Batman and Robin #26 Review

The Quiet Man is on a quest for revenge, and the Dynamic Duo are caught in the middle of it. They will definitely won’t be able to watch a movie while this guy is rampaging through Gotham. Last issue was a great way to start the new story arc. Will issue #26 continue the momentum? 

I thought this latest issue of Batman and Robin was another satisfying issue. While the entire story didn’t hit for me like it did in issue #25, I felt it kept the momentum rolling. Compared to the “Memento” arc, Phillip Kennedy Johnson seems to be streamlining this arc more as we get some more insight into the Quiet Man’s motivations. It’s a simple story where this man’s son was killed, and he blames a particular villain and anyone associated with them. 

Cy wants revenge for those responsible for his son’s death.

I also appreciated the detective aspects in this issue. Johnson has done a good job showcasing Batman’s detective skills throughout his run, and this issue definitely highlighted that when Bruce was in the Batcave examining the silver dollars that the Quiet Man left on the victims at the Iceberg Lounge. 

Batman putting his detective skills into use.

Johnson utilized some more humor in this issue, and I laughed out lout a few times. While the tone is definitely more serious and dark, I enjoyed that he implemented some levity in the appropriate moments, and they didn’t seem out of place or jarring. 

Even though I thought the issue was solid, there were still moments that I thought were could’ve been better. The teenagers that helped Damian in the “Memento” arc returned, and I just don’t know how I feel about them. Dubbed the “Gotham Irregulars,” they find Damian and give more details about the Quiet Man. I felt that them distracting Damian while he was staking out the location of the Quiet Man’s next attack contradicted Damian telling Bruce that they let their guard down and should’ve been more focused on patrolling instead of going to the movies. I understand that the teenagers bring some humor into the story, but I just felt it was out of place.

As far as the artwork goes, I’m still getting use to Fico Ossio’s illustrations. I did think Two-Face’s design was really cool and menacing though. And the action sequences were drawn really well. Steve Wands’ lettering and Marcelo Maiolo’s coloring continue to be excellent so no complaints there.

Penguin and Two-Face meet to discuss the threat of the Quiet Man.

Recommended if…

• You liked the first issue of the new arc.
• You want to find out more details about the Quiet Man’s motivations.
• You’re a fan of the detective aspects of Batman stories.

Overall

Batman and Robin #26 continued the momentum from the previous issue, and gave us more insight into the Quiet Man’s motivations. Even though his methods don’t align with the Dynamic Duo’s, Cy is a sympathetic adversary and I’m intrigued with how PKJ and co. handle the villain that was teased by the end of the issue. The Quiet Man is essentially John Wick, and I’m here for it. 

Score: 8/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.