Batman Inc #0 Review

BATMAN INC #0

by Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham and Frazer Irving

Batman Inc #0 tells the story of how Batman assembled the members of his global war on crime. So, is this a great new addition to a great series that treads on new ground or is it just a rehash of the amazing Batman Inc #6 (2011)?

Morrison makes Batman Inc an incredibly fun read, and (surprisingly), unlike his past works, it is not confusing at all. It is a straight forward story and it does what it sets out to do spectacularly. I, in particular, love Morrison's sense of humor. This issue is very lighthearted and filled with a lot of funny back and forth dialogue. The book introduces a lot of new elements into the book, such as a possible romance between Squire and Dark Ranger, and the tale of how Batman recruited the Batman of Russia (before he was DISSOLVED of his duties in Batman and Robin #1). My only problem with the book is that Morrison is basically retelling the story from Batman Inc #6.

I loved Frazer Irving's work in the "Return of Bruce Wayne" a few years ago. Unlike most people, I even enjoyed his work on "Batman and Robin Must Die". His work here is very hit or miss. When Irving misses, his work looks rushed, ugly, and his facial expressions need a LOT of work. When he hits, he delivers in spades, with beautiful compositions, colors, and atmospheric art. Two panels of note: The opening explosion scene and one of Batman and Dark Ranger illuminated in the headlights of a car.

Batman Inc #0 is a fun book. I absolutely loved reading every page of it, no matter how bad the art or writing is. However, one thing has changed from Batman Inc #6. The theme of Batman Inc #6 was crime and Batman are mirrors. Here, it is Batman is never alone in his war. And the book does a great job of enforcing it.

STORY: 4/5

ART: 3/5

VERDICT: 3.5/5