REVIEW: Batman Incorporated Special #1

An all-star special features the various members of Batman Incorporated — Man-of-Bats, Red Raven, El Gaucho, Dark Ranger, Knight, Batman himself and more! In the wake of their epic struggle with Talia al Ghul, the Heretic and Leviathan, see what’s next for the members of Batman’s army. Featuring stories written and drawn by a collection of industry greats! Plus: Bat-Cow makes her solo debut in a tale by writer Dan DiDio and artist Ethan Van Sciver!

 BATMAN INCORPORATED SPECIAL #1
Writers: Chris Burnham, Nathan Fairbairn, Mike Raicht and Dan Didio
Artists: Chris Burnham, Ethan Van Sciver, John Paul Leon and Declan Shalvey
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

Previously in BATMAN INCORPORATED:  Grant Morrison concluded his seven-year Batman epic that included the death of Damien Wayne and Talia. Can the concept of Batman, Incorporated, continue?

IS THERE LIFE FOR BATMAN, INCORPORATED, AFTER GRANT MORRISON?

One of Mr. Morrison’s more unique concepts was for aspects of Bruce Wayne’s life to filter into Batman’s practices, and that included the formation of a company that supported “Batmen” around the world.

This went against some fears I have about the Dark Knight. I worry that he’s being overexposed. I mean, how many Bat-titles can I buy in a month? Also, Batman functions best when he strikes terror into the hearts of criminals. If he’s a corporate executive, I’m not convinced he’ll be as scary (although to some, that’s even more terrifying).

I read the initial issues about Batman, Incorporated, with a lot of trepidation. I was happy to see that Mr. Morrison made it work for me. After all, Batman can’t be everywhere all the time, him being human and all. He needs people to work with him. Who better than heroes that he’s inspired?

The Batman, Incorporated, comic spent most of its time focused on Batman and Robin, which was fine, but I was interested in seeing more about the other members of the organization, such as Nightrunner and Knight & Squire.

Thankfully, this special shows many of them working together in the wake of Batman, Incorporated #13, which I reviewed here.

THE HEROES GET TO STRUT THEIR STUFF

“Brave” with Raven Red and Man-of-Bats shows how the Batmen from different parts of the world can often handle a situation better than Batman himself could, especially in this time of political correctness.

“The Danger of La Muerte en Vida” has Nightrunner, Dark Ranger and El Gaucho teaming up to fight a mind control baddie.

Batman Japan and Canary star in “Rending Machine,” which has the duo taking on Doctor Inside-Out, who has placed various body parts in a vending machine, shocking the locals. The art has a strong anime feel to it.

The Battlin’ Bovine Bat-Cow is involved in “Cowardly Lot,” a story that features no dialogue except when the Bat-Cow “speaks” in the final panel. It was a very witty story.

My favorite story of the issue was “Without You,” starring Squire dealing with the death of her mentor, The Squire. Nice tale about why it’s good to have a “sidekick.”

Also, don’t miss the written column from Mr. Morrison after the art concludes. He discusses some interesting points about his run on Batman.

BOTTOM LINE: I HOPE THIS IS NOT THE END OF BATMAN, INCORPORATED!

The book has a framing sequence that shows Batman retaining the Batman, Incorporated, casefolder. Looks like we might yet get more of this group! This special might make the difference, though!

The question is, what does DC do with them? Batman, Incorporated, is very much like the Green Lantern Corps. in that they are different facets of the same character, the Dark Knight. Would a monthly title work? What about a quarterly special like this one? Without Grant Morrison’s name attached to it, would it still work? I’m nervous about all this, especially with so many Bat-books on the stands today.

Personally, I say go for it since I enjoy the characters so much. Just think of all the action figures DC could make!