Batman R.I.P.

This week saw the conclusion of Grant Morrison's "Batman R.I.P." storyline arrive in comic stores. Having just read it, I'd say that it finished stronger than I had expected. At times, this tale of Batman being put through the ringer by a new, mystery villain called the Black Glove - who might or might not be Bruce Wayne's father Thomas, having potentially faked his own death all those years ago - seemed to go wildly off the tracks. So many of the events leading up to this finale were often a bit much to decipher, in terms of distinguishing between what was real and what was part of Batman's delusions, but Morrison does a great job of tying up most of the loose ends in this issue. In a way, it's the ultimate "Batman as master planner" storyline, which fits perfectly within my own personal view of the character.

By the end of the comic, we're left to wonder whether Bruce survived or not (OK, not really... but we're supposed to be left to wonder that!) and are informed that at least six months pass in Gotham with no Batman... or Robin! That would probably have greater dramatic effect if we hadn't just had a "year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman" (see DC's "One Year Later" event and their first weekly series, 52) during which time Bruce, Dick and Tim - or Batman, Nightwing and Robin - took off to tour the world and recharge their batteries for a year. Given that recent history, this development seems to have less weight than it might've otherwise.

For the next several months of publication, though, we'll see various special tales showing up in Batman and Detective Comics in place of our regular monthly dose of Bat-continuity. Most of what's planned feels like filler to me, but at least the prospect of Neil Gaiman's 2-part "Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" holds some appeal. It's awfully hard to go wrong with Gaiman, I've found! Following that, we get the "Battle for the Cowl" event in which the successor for the role of Batman is decided... or is it?

As for whether "Batman R.I.P." will really have any lasting significance in the hearts of comic fans present and future, I'm on the fence. I think it'll depend on how Bruce comes back to the forefront (as he inevitably will)... after all, many of us have fond memories of "The Death of Superman" based in large part on just how cool the "Reign of the Supermen" saga was that followed it and lead into Kal-El's return. If DC can pull off something equally exciting next year, then this whole dog and pony show may actually have meant something... in its own silly way!