Review: Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1

10/29/2025

Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely and Philip Tan, is a unique exploration of the Batman mythos featuring three major members of the Batman Family following the presumed death of the Dark Knight himself. With Batman gone, Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Nightwing), his oldest adopted son, steps into the iconic cape and cowl. This transition is not without its challenges, as Dick partners with the much younger and very headstrong Damian Wayne, who not only considers himself the sole heir to the Wayne legacy, but to all the secrets of the Bat Cave as well. As a result, the usual dynamic of a grim Batman and a carefree Robin is turned on its head, with a more light-hearted Dick/Batman trying to manage the reckless tendencies of an overly intense Damian/Robin who is desperate to prove himself.

Damian's resentment towards Dick, whom he perceives as both a usurper and the "favored son," increases the tension. But despite their differences, the duo manages to work effectively, with only Comissioner Gordon and a few top members of the Gotham City Police Department suspecting that the man behind the mask may not be the original. Their initial mission involves capturing Mister Toad, a drug dealer who ominously promises revenge as they haul him off to jail. Soon after, there's an attack on the GCP headquarters by the Circus of the Strange, a group of criminals with grotesque deformities, led by Professor Pyg. Many officers are killed, due partly to Damian's rash behavior.

While the GCP licks its wounds, Dick and Damian chase down Pyg and thwart his plan to unleash mind-altering drugs on Gotham. Pyg is locked up in Arkham Asylum, but his sidekick, Sasha, is later rescued by the enigmatic Red Hood, revealed to be Jason Todd, a rogue vigilante with a complicated history with the Batman Family (see Jason Todd's Empty Gave).

Red Hood and Sasha, now renamed Scarlet, go on a vigilante spree against the Penitente Cartel, culminating in a confrontation with Eduardo Flamingo, an assassin-turned-cannibal. Despite Dick and Damian's intervention, in which they save Jason's life from Flamingo, Damian suffers a life-threatening injury.

Although Morrison's book often feels muddled by numerous subplots and too many minor characters, it shines when Dick attempts to mentor a defiant Damian, with Alfred playing the role as confidante and counselor. This is reminiscent of Alfred's relationship with Bruce, and it's enjoyable to watch Dick struggle on how to get through to Damian — especially since most things come very easily to Dick. The story certainly contributes to the evolving Batman Family dynamics, but the introduction of Jason Todd feels like a missed opportunity. When Dick reaches out to the former Robin and encourages him to give up his murderous ways, he's rebuffed.

"I tried really hard to be what Batman wants me to be... which was you," he tells Dick. "But his world... this dirty, twisted, cruel and ugly dungheap had... other plans for me."

Honestly, I wanted more from Jason when he goes up against two other Robins for the first time — certainly more than just self-pity.

As for Damian, his recklessness results in a high body count, but it may also serve as a catalyst for growth. Damian doesn't like or trust Jason, but they do have one thing in common: a philosophical disagreement with Batman's no-kill rule. But when Damian gets the extreme violence he seems to crave, he's the one lying on the ground bleeding. Will the injury be enough to temper his hubris?

Overall, Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, offers engaging insights into the Batman Family dynamic, though it may not be the most cohesive story in the Batman universe. Volume 2 was released in September 2025 and details on it can be found in the call out box below.

RELATED: Batman Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing Collection | Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems |

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Experience the bold, genre-defying storytelling of Grant Morrison’s Batman saga in the second installment of this celebrated era of the Dark Knight. In Batman R.I.P., Bruce Wayne’s life spirals out of control as the mysterious Jezebel Jet enters his world, and the Club of Villains rises to plunge Gotham into chaos. This psychological tour-de-force lays the groundwork for Morrison’s sweeping narrative.