Alfred’s appearances offer some welcome comic relief. The central action sequence focuses upon the successful foiling of a weapons shipment by Batman and Robin, with the noteworthy point that Damian demonstrates restraint in not killing the armed goons involved. “Did you tell Damian you were proud of him?” Alfred prods. Bruce replies immediately, “Of course I did.” Alfred raises an eyebrow, “What exactly did you say?” Bruce frowns slightly, “I said his actions were commendable.” Alfred sighs, “The words “Great job’ or “I’m proud of you” never crossed your mind?” The dynamic between the two is 74 years old now, but it still remains crucial to the telling of the Batman story, and within the New 52 plays notably well in the context of Damian’s storyline. Indeed a wordless panel of Alfred watching Damian murder an innocent bat displays all to well his deep concern for Bruce’s relationship with his son.
After a belated attempt at praise, Bruce resorts to every rich father’s trick when they’ve fallen out with their child – a present. Travelling to pick out a pet to join the family – in this case a Great Dane. Unfortunately, the cute scenes are interrupted by the arrival of Morgan Ducard, a vigilante determined on using exactly the kind of methods to tame crime in Gotham that Bruce is trying to take out of Damian’s mindset. His ominous promise to ‘save Bruce from himself,’ leaves you tantalized for the next volume.
Though any second volume is going to be a hard act to follow from the series opener, Volume 2 nicely tees up the over-arching storyline for Batman and Robin, and gives much needed comprehension of Bruce’s deeply troubled mindset over Damian. Displaying the intriguing mechanics of the Batman and Robin relationship, Alfred’s advisory capacity and misgivings and delivering punchy action scenes makes this a truly fantastic read.