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Bruce Wayne: The Road Home #1-8
Batman - Bruce Wayne: The Road Home
Bruce Wayne may have been missing, but Gotham City's criminals and crime-fighters kept the action alive in his absense! Now that he's made a long return trip to the land of the living, Batman finally gets a chance to reunite with those characters closest to him. Featuring Batman's greatest allies and enemies, friends, foes and loved ones, this series of eight interconnected one-shots connects Bruce Wayne's past to Batman's exciting future! Spotlighting Oracle, Red Robin, Catwoman, Robin, Dick Grayson, Commissioner Gordon, Ra's al Ghul, the Outsiders, Batgirl and more! How will Gotham react to the return of The Dark Knight? Find out here!
This collection includes the issues Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Batman & Robin #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Red Robin #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Batgirl #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Outsiders #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Catwoman #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Oracle#1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon #1, and Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Ra's Al Ghul #1
This collection includes the issues Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Batman & Robin #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Red Robin #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Batgirl #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Outsiders #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Catwoman #1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Oracle#1, Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon #1, and Bruce Wayne - The Road Home: Ra's Al Ghul #1
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2011
11 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Fabian Nicieza
2,025 books424 followersFabian Nicieza is a writer and editor who is best known as the co-creator of DEADPOOL and for his work on Marvel titles such as X-Men, X-Force, New Warriors, and Robin.
His first novel, the Edgar Award-nominated SUBURBAN DICKS, a sarcastic murder mystery, is on sale now from Putnam Books.
The Dicks will return in THE SELF-MADE WIDOW, coming June 21st.
His first novel, the Edgar Award-nominated SUBURBAN DICKS, a sarcastic murder mystery, is on sale now from Putnam Books.
The Dicks will return in THE SELF-MADE WIDOW, coming June 21st.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 18, 2020
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: An increasingly redundant hit and miss sampler of related titles, impeding The Road Home with roadside distractions.
Notes: An increasingly redundant hit and miss sampler of related titles, impeding The Road Home with roadside distractions.
February 8, 2018
Come see the softer side of Batman...
Well, maybe not softer. It is Batman, after all.
But. It appears that being presumed dead and getting lost in time has had an effect on the Dark Knight. Could it be that Bruce Wayne is actually sentimental? It would seem so. Of course, since he is The Batman, sentimental takes on a whole new form.
Instead of simply announcing his return to his rather extended Bat-family (and rolling out some chips and dip), he takes on a new persona (The Insider) and proceeds to check up on his loved ones. That's right. You heard me. His loved ones. Ok, maybe the word love is more of an implied thing...but you get my drift.
Dick, Tim, Damien, Barbara, Jim Gordon, and even Stephanie Brown are members of his family. And as such, Bruce feels they are his responsibility. While most of us would hug and cry, he shows his affection by spying on them and devising tests to see how well they can perform without him.
Like I said, the word love is an implied thing.
I enjoyed reading The Road Home. Nicieza does a good job of keeping this thing from becoming a mushy love-fest, and instead just shows a few chinks in Wayne's emotional armor.
I think I would have rated it even higher, but the Vicki Vale storyline (especially the conclusion to it) was just goofy. Unfortunately, that was also the conclusion to the book. It was probably the only time in the story that I felt Nicieza went too far and ended up with Emo-Batman. Just my opinion.
The rest of the book was great, though. The Barbara Gordon/Bruce Wayne interaction was my personal favorite.
Well, maybe not softer. It is Batman, after all.
But. It appears that being presumed dead and getting lost in time has had an effect on the Dark Knight. Could it be that Bruce Wayne is actually sentimental? It would seem so. Of course, since he is The Batman, sentimental takes on a whole new form.
Instead of simply announcing his return to his rather extended Bat-family (and rolling out some chips and dip), he takes on a new persona (The Insider) and proceeds to check up on his loved ones. That's right. You heard me. His loved ones. Ok, maybe the word love is more of an implied thing...but you get my drift.
Dick, Tim, Damien, Barbara, Jim Gordon, and even Stephanie Brown are members of his family. And as such, Bruce feels they are his responsibility. While most of us would hug and cry, he shows his affection by spying on them and devising tests to see how well they can perform without him.
Like I said, the word love is an implied thing.
I enjoyed reading The Road Home. Nicieza does a good job of keeping this thing from becoming a mushy love-fest, and instead just shows a few chinks in Wayne's emotional armor.
I think I would have rated it even higher, but the Vicki Vale storyline (especially the conclusion to it) was just goofy. Unfortunately, that was also the conclusion to the book. It was probably the only time in the story that I felt Nicieza went too far and ended up with Emo-Batman. Just my opinion.
The rest of the book was great, though. The Barbara Gordon/Bruce Wayne interaction was my personal favorite.
