Batman #677
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artists: Tony Daniel and Sandy Florea
Excuse me while I pick up my brain bits off the floor, as my mind was blown away with this issue. For any that jumped on to R.I.P. with 676 and thought it was a little lackluster, go back and get this issue. Morrison really moves things forward here, from the villains' plans to utterly cripple Batman and Bruce Wayne, Bruce's relationship with Jezebel Jet, and Batman's sanity itself. The issue opens with Batman trying to dig up the Black Glove, going nuts on some hoods in the sewer. We then see the Club of Villains, who are mostly new to the Bat-Universe, but have appeared in Morrison's run or have been referenced previously. The guy in the Lucha Libre mask is from the 3 issue arc Morrison did with J.H. Williams a while back, Scorpiana was referenced in that same arc (she's in the silvery outfit). And apparently Dr. Hurt was in the isolation arc with the Devil Batman that Tony Daniel just wrapped up prior to this. I need to go back and reread all those issues. Morrison has definately been laying some plans since he came on the book, and this is not very new reader friendly, but it could be, because a lot of these villains had little to do with the previous arcs in Batman. Meanwhile, Commisioner Gordon is arguing with the mayor (I think) about some secrets about Bruce Wayne's parents coming out in the press. And these are damning secrets and allegations, as well as a huge one about Thomas Wayne, if it is true. At the same time, Bruce's new love interest is questioning Bruce's sanity, and if she wants to be a part of this life. And it all falls apart in the few pages. Morrison is definately deconstructing Batman, on all levels.
On the art side, I think Tony Daniel has finally arrived, with this issue. Some of his stuff on previous issues looked a little stiff and wierd, but I think he's finally gotten into his groove with this issue. If you're not reading Batman right now, you should be, so go get 676 and this issue at the very least, you might be a little confused, but you'll enjoy the ride. ZURR EN ARRH! A+
