Batman by Grant Morrison Omnibus Vol. 2

If you were captivated by the first volume of Grant Morrison's Batman saga, prepare for an even more audacious and reality-bending ride with Volume 2. This omnibus is not just a collection of stories; it’s a deconstruction of the Batman mythos, a daring exploration of identity, and a profound meditation on legacy. For fans of Morrison's visionary work, this is an essential addition to your collection. A New Dark Knight and a New Dynamic Duo The core of this volume is the acclaimed Batman and Robin series, which sees a status quo-shattering shift. Following the events of Final Crisis, Bruce Wayne is believed to be dead, and Dick Grayson reluctantly takes on the mantle of the Bat. His Robin is none other than Damian Wayne, Bruce’s illegitimate son. The dynamic between the empathetic, acrobatic Dick and the brutal, arrogant Damian is the heart and soul of this section. Their relationship evolves from a volatile partnership into a genuine family bond, providing some of the most memorable and emotionally resonant moments of the entire run. Morrison's pitch-perfect dialogue and characterization make their interactions both hilarious and heartbreaking. The Return of Bruce Wayne The narrative then takes a wild turn with The Return of Bruce Wayne. While Dick and Damian protect Gotham, Bruce is not dead but lost in time, shot by Darkseid's Omega Beams. His journey through different eras—from the prehistoric age to the colonial West and a detective noir past—is vintage Morrison: a brilliant, referential, and at times perplexing narrative puzzle. This part of the story is a masterclass in weaving together disparate elements of DC history, bringing back forgotten Silver and Golden Age concepts and characters and giving them a modern, meaningful context. While some readers may find the time-traveling plot dense or a bit slow-paced, it ultimately serves to reinforce the central theme: that Batman is an undying idea, a constant through history. Themes and Artistic Vision Morrison’s run is a celebration of the totality of Batman's history, from the dark, pulpy hero to the campy, sci-fi adventurer. This volume particularly leans into the more fantastical elements, re-contextualizing them into a cohesive, grand narrative. Themes of family, legacy, and the nature of heroism are explored in depth. The art throughout the omnibus is as diverse and impactful as the storytelling. The issues collected here feature a murderer's row of incredible artists, including Frank Quitely, Cameron Stewart, and Tony S. Daniel. Quitely’s work on Batman and Robin is especially standout, capturing the surreal, gothic energy of the new dynamic duo's adventures. The art shifts with each arc, providing a visually distinct experience for each major story. Is it for You? If you're looking for a straightforward, street-level Batman story, this may not be the volume for you. Morrison's work is a challenging, meta-textual, and deeply layered piece of comic book literature. However, for those who love to dive deep into a complex saga that rewards multiple readings, this omnibus is a treasure trove. It's a testament to the versatility of the character and a definitive, game-changing era for the Dark Knight. Final Verdict: A sprawling, ambitious, and utterly unique chapter in the life of Batman. While a certain level of familiarity with Morrison’s larger DC saga (Final Crisis, 52) is helpful, this omnibus stands on its own as a work of genius. It’s a compelling portrait of Batman's legacy and a thrilling adventure for a new generation of heroes. Highly recommended.

A perfect rollercoaster ride into the batverse.

This Omnibus is a continuation of both Batman by Grant Morrison Omnibus Vol.1 and Final Crisis so reading both of them before this book is highly recommended. This story contains Dick Grayson's tenure as Batman and has Damian Wayne step in as Robin. This book is very fun to read and an essential for any fan of the Bat Family.

Perhaps the best segment of Morrison's legendary Batman saga. The first Volume is already a mind bending trip with Black Glove and RIP. This Volume follows after the apparent demise of Batman at the hands of the (New) God of Evil in Final Crisis. Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin is the most brilliant inversion of the Batman & Robin concept with a happy-go-lucky Batman and an edgy, self-serious Robin. It excels in its continued exploration of the time displacement of a certain individual, the history of Gotham occult and its effects on the city (continuing on from themes established in Batman: Gothic, Arkham Asylum, Dark Knight Dark City & The Cult) and the true platonic nature of the evil distorting timespace and the time-transcending nature of this abstracta. Fantastic art across the board (special shout out to Frank Quietly and Frazer Irving) and an epic reinforcement of the Batman's unbreakable spirit - which even literal living ideas and Gods fail to affect. 5/5 for the narrative, art, omnibus binding and design. Bring on Vol 3!