November 22, 2016
Set during Grant Morrison’s Batman run right after The Return of Bruce Wayne, Bruce is back but doesn’t want to reveal himself right away because DC wanted to make some more cash on a useless tie-in - I mean, “for artistic reasons relevant to the character at this time”!
Unfortunately Morrison has no hand in this one which is largely why it sucks. Instead DC assembles some of the worst comics writers around like Fabian Nicieza and Mike Barr to cobble this garbage together.
So Bruce puts on a new outfit, calls himself The Insider, and spies on Batman and Robin (Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne), Red Robin (Tim Drake), Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), Catwoman, The Outsiders, Oracle, and Jim Gordon to see if they’re doing ok. They are. Duh. Why would he think otherwise?!
There’s a pathetic overarching B-story where Vicki Vale tries uncovering Batman’s true identity and Ra’s Al-Ghul steps in to stop her, which is also as equally needless as Bruce spying on everyone.
It’d be worth it if it were entertaining but Bruce Wayne: The Road Home is an utterly boring read as well as pointless. No Batman fan needs to read this one, even those who’re working their way through Grant Morrison’s Batman run - this whole book is DC filling a cell in a marketing spreadsheet and nothing more.
Unfortunately Morrison has no hand in this one which is largely why it sucks. Instead DC assembles some of the worst comics writers around like Fabian Nicieza and Mike Barr to cobble this garbage together.
So Bruce puts on a new outfit, calls himself The Insider, and spies on Batman and Robin (Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne), Red Robin (Tim Drake), Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), Catwoman, The Outsiders, Oracle, and Jim Gordon to see if they’re doing ok. They are. Duh. Why would he think otherwise?!
There’s a pathetic overarching B-story where Vicki Vale tries uncovering Batman’s true identity and Ra’s Al-Ghul steps in to stop her, which is also as equally needless as Bruce spying on everyone.
It’d be worth it if it were entertaining but Bruce Wayne: The Road Home is an utterly boring read as well as pointless. No Batman fan needs to read this one, even those who’re working their way through Grant Morrison’s Batman run - this whole book is DC filling a cell in a marketing spreadsheet and nothing more.
October 22, 2014
And so Bruce Wayne returns to check up on the “Extended Batman Family” which means he tests them in his own supersuit and reveals himself to some but to others he holds off.
But the real focus is upon Bruce Wayne watching his family and commenting on their pros and cons in his memoirs which are usually woven into the panels. There's some guilt and remorse which is to be expected with Bruce Wayne. There's also memoirs by other characters, too. Just look at the change in script or color to differentiate. I won't say exactly who because again I feel it's a minor spoiler but see below for spoilers if you like.
I was impressed with the emotional strings connecting in this tale. Rarely does Bruce Wayne get emotional so it was interesting and believable (the dude came back from the dead/time travel for God's sake).
BATMAN MYTHOLOGY FOCUSES: B plus; STORY/PLOTTING: B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B to B plus; ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B plus to A minus; WHEN READ: mid to end of July 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
But the real focus is upon Bruce Wayne watching his family and commenting on their pros and cons in his memoirs which are usually woven into the panels. There's some guilt and remorse which is to be expected with Bruce Wayne. There's also memoirs by other characters, too. Just look at the change in script or color to differentiate. I won't say exactly who because again I feel it's a minor spoiler but see below for spoilers if you like.
I was impressed with the emotional strings connecting in this tale. Rarely does Bruce Wayne get emotional so it was interesting and believable (the dude came back from the dead/time travel for God's sake).
BATMAN MYTHOLOGY FOCUSES: B plus; STORY/PLOTTING: B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B to B plus; ARTWORK PRESENTATION: B plus to A minus; WHEN READ: mid to end of July 2012; OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
January 19, 2019
Bruce Wayne has faked his death but has returned as costumed vigilante 'The Insider,' and in this volume he basically spies on his extended Bat family and jots down notes in his 'White Casebook.'
Sounds thrilling, riiight? Well, after the initial chapters (which included Dick Grayson as Batman / Damian Wayne as Robin, Tim Drake as the newly minted Red Robin, and a pretty boring tale with the Outsiders) I almost threw in the towel in disinterest. But I stuck it out and I'm glad I did -- the better stories were in the middle and latter half, one featuring Batgirl (the vigorous and cheerful Stephanie Brown incarnation of the character) and the other with shrewd Barbara 'Oracle' Gordon. The ones focusing on Catwoman and Commissioner Gordon weren't too bad, either.
