Catwoman #18
Writer: Ann Nocenti
Artists: Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: Tony Daniel and Tomeu Morey
Publisher: DC
If there was ever a Bat-title that didn’t need to be tied into Requiem, this would be it. Selina’s interactions with Damian can be counted on one hand, and of those not one moment stands out as being remotely significant. Deaths in comics have become so common, and reversed so often, that publishers often treat them as marketing events. Damian was a fantastic character, he showed tremendous growth in the years he was around, he was hilarious to read, adorable when he didn’t want to be, and while a secret part of me wants him to just reappear, I’m also hoping he doesn’t. But that’s neither here nor there. This issue was odd for many reasons, and still it was one of Nocenti’s better issues on her run. Batman and Catwoman have had a longstanding relationship, that DC screwed over, but I’m glad it’s starting to make an appearance in the New 52. The issue was good, the art was lovely, Batman and Catwoman forever! And most importantly, DC should feel ashamed for using a 10-year-old’s death to sell issues. 3/5
Nightwing #18
Writers: Kyle Higgins
Artists: Juan Jose Ryp, Roger Bonet, Juan Albarran, and Brett Smith
Cover Artists: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Rod Reis
Publisher: DC
There was no one closer to Damian in the entirety of the DC Universe than Dick Grayson, which isn’t to say that he loved him more or that he misses him more, but the two of them had a bond that went past being crime fighting partners. The two of them balanced each other out, allowing them to grow into the perfect team. Kyle Higgins did an excellent job with this story. Different people mourn in different ways, and the way Higgins wrote Dick’s mourning felt natural to the character and was heartbreaking. Given the extent of their relationship, Damian’s death will obviously continue to play a role in the way Dick lives his life, and it will be interesting to see just how that plays out. Ever since Dick and Damian stopped being Batman and Robin, I’ve wondered if Dick would get his own sidekick, seeing as he did so well with one, but now I’m glad that he didn’t. See you guys in Chicago. 4.5/5
Red Hood and the Outlaws #18
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Tyler Kirkham and Arif Prianto
Cover Artists: Mico Suayan and Blond
Publisher: DC
As nice as the Robin requiem has been, it is almost a burden to those characters/series who have had little to no interaction with Damian. Pre-Flashpoint, Jason Todd tried to kill Damian, and post-Flashpoint their only interaction was one Wingman and Redbird team-up. As a result, this issue wasn’t much of a requiem. However, unlike with last week’s Batman issue, it wasn’t necessarily a problem. This issue dealt with a final gag left by Joker for Jason Todd, and the repairing of Bruce and Jason’s relationship. It was a nice, touching story, that actually made no sense being tagged “Requiem.” Jason Todd has long been Bruce’s failure, not necessarily for readers, but definitely for the character, and with Damian dying on Bruce’s watch it is understandable why DC would resolve the Bruce-Jason relationship, especially given the fact that Jason’s been alive for years now. 4.5/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net