Originally published on Patreon
There's no way to really talk about this book without spoiling something big, even though it's on the cover, and it's been in preview pages, but still, if you don't want something hug spoilt, don't read this review.
Okay, now that that's out of the way... Alfred is back. Maybe. The reveal that the showy figure making their way towards Wayne Manor was Alfred, apparently returned to life, was not one that I was expecting. And I honestly don't know what to feel about it. I want this to be real, but I don't completely trust it. There's nothing that's said or done in this issue that even hints that this isn't completely 100% on the level; but until I know how this has happened I can't fully believe it.
But if this is real, if he is back, I'm happy about that. Alfred has been a constant for the entire Bat Family, he's the father they all gather around, the man who they can all turn to, and who loves them all dearly. And his death has been a huge thing for them all. They've all suffered through that pain. They deserve to have him back.
But before we can examine the source of this apparent miracle, Bruce has to deal with Damian, who has come to the Manor to kill his father and take his place as Batman. And he's brought some magic powered friends with him. Using Jakeem Thunder and Tim Hunter, Damian chases Bruce and Alfred through the cave, throwing magic and attacks at them, slowly wearing them down, before shooting Bruce and sending him and Alfred into a chasm.
Luckily, they survived, and they turn to Zatana for help. This is where we learn that something awful has happened to magic, and that the worlds magic heroes are all under attack. Following Damian, we see him in the Tower of Fate, picking out mystical weapons to use to kill his father, as he'e encouraged to do so by Mother Soul and the Devil Nezha.
Having read Batman/Superman: World's Finest, it's not really a surprise that Nezha is back, and it points towards him either being in possession of Damian, or having used magic to twist him into this killer version of himself. Which is a relief, as I honestly don't want an evil Damian. I like the version we have.
This issue lays out a lot of groundwork, and it's not entirely clear where the story is going to go next. There are a lot of options, and if the cover holds any hints we could end up going to see Talia al Ghul next, or possibly even Flatline. Both of them feature on the cover, and have yet to appear in the story. But considering how important they are to Damian, I'm sure they're going to end up playing important roles in the story.
For those that like Damian, this is a pretty decent first issue and it looks like this is going to be a very interesting story; one that could have huge, lasting effects on the Bat Family.
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