With Trinity War kicking off over the in the Justice League books, and with Scott Snyder adding a fascinating new chapter to Batman’s origins with Zero Year over in Batman, I’ve almost forgotten that just recently Bruce Wayne lost his son, that Batman lost his partner Robin, and that he’s still dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of that loss. In Batman and Robin #22, or in this case, Batman and Catwoman, we’re brought back to that storyline which should still have some impact, but it seems to be running out of steam as other storylines are picking up steam.
In truth, it almost seems as if this series isn’t quite sure what to do anymore. Most of the rest of the Batman books have pretty much moved on to other stories, and while I still think there should be some resonance in Damien’s death, we certainly don’t get it here. This title seems to be turning into more of a team-up book than one where Batman is dealing with the loss of his partner. Part of the reason I say that is Batman and Catwoman’s reason for getting together is, well, rather pointless. She’s not really there to help him in any way, and in fact, the recent loss of Batman’s partner never even comes up. This is just a business as usual, uneasy alliance between two sometimes friends, sometimes more, sometimes foes. I have to say, there is some incongruity here with Batman and Catwoman working together seeing as Trinity War is well under way in other books. While there is mention of Catwoman’s JLA involvement, considering that the first two chapters of Trinity War have already come out, you’d think there’d either be more tension, more conversation about those events, or that this story just couldn’t happen under those current circumstances to begin with. Seems like poor timing to release this particular team-up in light of what’s taking place elsewhere in the DCU.
Although the topic of Robin isn’t really broached between Batman and Catwoman, it does linger in Bruce Wayne’s life. Carrie Kelley is now a regular part of the household, taking care of the dog, and Bruce is, for some reason, letting her think that Damien’s still alive. I mean, from the perspective of secret identities and all, I guess I understand the need to do that. However, it sort of comes off a bit like she’s the only one such an effort is being made for. I think I would be more interested in where all of this leads if, as I mentioned early, events in the larger scheme of things hadn’t already moved making this book feel like it’s been left behind. Again, don’t hear me incorrectly. I don’t think Damien’s death and its impact is a story that’s ready to be left behind, I’m just saying that it feels like that’s what’s happened in other titles involving Batman.
Bruce Wayne’s life is one that’s been stung by death far too often. It’s a sting that has lingered, and in fact, has shaped his life. Everything about who he is came as a result of death’s sting. Part of the reason for that is because in Bruce’s pragmatic, scientific mind; there is no hope. Death is it. Death is final. Death is meaningless, hopeless, pointless and a great nothingness that a person disappears in. In truth, it’s kind of odd that he’d be so affected by death considering that throughout his long career he’s seen that death isn’t as final as his rational mind would have him believe. The Bible tells us that death lost its sting when Jesus took it upon himself to die on the cross for our sins and the rose from the grave. Death was conquered, defeated and rendered powerless when that happened. Oh, we’ll all still die, but because of Jesus, death is not hopeless. People don’t disappear into a formless void at death, there’s more to it than that, and thanks to Jesus, there’s also the hope of something far better. That doesn’t make the impact of death on our lives any less, perse, but it does at least give us some hope, which is exactly what Batman lacks whenever death stings his life.
Overall, Batman and Catwoman #22 is a pretty innocuous story. The team-up between these two feels fairly pointless, especially in light of events in Trinity War; which is a shame because done differently, it could have been quite interesting. Meanwhile, it seems like little to no progress is made in Batman’s journey of dealing with the loss of his partner. If anything, it feels like this book is obligated to continue with that despite the fact that most of the DCU has moved on, but it isn’t quite sure what to do with that obligation. I also have to say that this book lost it’s main appeal with the loss of Damien. It was the dynamic between Bruce and his son that made Batman and Robin such a unique and enjoyable title, and without that, well, as I said it feels like a team-up book; one where everyone’s always depressed. Perhaps it’s time for a bit of resolution to this story. I know that I for one would like some closure on it; Damien and Bruce deserve that.
A BIG thanks to Astro-Zombies for providing the material for this review. Learn more about them at astrozombies.com.