Sounds thrilling, riiight? Well, after the initial chapters (which included Dick Grayson as Batman / Damian Wayne as Robin, Tim Drake as the newly minted Red Robin, and a pretty boring tale with the Outsiders) I almost threw in the towel in disinterest. But I stuck it out and I'm glad I did -- the better stories were in the middle and latter half, one featuring Batgirl (the vigorous and cheerful Stephanie Brown incarnation of the character) and the other with shrewd Barbara 'Oracle' Gordon. The ones focusing on Catwoman and Commissioner Gordon weren't too bad, either.
October 11, 2011
You’d think that after being stuck in the past after being presumed dead that upon returning to the present that Bruce Wayne would head immediately for Wayne Manor for a long hot shower, a gourmet meal prepared by Alfred and a good night’s sleep. But that’s just not how Batman rolls. Instead of announcing his return to his friends, he decides to do a bit of skulking about in a suit that gives him super powers that allows him to spy on and interact with various members of the extended Bat-family to evaluate their performances after his ‘death’.
Bruce is a little shocked to learn that the world hasn’t gone to hell in a bat basket during his absence. Dick Grayson and Bruce’s son Damian have been taking good care of Gotham as the new Batman & Robin. Dick has even given the Batman image a bit of a public relations boost since he’s willing to step out of the shadows and interact with people aside from just breaking the arms and legs of criminals. Former Robin Tim Drake has grown into the formidable Red Robin. Catwoman, Batgirl, the Outsiders and Jim Gordon all show Bruce that there may be a whole new way to approach this Batmanning thing.
This was a pretty solid and entertaining story. I especially liked Bruce’s thoughts about how his former Robins have grown in different ways. There’s kind of a weak subplot with Vicki Vale learning that Bruce was Batman and threatening to expose it that gets Ras Al-Ghul involved. Overall this sets up the next phase of Batman pretty well.
Bruce is a little shocked to learn that the world hasn’t gone to hell in a bat basket during his absence. Dick Grayson and Bruce’s son Damian have been taking good care of Gotham as the new Batman & Robin. Dick has even given the Batman image a bit of a public relations boost since he’s willing to step out of the shadows and interact with people aside from just breaking the arms and legs of criminals. Former Robin Tim Drake has grown into the formidable Red Robin. Catwoman, Batgirl, the Outsiders and Jim Gordon all show Bruce that there may be a whole new way to approach this Batmanning thing.
This was a pretty solid and entertaining story. I especially liked Bruce’s thoughts about how his former Robins have grown in different ways. There’s kind of a weak subplot with Vicki Vale learning that Bruce was Batman and threatening to expose it that gets Ras Al-Ghul involved. Overall this sets up the next phase of Batman pretty well.
May 20, 2012
Decent if seemingly pointless story about Bruce Wayne checking in on the major members of the Batman Family after his return from being lost in time. The only real plot thread this tied up comes from Red Robin, with Vicki Vale hot on the trail of outing Bruce as Batman, along with everyone else he works with. But that storyline always felt superfluous. I mean, OF COURSE a minor character like Vicki Vale isn't going to succeed in her mission, so why are we spending time on something we know is worthless?
There's some interesting character stuff here. We see a slightly changed Bruce Wayne, less of a loner, more of a team player. We get a sense that he respects Tim Drake more than the other members of the family, too, which I enjoyed. There's nothing here really worth delving into, though. It's not BAD, it's just kind of... nothing.
There's some interesting character stuff here. We see a slightly changed Bruce Wayne, less of a loner, more of a team player. We get a sense that he respects Tim Drake more than the other members of the family, too, which I enjoyed. There's nothing here really worth delving into, though. It's not BAD, it's just kind of... nothing.
November 14, 2011
Reading anthologies is usually a chore.
Nicieza is hard to read - not because he uses big words (not much), but because he writes everything that should be shown or conveyed. Really? You need pages from the journals of each of your protagonists to tell a story? That's quite a lovely set of crutches. And frankly, what dialogue he does put in characters' mouths comes out like lead.
The Outsiders story taught me why I've never picked up one of those books.
Miller's not bad in the Batgirl issue.
...
After a couple more days with this sitting on top of my book pile unfinished, and blocking access to books I still *want* to read, this one's going back to the library with stories unread. This storyline and style just doesn't do it for me.
Nicieza is hard to read - not because he uses big words (not much), but because he writes everything that should be shown or conveyed. Really? You need pages from the journals of each of your protagonists to tell a story? That's quite a lovely set of crutches. And frankly, what dialogue he does put in characters' mouths comes out like lead.
The Outsiders story taught me why I've never picked up one of those books.
Miller's not bad in the Batgirl issue.
...
After a couple more days with this sitting on top of my book pile unfinished, and blocking access to books I still *want* to read, this one's going back to the library with stories unread. This storyline and style just doesn't do it for me.
