Batman: Son of the Demon is the sort of graphic novel that really didn't need a followup, and I'd be leery of any writer purporting to offer a worthy addition to that classic story. Of course, with this new "Batman & Son" story arc, we're talking about Grant Morrison's plotting and characterization, so I am definitely open to being convinced. This first issue in Morrison's run on the title is definitely intriguing, mainly because his take on the Dark Knight so differs from just about every other one we've seen over the course of the past two decades. He certainly touches upon elements from that Mike W. Barr/Jerry Bingham graphic novel of the 1980s, but Morrison focuses here more on what makes Bruce Wayne tick than any sort of life-altering revelation about his past.
An unusually rare peace has descended over the streets of Gotham City, as the Batman has just managed to lock up every costumed killer and crook in the book. With none of his rogues at large in his city, Bruce Wayne is persuaded to spend some time on his public persona, not only reinforcing the illusion that he and the Batman are different people but to rediscover his own personality and to relax. He and Alfred head to London for a charity event, but there he encounters a clearly nervous Dr. Kirk Langstrom. And when the creator of the Man-Bat serum is nervous, it's never good news. But Wayne has no idea how much bad news lies ahead.
Kubert's depiction of the Joker in the issue's explosive opening scene immediately put me in mind of Jim Lee's take on the character in the recent "Hush" storyline, but I was more impressive with the arrival of the Batman. I think Kubert deliberately apes the style of Jerry Bingham for a couple of pages, a tip of the hat to the source material for this new story. As the book progresses, Kubert softens Bruce Wayne's look a fair bit, and that's in keeping with what Morrison sets out to do with the character in this issue. But I think the artist goes too far, making Bruce seem far too young.
Reconciling this story with the events of Bruce Jones's current Man-Bat might be challenging, but in this scenario, it seems to be a better idea to cast aside concerns about continuity. As for offering up a storyline revolving around the title character's son (or the possibility -- Morrison may have some tricks up his sleeve, after all), it seems like something of a gimmick plotline, a big, shocking revelation designed to boost sales and spur speculators into action. But I have to admit, the idea of the Batman having a son he didn't know about definitely gets to the heart of the character. The juxtaposition of Robin's role in his life is fitting, and I hope it factors back into the story later on in the arc.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the softening of Bruce Wayne's character in this issue. Morrison is clearly trying to bring the heroic archetype down to earth here. He wants the reader to identify with him, and that effort seems to be in keeping with what we saw in Brad Meltzer's writing in the recent Justice League of America. I think Morrison and other DC writers are pushing to capture a more traditional, accessible tone to these characters. So far, it seems to be going well. 7/10
