On the whole, a very readable and entertaining issue. Batman investigates a series of gimmick crimes, figures things out, and catches the bad guys, done-in-one. In other words, a classic Batman comic that could easily have slipped into the publishing lineup in the mid-70s-to-Crisis period.
No need to rehash Paul Dini or J.H.Williams' accomplishments. Williams is probably a little too dark here (probably the colorist's fault). Dini's glaring fault is Robin's two brief appearances, in which Batman makes clear that Robin is not a partner, junior or otherwise; he is an annoyance. This is not the Batman & Robin I want to read about. Obviously, the mid-70s-to-Crisis period that is the model for this story was solo Batman.
Basically, and unsurprisingly, and hence barely worthy of mention, this issue was a Batman Adventures story but in modern art style, which is the best of both worlds. It is recommended for fans of Bronze Age Batman, mildly recommended for superhero readers in general, with a whisker shaved off for mishandling Robin.
Does anyone know how long Dini's run on Detective is supposed to be? I'm hoping it will be long enough to get a TPB out of it.
Along the same lines, which Bat-title is Morrison going to be writing, starting with which issue, and for how long? I'm all about the TPBs, baby.
Speaking of which, any word on when his All-Star Superman will be collected?
Dini's doing a minimum of 12 issues - stand alone stories with different artists. Morrison is writing Batman starting with the next issue, and he's on the title indefinitely, with 15 issues plotted.
An even more accurate fanboy blasphemy than the one articulated below this post: Robin is an outdated character concept that works best in a team setting or in solo stories, but is terrible when partnered with Batman.
I think Batman and Robin is just one of those things that everyone doesn't question too much. It's so ingrained in the public consciousness that everyone expects it to be there whether it makes sense or not. Like people not recognizing Clark Kent as Superman. You don't need to do backflips to explain it away somehow. People already accept it.
I was not put off by Batman's treatment of Robin. I thought the reason he articulated for rebuffing the Boy Wonder made sense. And, of course, Robin ignored him and helped out anyway.
I did not put the comic down after reading it and declare "This is the best comic EVER!" but it entertained me.
I agree that Robin is outdated. But somehow he works.
I didn't realize until recently that he's actually named after an actual damned bird.