July 28, 2015
Gotham's original Dark Knight Detective has been away from his city. Now that he has returned, in stead of announcing it to his family, friends and allies Bruce Wayne decides to test them. Test them to see how they managed without him. And to see who he can use for his future endeavor, which will be Batman Inc. He tests/observes the new Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin (Damian Wayne), the Outsiders, Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), Oracle, Catwoman and Jim Gordon.
Bruce is very pleased overall with how everyone has coped with his absence. Some have met his expectations, some not and some have even exceded them. He follows everyone in a new tech suit which can mimic a selection of super-abilities with modes like the Speed Force mode, Will Power mode, Heat Vision mode etc. The suit comes with a new alias, "the Insider". It was an enjoyable read that fleshes out the idea behind the future Batman Inc. more. Bruce Wayne has embraced the fact that he is not alone in his war against crime. This story shows another step in his process to come to Batmen for the entire planet.
Bruce is very pleased overall with how everyone has coped with his absence. Some have met his expectations, some not and some have even exceded them. He follows everyone in a new tech suit which can mimic a selection of super-abilities with modes like the Speed Force mode, Will Power mode, Heat Vision mode etc. The suit comes with a new alias, "the Insider". It was an enjoyable read that fleshes out the idea behind the future Batman Inc. more. Bruce Wayne has embraced the fact that he is not alone in his war against crime. This story shows another step in his process to come to Batmen for the entire planet.
July 28, 2012
Really, this was just about an average read, hence the three star review. I had hope for this TPB, because The Battle for the Cowl highlighted the supporting cast in the Batman family. This volume, which pretty much wraps up Bruce's return to 2012 after being trapped in past, doesn't highlight the characters as well as it should have.
The best examples of giving a good amount of screen time to the supporting characters were the Stephanie Brown and Selina Kyle installments. In these instances Bruce gets to observe the changes both women have undergone while he was gone. Stepahnie having become more assertive and Selina walking a very gray line as shown by her actions. In the other chapters that feature Dick, Tim, Damian, Gordon and The Outsiders that aspect is pretty much lost. What takes center stage are the Vickie Vale story, and Bruce, undercover, essentially being an arrogant ass and interfering in everyone's lives.
The addition of Ras as a major player-so dull. He's just a villain I am very tired of seeing.
The best examples of giving a good amount of screen time to the supporting characters were the Stephanie Brown and Selina Kyle installments. In these instances Bruce gets to observe the changes both women have undergone while he was gone. Stepahnie having become more assertive and Selina walking a very gray line as shown by her actions. In the other chapters that feature Dick, Tim, Damian, Gordon and The Outsiders that aspect is pretty much lost. What takes center stage are the Vickie Vale story, and Bruce, undercover, essentially being an arrogant ass and interfering in everyone's lives.
The addition of Ras as a major player-so dull. He's just a villain I am very tired of seeing.
July 21, 2011
Really 3 stars, but the extra star for the panel where Steph clocks him. BEST PANEL EVER: Y/MFY?
Enjoyable, with Bruce oscillating wildly between charming and asshole during each encounter as only he can.
Enjoyable, with Bruce oscillating wildly between charming and asshole during each encounter as only he can.
August 28, 2020
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home is a collection of the eight tie-in issues, which proceeded after Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne limited series published by DC Comics. It collects all eight tie-in issues, which focused on one character. Each tie-in focuses on Bruce Wayne as the Insider to observe how Gotham City coped in his year-long absence.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batman and Robin (★★★☆☆) has Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin successfully take down an incarnation of the Hangmen. Watching Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne throughout this mission is Bruce Wayne as the Insider, who comments both on Dick's acceptance of being Batman, Grayson's success on keeping Damian Wayne in line, as well as the dynamic both brothers share as Batman and Robin. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Cliff Richards.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Red Robin (★★★☆☆) has Tim Drake as Red Robin in Amsterdam continuing his mission. Tim is fighting a group called the Council of Spiders. Prudence shows up to give Tim a hand. Bruce as The Insider is doing some undercover work for the Council of Spiders and battles Tim but then switches the game on the Spiders. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Ramon Bachs.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Outsiders (★★☆☆☆) has Brion Markov as Geo-Force dealing with riots and assassins in Markovia. Emily Briggs as Looker returns, which makes Geo-Force is happy. The Outsiders go out into the riot and try to stop it without hurting anyone. The entire time Bruce as the Insider has been watching the Outsiders and taking notes in his journal. Bruce fights each of them and wins, even against Geo-Force. It is written by Mike W. Barr and penciled by Javier Saltares.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl (★★★☆☆) has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl is fighting Bruce Wayne as the Insider, who is stealing a rifle from Waynetech R&D. He runs away but, Stephanie is not hurt. She then goes to the presentation at Crime Alley because she knew that the Insider was targeting someone on stage. She finds the Insider and she says that he must be very clever or very sloppy and reveals himself to be Bruce Wayne, whom she promptly smacks. It is written by Bryan Q. Miller and penciled by Pere Pérez.