Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ed Benes; Mark Bagley; Rob Hunter; Jack Purcell; Ian Hannin; JD Smith; Pete Pantazis; Jared K. Fletcher; Tony S. Daniel; Sandu Florea; & J.G. Jones
SUMMARY:
Published in 2010 by DC Comics, this 128-page Batman Reborn book collects Batman # 687-691 (originally published in 2009). Finally accepting the Bat-mantle, Dick Grayson launches a public blitz to convince the world that he is the same legendary Batman as Bruce Wayne. Poignantly joining Wonder Woman, Superman, Black Canary, and Green Arrow at Bruce’s gravesite, Dick implores them to not let anyone know that Bruce’s Batman is gone.
With Alfred’s help, a new Dynamic Duo tackles Doctor Phosphorus; Clayface; and the Scarecrow. An increasingly suspicious Two-Face enlists a villainous teleporter to help him infiltrate the Batcave. Harvey Dent desperately wants a showdown vs. the exuberant pretender he believes is impersonating the Dark Knight.
REVIEW:
Even if Long Shadows isn’t a vintage storyline, it explores well the Dick Grayson-as-Batman concept. Unlike Tony Daniel’s intense noir-like take on Dick’s Batman, writer Judd Winick treads closer to Paul Dini’s playbook in deploying an entertaining middle-ground stance. Long Shadows, for instance, has some gritty action scenes without resorting to ghoulish ultra-violence. Case in point: the epic Batcave face-off certainly qualifies as bloody mayhem.
Also, Winick smartly re-asserts Dick & Alfred’s poignant rapport, such as when they establish a new downtown Batcave. Curiously, Dick’s long history with Two-Face isn’t exploited, but the vile hatred Dick inherits as Batman from this old adversary is well-played. Its best element surfaces when Harvey Dent correlates the original Robin to this new Batman. Describing Dick’s vicious clash with Two-Face as growing pains is an understatement, but how he ultimately responds is worth the price of admission.
Impressively, the artwork (i.e. Dick’s sequences with Wonder Woman & Superman) is often superb. Long Shadows, as a result, is an underrated minor gem that is well worth exploring.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Six full-page covers are included, including J.G. Jones’ variant for Batman # 687, which also doubles as this book’s cover. A brief intro explains Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne’s roles as the new Dynamic Duo.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
