Batman #689: “New Day, New Knight†gives a picture of the personality that Dick Grason bring to the Character of Batman. There was a frame where Two-Face is commenting on how Batman was smiling during his crime fighting. I was reminded of some of the Silver Age where we would see this once and awhile.
As Judd Winick writes the story, he allows Dick Grason to be himself. There is a quality of fun and enjoyment that the “Robin-Nightwing-Batman†has brought to the table. It is also interesting to reflect on Dick Grason’s ascension to the throne. I am happy with the way that DC has not forced Grason to become what Batman was—but allowed Batman to be who he can be while Grason lives it out.
Probably the only misstep being taken right now, with regard to Batman—is the art. While the art is quality…it has not changed with a new person under the cowl. The costume of Batman, while it has changed from time to time, has always been a reflection of who Bruce Wayne was. It seems as if Dick Grason simply jumped into Batman’s clothes and kept going. This makes the authenticity of Dick becoming Batman unrealistic. Do I want a drastic change? No, but as with Bucky becoming Captain America—there was enough of a change to tell the two apart.
Batman #689 is a example of what is going very well for the Batman franchise right now. It is good to see the creative writing of what it is like to have Dick Grason as Batman—what is going to happen with the mind field that he is walking into remains a mystery as I wait for #690.