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Catwoman (★★★☆☆) has Selina Kyle as Catwoman at a very exclusive party at Club V. Selina is following Vicki Vale to see what she's doing there and catch her next move. Following Vicki, Selina sneaks in through the window and finds all the information Vicki has on them. She sees that Vicki even has info on her. Waiting on top of the roof is Bruce Wayne as the Insider and wants to know the info she gathered from Vicki's apartment and she tells him. It is written by Derek Fridolfs and penciled by Peter Nguyen.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon (★★★☆☆) has Oswald Cobblepot as the Penguin sending two supervillains after Vicki Vale. She herself was at the GCPD having rough talks with Gordon when the two supervillains attack with the aid of corrupt cops. While they try to escape, the Insider is alerted by Oracle, with whom he had earlier made contact, of the situation. He arrives at GCPD and beats the two villains. He has some talks with Gordon and tells him to allow Vicki to leave before leaving himself. It is written by Adam Beechen and penciled by Szymon Kudranski.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Oracle (★★★☆☆) has Barbara Gordon as Oracle helping the Bruce Wayne as the Insider get Vicki Vale out of harm's way from Ra's al Ghul's army. The Insider asks Oracle to get some help to beat the army of Ra's al Ghul. She was going to get the regular Birds of Prey but they are overseas. So she gets Hawk, Dove, Man-Bat, Batgirl, Ragman, and Manhunter. It is written by Marc Andreyko and penciled by Agustin Padilla.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Ra's al Ghul (★★☆☆☆) has Vicki Vale being kidnapped by Ra's al Ghul and is eventually rescued by Bruce Wayne as the Insider and gives the immortal her word that she will never reveals the secrets she learned as she came to realize that the mission is bigger than the truth she's seeking, and decides not to expose his secrets and to become his ally. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Scott McDaniel.
All in all, Bruce Wayne: The Road Home is a mediocre collection of tie-ins one-shots of having Bruce Wayne returning from being trapped in time and armed with a new technologically advanced suit, as well as a new identity: The Insider to observe his family, allies, and villains.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batman and Robin (★★★☆☆) has Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin successfully take down an incarnation of the Hangmen. Watching Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne throughout this mission is Bruce Wayne as the Insider, who comments both on Dick's acceptance of being Batman, Grayson's success on keeping Damian Wayne in line, as well as the dynamic both brothers share as Batman and Robin. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Cliff Richards.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Red Robin (★★★☆☆) has Tim Drake as Red Robin in Amsterdam continuing his mission. Tim is fighting a group called the Council of Spiders. Prudence shows up to give Tim a hand. Bruce as The Insider is doing some undercover work for the Council of Spiders and battles Tim but then switches the game on the Spiders. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Ramon Bachs.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Outsiders (★★☆☆☆) has Brion Markov as Geo-Force dealing with riots and assassins in Markovia. Emily Briggs as Looker returns, which makes Geo-Force is happy. The Outsiders go out into the riot and try to stop it without hurting anyone. The entire time Bruce as the Insider has been watching the Outsiders and taking notes in his journal. Bruce fights each of them and wins, even against Geo-Force. It is written by Mike W. Barr and penciled by Javier Saltares.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl (★★★☆☆) has Stephanie Brown as Batgirl is fighting Bruce Wayne as the Insider, who is stealing a rifle from Waynetech R&D. He runs away but, Stephanie is not hurt. She then goes to the presentation at Crime Alley because she knew that the Insider was targeting someone on stage. She finds the Insider and she says that he must be very clever or very sloppy and reveals himself to be Bruce Wayne, whom she promptly smacks. It is written by Bryan Q. Miller and penciled by Pere Pérez.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Catwoman (★★★☆☆) has Selina Kyle as Catwoman at a very exclusive party at Club V. Selina is following Vicki Vale to see what she's doing there and catch her next move. Following Vicki, Selina sneaks in through the window and finds all the information Vicki has on them. She sees that Vicki even has info on her. Waiting on top of the roof is Bruce Wayne as the Insider and wants to know the info she gathered from Vicki's apartment and she tells him. It is written by Derek Fridolfs and penciled by Peter Nguyen.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon (★★★☆☆) has Oswald Cobblepot as the Penguin sending two supervillains after Vicki Vale. She herself was at the GCPD having rough talks with Gordon when the two supervillains attack with the aid of corrupt cops. While they try to escape, the Insider is alerted by Oracle, with whom he had earlier made contact, of the situation. He arrives at GCPD and beats the two villains. He has some talks with Gordon and tells him to allow Vicki to leave before leaving himself. It is written by Adam Beechen and penciled by Szymon Kudranski.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Oracle (★★★☆☆) has Barbara Gordon as Oracle helping the Bruce Wayne as the Insider get Vicki Vale out of harm's way from Ra's al Ghul's army. The Insider asks Oracle to get some help to beat the army of Ra's al Ghul. She was going to get the regular Birds of Prey but they are overseas. So she gets Hawk, Dove, Man-Bat, Batgirl, Ragman, and Manhunter. It is written by Marc Andreyko and penciled by Agustin Padilla.
