BATMAN ANNUAL #26

Resurrection Shuffle

October 2007

Written by Peter Milligan

Pencils by David Lopez

Inks by Alvaro Lopez

Cover by Brian Stelfreeze

Synopsis

Somewhere in Australia, servants of Ra’s al Ghul have determined it is time for Damian to learn the details of his grandfather’s life.  Meanwhile, Batman is in Australia, investigating the death of two scientists who were part of the Wayne Ecological Foundation.  In the course of his search, Batman finds that many wildlife and villagers seem to have lived lives far beyond the normal.  He also encounter four ninja’s whose fighting styles resemble the teachings of Ra’s al Ghul.  Elsewhere, when Damian reaches the end of his grandfather’s life story, the White Ghost (an associate of Ra’s al Ghul) tells Damian there might be way for him to talk to his grandfather.  Meanwhile, tracks the dead bodies and finds a stream that might be the source of the long lives.  He then follows the stream to its source:  a Lazarus Pit.  He finds it at the same time the White Ghost was leading Damian into it as a way to perhaps resurrect Ra’s.  In the distraction, Talia takes her son and leaves.  Batman fights the White Ghost and knocks him in to the pit.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

When this issue was first solicited, I had this sinking feeing it would lead to the return of Ra’s Al Ghul.  He had been killed in the Death And The Maidens mini-series a number of years so it is, I guess, time to bring him back.  My feeling what this issue was supposed to accomplish was further bolstered by the announcement that the bat-titles would have a special event featuring the return of Ra’s al Ghul.  So, it seemed natural to bring him back here and then continue the story elsewhere.  Imagine my surprise when it didn’t happen at all.  Imagine my disappoint to spend money on a story in which nothing really happens and, in fact, is mostly just a rehash of Birth Of A Demon.  Essentially, this is just a story of someone telling a story, a tenuous way to bring Ra’s al Ghul’s origin in line with the current DCU and Morrison’s run on Batman.  I wouldn’t all be surprised if it becomes the first issue of whatever trade paperback is published once the big crossover is finished.  Ultimately, this issue felt unnecessary, but as a primer for the upcoming crossover and as a way to remind people of Ra’s al Ghul (and his family) this does the job.

Not only do the Lopez Brothers (although they may not be related) manage to draw 12 issues of Catwoman per year, but they also managed to draw this and also drew another DC special (Countdown? I think) as well.  When some artists barely draw a handful of issues per years, these guys knock off more than 12.  And it is quality stuff, to boot.  DC needs more artists like these guys. 

Waterloo was Napoleon Bonaparte’s last battle.  The opposing general was Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.  The end of the battle ushered in an era of peace throughout Europe for many decades.  Waterloo is also the name of a song by ABBA.  Just in case you didn’t know.

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