Batman and Ra's Al Ghul #32 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 18,2014

Bring Out Your Dead

Batman and (insert guest star here) has been hit or miss.  After Damian left us (I'm still sad), this book has struggled to find an identity and the revolving cast hasn't helped.  However, it's been getting better each month and this issue brings it all together and gives us a bit of what we've waited for.  The title says "Batman and Ra's Al Ghul", but "Batman and Ra's Al Ghul kick the crap out of each other" might have been more representative of what we get. Whatever you call it, I liked it.

Peter J. Tomasi has hit pay dirt this month.  Frankenstein is still hanging out from last issue, Ra's Al Ghul gets to really shine and we have some actual advancement in the Talia and Damian situation.  Batman wakes up angry.  He's angry all day and angry all night.  Not like this.  Readers have seen what losing Damian did to him and it all comes to a head here.  In fact, it may be getting too personal for Batman.

This is no longer a battle for Damian's body, but for his soul.  Of course, Ra's has his own idea of what is right and they disagree...with their fists.  And their feet.  And many other body parts.  Everyone else gets involved, but this is a battle between the bat and the demon. It's brutal and awesome.  It also gets interrupted by a crazy character that I've never been a fan of.  It's out of left field, or maybe the Fourth World.  Just saying.

Like the book itself, Patrick Gleason's art has been hit or miss ion my opinion.  Each issue usually has a panel I love and one I just hate. The one I hate usually involves a big chin or two.  Gleason loves big chins.  This issue is different.  I really like the art this month.  All of the art.  It's really good from front to back.  Good job, Mr. Gleason.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman and Ra's Al Ghul #32 is another good issue and brings us closer to getting a new Robin.  Whether it will be Damian is still up in the air, but if it's up to Batman that won't be the case.  Peter J. Tomasi ups the action and anger and Patrick Gleason's art keeps up the pace. Crazy cliffhanger aside, I am finally excited to see what happens next..

8.8/10