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Ra's al Ghul (★★☆☆☆) has Vicki Vale being kidnapped by Ra's al Ghul and is eventually rescued by Bruce Wayne as the Insider and gives the immortal her word that she will never reveals the secrets she learned as she came to realize that the mission is bigger than the truth she's seeking, and decides not to expose his secrets and to become his ally. It is written by Fabian Nicieza and penciled by Scott McDaniel.
All in all, Bruce Wayne: The Road Home is a mediocre collection of tie-ins one-shots of having Bruce Wayne returning from being trapped in time and armed with a new technologically advanced suit, as well as a new identity: The Insider to observe his family, allies, and villains.
June 2, 2020
2.25 stars
Bruce returns from being "dead," but then he just runs around in a disguise "testing" all his friends and family members like an a-hole. (Why?) Surprise, he learns nothing surprising.
This volume does wrap up the "Vicky Vale figures out Batman's secrets" story line, which provides most of the plot here, but it's spread pretty thin.
Sometimes, I enjoy plot-thin comics, but I need the characterization to be strong. And since this is mostly Bruce spying on his allies, there's not a lot of interesting interaction. (Where are the "What? You're alive!?" panels? Not here. That stuff gets saved for main titles.) Bruce's inner monologue, when well-written, can be really interesting. But there's nothing new or particularly poignant here.
Like a lot of other reviewers, I liked Stephanie's story the best (better characterization, more interesting tensions, and she does get her "Your alive?!" moment, which was great). But it highlighted my issue with the arc overall. At the very end, Bruce's "White Casebook" notes declare that he hadn't misjudged Stephanie Brown in the past. No, it's that she has changed since he's been gone. (Never mind that he fired her from being Robin for doing something that every other Robin has done.) And he was right to test Stephanie because she needed it.
The writing is constantly justifying Bruce's behavior.
Bruce can be a jerk sometimes. But the best comics understand his behavior without excusing it.
The writing also definitely falls into the "each of the Bat-team members only gets one or two traits tops so that we can differentiate them from each other" trap. (When Bruce observed that Dick isn't "hard enough on himself," my eye started to twitch. That's not just a bad characterization of Dick. It's a bad representation of what Bruce knows about Dick.)
The art varies widely throughout, but the changes are not as jarring as they might be because each issue focuses on a different character, so the change in tone feels natural. (There are some art styles I definitely prefer over others in this volume but none that I hated. I didn't struggle at any point to follow the action.)
Far from the worst Batman volume out there, but I only recommend it if you're really invested in filling in the gaps of Bruce's return.
Bruce returns from being "dead," but then he just runs around in a disguise "testing" all his friends and family members like an a-hole. (Why?) Surprise, he learns nothing surprising.
This volume does wrap up the "Vicky Vale figures out Batman's secrets" story line, which provides most of the plot here, but it's spread pretty thin.
Sometimes, I enjoy plot-thin comics, but I need the characterization to be strong. And since this is mostly Bruce spying on his allies, there's not a lot of interesting interaction. (Where are the "What? You're alive!?" panels? Not here. That stuff gets saved for main titles.) Bruce's inner monologue, when well-written, can be really interesting. But there's nothing new or particularly poignant here.
Like a lot of other reviewers, I liked Stephanie's story the best (better characterization, more interesting tensions, and she does get her "Your alive?!" moment, which was great). But it highlighted my issue with the arc overall. At the very end, Bruce's "White Casebook" notes declare that he hadn't misjudged Stephanie Brown in the past. No, it's that she has changed since he's been gone. (Never mind that he fired her from being Robin for doing something that every other Robin has done.) And he was right to test Stephanie because she needed it.
The writing is constantly justifying Bruce's behavior.
Bruce can be a jerk sometimes. But the best comics understand his behavior without excusing it.
The writing also definitely falls into the "each of the Bat-team members only gets one or two traits tops so that we can differentiate them from each other" trap. (When Bruce observed that Dick isn't "hard enough on himself," my eye started to twitch. That's not just a bad characterization of Dick. It's a bad representation of what Bruce knows about Dick.)
The art varies widely throughout, but the changes are not as jarring as they might be because each issue focuses on a different character, so the change in tone feels natural. (There are some art styles I definitely prefer over others in this volume but none that I hated. I didn't struggle at any point to follow the action.)
