Batman & Robin #16 (DOTF)

Batman And Robin #16
Death In The Family: Cast A Giant Shadow
Peter J. Tomasi (Writer)
Patrick Gleason (Artist)

B&R 16 starts off at the Gotham Zoo with a worried (uncharacteristically so) Robin backing away from a chuckling Batman. Now, in case you missed #15, The Joker had revealed himself, terrifyingly so, to the dynamic duo and now we see his plan set into action.

Damian is right to be worried Batman had fallen under Joker's mind control apparatus. Joker's nearby watching the whole show go down and gives Batman his final command: KILL ROBIN!

So Batman attacks while Robin tries desperately to snap him out of Joker's control. It's very clear Batman is beyond reason and the Joker is having the time of his life. It's gets downright depressing with scenes like Damian telling his Dad how much he needs and is trying his best to pull his punches so as not hurt Batman.

The thing is Joker had done the same mind control trick on Robin as he did on Batman, but it's been slow to take effect and Damian has been fighting it. But realizing he can't for much longer Robin destroys the Joker's mind control device and he's free to deal with Batman unabated.

The fight continues  Robin finally realizing talking it over isn't gonna work. She he decides to beat the shit out of Batman instead, maybe that'll get through to him. Meanwhile the Joker is egging Robin on to kill off Batman once and for all and take his place.

"Show him you have what it takes, kid--step out of his shadow--cast your own giant shadow if you dare--or else get out of the way and die already!"

The end draws near for the dynamic duo. They've fought in the aquarium and all over the zoo. The two are tired, even the Joker-controlled Batman. Robin's ready to give the final blow and then has a change of heart and drops his weapon as batman comes closer with a piece of stalagmite, ready to impale him. Damian delivers another emotional scene.

"It's alright, father...I'd rather die by your hand than you by mine."

It looks like this is it. Then the Joker hits the self-destruct button and kills Batman. Joker explains he had wanted and expected Robin to kill Batman, but that was ruined by Robin's "noble and selflessness nonsense". Robin grief stricken and exhausted manages to stab the Joker before he falls unconscious.

We discover that Joker had someone else wearing the Bat-suit. Apparently Toshiro Matsu owed too many favors to keep his dojo going and won "Batman for a day".

The issue ends with Joker tying his face a little tighter with some fishing line and taking Damian/Robin away with him. Robin rightly asks where they're going and what the Hell is Joker doing.

"The only thing I'm going to be doing, my darling boy, is getting rid of all the family skeletons in the closet--and make them dance and prance in the cold light of truth."

Final thoughts: This was another great Batman & Robin issue. Death In The Family continues to be the crossover event that every Batman book is befitting from. It's certainly the best crossover event under the NEW 52.

This issue had a lot of great Joker moments. Gleason's pencils made him look the most gruesome he's ever looked. Damian had great moments as well. Trying hard to connect with his father, then becoming a bad-ass when that didn't work and then accepting his fate. Great art and a great story. It seemed a bit short, but I'll be waiting impatiently for the next issue.