In Batman & Robin #8, Batman battles Man-Bat, and Robin confronts Mila.
Batman & Robin #8 main cover by Simone di Meo (image courtesy of DC Comics)
Title: Batman & Robin #8, “Cult of Man-Bat Part Two”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Nikola Čižmešija
Colors: Rex Lokus
Letterer: Steve Wands
Main Cover Artist: Simone Di Meo
Variant Cover Artists: Ejikure, Nikola Čižmešija, Kael Ngu, Jim Lee
This comic book review contains spoilers
Mila explains her choice to become involved in organized crime. She and her gang sweep up and sell the wonderful toys the Rogues leave behind after they are apprehended. Robin prepares to do the same to her, but he is blindsided by Flatline and then frozen by a blast from Mr. Freeze’s weapon of choice. Mila and Flatline take off, but Robin soon catches up in the Robinmobile (ugh, this name could not be more clumsy. Why can’t we get a better name for Boy Wonder’s vehicle?). A battle ensues during the high-speed pursuit, but Flatline double-crosses her sister and aids Robin.
Meanwhile, Batman grudgingly agrees to follow Shush, who promises to show Batman what Man-Bat and his Cult are planning. They enter the Cult’s hideout, but no one is present. There is a map of Gotham with a pattern identified, but Batman is unable to decipher its meaning. Suddenly, the Cult of Man-Bat attacks. Shush averts surprise but quickly abandons Batman to save her own skin. She is accosted and slashed by Man-Bat on the way out.
Man-Bat then turns his attention to Batman. They fight, and Man-Bat lassoes Batman with a chain. He leaps into the sky and pulls a trussed Batman with him. They vanish into the night.
The following day, Damian re-enters Gotham High to try and track down the now-missing Batman. He is accompanied by Nika (Flatline), who assures Damian that she can be inconspicuous. Damian (and the audience) are appropriately dubious.
image courtesy of DC Comics
It would be difficult for Batman & Robin #8 to meet the incredible heights that Batman & Robin #7 achieved, but fortunately this is merely a stepdown rather than a letdown. Artist Nikola Čižmešija’s style remains a bit immature for the relative sobriety of writer Joshua Williamson’s depiction of the Dynamic Duo, but there is a warmth in the soft lines and earth tones of colorist Rex Lokus. Almost every creative that has worked on this book gives a sense of earnestness and care; the writers and illustrators are fully aware this is a story about Batman and Robin themselves, and there is palpable respect for the task. This honor helps the work feel almost like a legitimate candidate for a third book.
While some readers may find Williamson’s story simplistic, I continue to appreciate how easy it is to follow and the obvious restraint the writer is showing. This is a book that centers BATMAN and ROBIN. The needlessly complex plots, confusing chronologies, and telescoped character payoffs so common in comic books right now have no place in this book especially, and Williamson is well aware.
Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided TBU with an advanced copy of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.