Far from the worst Batman volume out there, but I only recommend it if you're really invested in filling in the gaps of Bruce's return.
November 20, 2020
Bruce Wayne has passed through death and resurrection and returns to Gotham. Keeping his return secret, even from his closest allies, he adopts the alias Insider and begins investigating the legacy he left behind as Batman.
His mission becomes complicated when reporter Vicki Vale plans to print the truth of Batman's identity, making her a target for heroes and villains alike.
My biggest problem with this book is the premise and how that reflects on Bruce as a character. I'm not saying it's out of character for him to spy on all of his closest friends and put them through harsh, perhaps even cruel, tests but it does make it harder for you to get onboard with this story if you're constantly reminded when a bastard he is.
Also, admittedly a product of the real-world way in which this book was originally published as a series of one-shots, it feels a little contrived the way that each chapter has him interacting with a single specific person from his past before moving on to the next one.
However, although the way it unfolds feels contrived, I have to say that this tour through the various members of the extended Bat-family was something I really liked. We get to see how each of these characters, some of whom have become A-listers themselves in the years since their introductions as side-characters for Batman, have coped not only with their personal loss at Bruce's death but also the loss of Batman as an icon.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters about Catwoman and Oracle, both of whom are perhaps the ones that Bruce trusts and cares about the most, but who need him the least.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
His mission becomes complicated when reporter Vicki Vale plans to print the truth of Batman's identity, making her a target for heroes and villains alike.
My biggest problem with this book is the premise and how that reflects on Bruce as a character. I'm not saying it's out of character for him to spy on all of his closest friends and put them through harsh, perhaps even cruel, tests but it does make it harder for you to get onboard with this story if you're constantly reminded when a bastard he is.
Also, admittedly a product of the real-world way in which this book was originally published as a series of one-shots, it feels a little contrived the way that each chapter has him interacting with a single specific person from his past before moving on to the next one.
However, although the way it unfolds feels contrived, I have to say that this tour through the various members of the extended Bat-family was something I really liked. We get to see how each of these characters, some of whom have become A-listers themselves in the years since their introductions as side-characters for Batman, have coped not only with their personal loss at Bruce's death but also the loss of Batman as an icon.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters about Catwoman and Oracle, both of whom are perhaps the ones that Bruce trusts and cares about the most, but who need him the least.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
June 6, 2018
Excellent in what it does. Not an ambitious attempt (like The Return of Bruce Wayne or, admittedly, all of Grant Morrison's work) or a narrative of grandeur, just a typical enjoyable Bat-family story.
In brief, Batman has returned to the Gotham City of his timeline after his journey through time, but before making his return known to all of his allies (Tim Drake was present during his return from point zero), he wants to observe how they have been dealing with crime fighting during his absence. He even goes so far as to put them through tests. He does all these things under a new disguise, of course, his new alter ego being the Insider, who is basically Batman armed with a powerful suit capable of imitating the powers of the JLA members. In the meantime, Vicki Vale is hell-bent on reversing the downfall of her career by revealing the identities of the Bat-family members.
It was really interesting to see Bruce in stealth mode, observing the Bat-family and testing their abilities like a true mastermind. I have loved these characters and the relationships between them for years so this story was unmissable for me. If you share the same 'affections', I totally recommend it!
In brief, Batman has returned to the Gotham City of his timeline after his journey through time, but before making his return known to all of his allies (Tim Drake was present during his return from point zero), he wants to observe how they have been dealing with crime fighting during his absence. He even goes so far as to put them through tests. He does all these things under a new disguise, of course, his new alter ego being the Insider, who is basically Batman armed with a powerful suit capable of imitating the powers of the JLA members. In the meantime, Vicki Vale is hell-bent on reversing the downfall of her career by revealing the identities of the Bat-family members.
It was really interesting to see Bruce in stealth mode, observing the Bat-family and testing their abilities like a true mastermind. I have loved these characters and the relationships between them for years so this story was unmissable for me. If you share the same 'affections', I totally recommend it!
April 9, 2022
2.5
las primeras historias son aburridísimas, las últimas son obvias pero aún así son parte del melodrama de Bruce con personajes como Selina, Gordon, Barbara y algunos enemigos. Lo de Vicky es obvio y aburrido, no había de otra, al parecer. Pero los pequeños detalles valen la pena si has leído otras muchas historias de Batman y sabes su relación con diferentes personajes.
El problema aquí es que estas historias son simplemente aburridísimas; transitando entre la falta de profundidad, humanismo y simbolismo, con tanto peso que ahora se le da a Batman y la confianza con sus batifamiliares. Después de todos los eventos que llevaron a Crisis Final se entiende que Bruce necesite un nuevo eje, simplemente es aburrido ver a Batman ser otro más de esos miles de super héroes.
