From CBR:
Batman #681 review by Timothy Callahan"Batman" #681 is a good issue, and important one, but it also puts an end to the speculation and gamesmanship that has sustained the series over the past six months, and in that regard, it comes with a hint of disappointment as well. But mysteries cannot linger forever, and even while wrapping up some of these, Morrison has left the door open for more to come.
From CBR:
When Words Collide 11.12.2008: WHO IS THE BLACK GLOVE?Timothy Callahan wrote:Grant Morrison's run on "Batman" began over two years ago, but, chronologically, the first part of what has led into "Batman R.I.P" began in November of 2006, in the pages of the "52" weekly, in a story which illustrated what happened to Batman during his year away from crimefighting. Although "52" #30 hasn't been collected in any of the Morrison "Batman" hardcovers, the Batman, Nightwing, and Robin sequences in that issue formed a prelude to everything Morrison has done with the characters since, and though Morrison is just one of four credited writers on "52," his fingerprints are all over issue #30, "Dark Knight Down."
The opening scene of that issue, as narrated by Dick Grayson, recaps the psychological downfall of Batman, from the early optimism of the first Batman/Robin team through the tragic Jason Todd years, culminating in the events of "Infinite Crisis." "In the end," says Grayson, "he just lost it."
As Batman wanders the Earth, "recreating the journey that turned Bruce Wayne into Batman," Nightwing and Robin discuss the implications: "He wants us to be the new Batman and Robin, right?" says Tim Drake. "It's obvious. I don't know why nobody's saying it."
Two years later, as "Batman R.I.P." comes to a close (in "Batman" #681, scheduled to hit shelves by the end of the month), we are on the verge of that very "obvious" prospect. A new Batman and Robin team, with Dick Grayson possibly behind the cowl -- a new Batman for a new generation. Tim Drake's fate is less apparent, as a new potential Robin has entered the Bat-mythos in the form of Batman's son, Damian. And while all indications point to a Dick Grayson/Damian as Batman/Robin team, it's all still speculation at this point, as DC as is scheduled to run a "Battle for the Cowl" arc in the post-"R.I.P." aftermath, a move which seems to offer multiple possibilities for the future of the Batman character.
But as "Batman R.I.P." nears its conclusion, we do know one thing: the Black Glove will finally be revealed. And Morrison's first major story arc -- the one that began all the way back in "52" #30 -- will finally come to an end.
And in this last week of anticipation, we can still play the game that has thrilled and/or annoyed "Batman" readers for over a year: Who is the Black Glove?
