Posted By Leo Reyna on February 26, 2013

A comic book is only as good as the writer (and artist) behind it, but sometimes those who hold the pen aren’t given complete freedom to tell the stories they would like. This has especially been evident at DC Comics with their play-it-by-ear New 52 reboot, as their editors have made last-minute demands that disrupted the writers’ work and vision. How bad did it get? DC Comic’s Co-Publisher, Dan DiDio, reportedly apologized to the staff about their editorial woes and promised the company will do better in the future. However, not everyone at DC has been subjected to these last-minute changes, such as surreal comic book writer Grant Morrison.

Damian’s Last Stand

After saying goodbye to Superman in Action Comics #17, Morrison is ready to leave the Dark Knight and the biological son he gave him, Damian Wayne. The story arc Morrison has planed since 2006′s Batman & Son for the little brat with a heart of gold will come to an end this Wednesday in Batman Incorporated #8. What should be seen as a milestone event is instead being viewed as a cheap and tasteless ploy by DC, due to the end of Damian being literally that. Spoiled by the New York Post, Damian will meet his demise in tomorrow’s issue. While it’s still unknown as to how Damian will lose his life, critics have wasted no time blasting the questionable move.

The Charges Against DC Comics

There are many obstacles stacked against the latest Batman Incorporated storyline. For starters, this will be the third time Batman has lost a Robin in a tragic but redundant event. Second, the last time DC killed off a beloved kid character was when Lian Harper became the victim of a horrible attack on Star City in Cry for Justice, which was widely condemned as pure shock value. Third, Damian’s death is being used as another example of the unnecessary gritty world DC Comics has displayed in recent years, with little to no age-appropriate or lighthearted titles to counteract it. The biggest slam against Batman Incorporated #8 is aimed at Batman’s portrayal, as this website has noticed the Dark Knight’s recent streak of incompetence.

In Morrison We Trust

While these complaints are valid, they’re being made by those who haven’t or refuse to read Batman Incorporated #8. Given Morrison’s bizarre, inspiring, and surprising storytelling, it’s premature to label Damian’s death as a cut-and-dry sign of desperation. Especially when the scenario surrounding Damian’s death hasn’t been revealed yet. For all we know, Damian’s death could be spiritual, a necessary evil, or a mere ruse. If there was a lesson learned from Dan Slott’s controversal Spider-Man #700 that led to The Superior Spider-Man, it’s that things are not always as the seem.

Furthermore, these critiques undermine Morrison as a writer, who molded Damian for seven years into the character he is today. While it’s easy to be jaded by the loss of beloved characters when it’s done by someone unassociated with them (see: Avengers Academy), Damian’s death is penned by the person who brought him to life in the first place. If this is the conclusion Morrison has always planned for Damian, than readers need to give him a chance to tell it his way, before passing judgement on it. While heartbreaking, Batman Incorporated #8 could be an incredible tale that beautifully cements Damian’s legacy in Batman mythology. Of course, if the opposite were to happen, than the reader is free to unleash all the rage he would like on it, while taking pride that he gave the story a fair chance.

In an industry where superhero books are normally dictated by editorial rule, creator-driven stories like Batman Incorporated #8 need to be encouraged, even if the direction they take is unfavorable for the man behind the mask, or in this case, the Boy Wonder that tried on the cape and cowl.

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Categories: Comics
Tags: Batman, Batman Inc., Damian Wayne, DC Comics, Grant Morrison, New 52, Robin