Convergence: Batman and Robin #1 (DC)

writer: Ron Marz

artist: Denys Cowan

Convergence has an interesting wrinkle above and beyond the mini-series itself, and that's all the spin-off titles, which function part much the way DC has put together other comics in the past, most recently the Retroactive one-shots exploring various titles by decade.

This one spotlights Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin, which at once is a little odd, considering that of all the eras given this honor Batman and Robin until Convergence was technically still ongoing under the auspices of Peter Tomasi.  Yet Morrison's run was distinctive (much as you would expect from any Grant Morrison effort).

Which is to say, the period when Damian Wayne was Robin, and you didn't have to worry about whether or not he was dead, about to become dead, or returned from the dead, as pretty much all of his New 52 stories have revolved around.

Which is to say, the Damian who can be impetuous, is in fact known for being impetuous.  But, you know, still Batman's son, and Robin to boot.

Which is also odd, mind you, because the majority of Morrison's Batman and Robin actually saw Damian working alongside Dick Grayson's Batman, not his own father's.  Putting that aside, Damian has been such a brilliant character since his introduction, seeing him in any context is always a pleasure, regardless of how unruly he is.  Along for the ride is also Jason Todd, popping up in his guise as Red Hood, making this a callback to not just Morrison's comics but the Judd Winick era in Batman, which preceded Damian.  And that's not even the Convergence battle that must inevitably happen!

The writer is Ron Marz, who was actually well-known for his Green Lantern.  He's one of several creators making a welcome return, and he doesn't waste the opportunity.  The artist is Denys Cowan, who does his typically excellent work.  I can't believe I haven't created a Denys Cowan label already.  I guess my collection grows, and he's a welcome addition.

Each Convergence spin-off also has a recap feature at the back of the issue detailing relevant developments from the era it's depicting.  This one follows Damian's adventures through Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes!, which was the last issue of the series before the eventual New 52 reboot that was one long march to Damian's death and its immediate aftermath (later continued in the pages of, well, Batman and Robin).