Aquí incluso se vuelve ese wey que lanza rayos de colores, se vuelve invisible y vuela. Además de eso, siempre está el "de pronto aparece una organización mundial y secreta que controla todo desde las sombras" y, bueno, vaya que ya aburre.
las primeras historias son aburridísimas, las últimas son obvias pero aún así son parte del melodrama de Bruce con personajes como Selina, Gordon, Barbara y algunos enemigos. Lo de Vicky es obvio y aburrido, no había de otra, al parecer. Pero los pequeños detalles valen la pena si has leído otras muchas historias de Batman y sabes su relación con diferentes personajes.
El problema aquí es que estas historias son simplemente aburridísimas; transitando entre la falta de profundidad, humanismo y simbolismo, con tanto peso que ahora se le da a Batman y la confianza con sus batifamiliares. Después de todos los eventos que llevaron a Crisis Final se entiende que Bruce necesite un nuevo eje, simplemente es aburrido ver a Batman ser otro más de esos miles de super héroes.
Aquí incluso se vuelve ese wey que lanza rayos de colores, se vuelve invisible y vuela. Además de eso, siempre está el "de pronto aparece una organización mundial y secreta que controla todo desde las sombras" y, bueno, vaya que ya aburre.
May 5, 2019
Bruce Wayne is back from the dead, and has taken a new persona as the "Insider" as he "tests" the members of his family to see how they have fared without him.
Oh, and also Vicki Vale is there and she knows all the bat-family's identities, and she's after the proof she needs to publish the scoop of the century.
I liked this quite a bit. Most of the issues were pretty strong. (Though I have really never cared for Gotham's Lois Lane counterpart.)
My only real issue is with Bruce's "Insider" suit. It's this hightech ninja get-up that has makeshift powers of justice league members (short-term super speed, rocket flight, and its own lasso of truth). On the one hand, it's kind of an ex machina, and basically makes Bruce like Amazo (which Batgirl mentions). But on the other hand, if it's got all this cool stuff, WHY DIDN'T HE KEEP ANY OF IT WHEN HE WENT BACK TO BEING BATMAN?
Oh, and also Vicki Vale is there and she knows all the bat-family's identities, and she's after the proof she needs to publish the scoop of the century.
I liked this quite a bit. Most of the issues were pretty strong. (Though I have really never cared for Gotham's Lois Lane counterpart.)
My only real issue is with Bruce's "Insider" suit. It's this hightech ninja get-up that has makeshift powers of justice league members (short-term super speed, rocket flight, and its own lasso of truth). On the one hand, it's kind of an ex machina, and basically makes Bruce like Amazo (which Batgirl mentions). But on the other hand, if it's got all this cool stuff, WHY DIDN'T HE KEEP ANY OF IT WHEN HE WENT BACK TO BEING BATMAN?
May 31, 2021
Sin ser una obra de arte, Vuelta a casa cumple su cometido y entretiene. Es injusto hablar de guionistas o dibujantes porque en realidad está escrito y dibujado por diferentes personas. Hay algunos trabajos que me han gustado más y otros menos dentro de la saga, pero mantienen una coherencia argumental que logró comprarme.
Debe ser de los primeros cómics de DC que pudo engancharme en estos últimos años. Básicamente se trata de Batman "volviendo de la muerte" y reencontrándose con los miembros de su bat-familia uno por uno.
Teniendo en cuenta que es una especie de compilación de #1 de diferentes colecciones, su desarrollo fue muy interesante y preciso, tomandose el tiempo para desarrollar a los personajes y la relación que tienen con Batman.
Repito: Sin ser una obra de arte es entretenido y es una lectura que vale la pena.
Debe ser de los primeros cómics de DC que pudo engancharme en estos últimos años. Básicamente se trata de Batman "volviendo de la muerte" y reencontrándose con los miembros de su bat-familia uno por uno.
Teniendo en cuenta que es una especie de compilación de #1 de diferentes colecciones, su desarrollo fue muy interesante y preciso, tomandose el tiempo para desarrollar a los personajes y la relación que tienen con Batman.
Repito: Sin ser una obra de arte es entretenido y es una lectura que vale la pena.
August 8, 2018
Bit of a letdown, this book is the quintessential inessential tie-in. While the story of Bruce Wayne's return was being told in the Grant Morrison books of the time, this miniseries finds Bruce debating whether to reveal his return to his allies - and ultimately, repeatedly, thinking better of it. The consequence is a repetitive series of vignettes in which Bruce Wayne is only an observer, acting like a jerk while hiding from his friends. A few shining lights in this volume include a great Stephanie Brown moment and a moody Commissioner Gordon one-shot, but on the whole "The Road Home" should probably be a road not taken.
December 14, 2024
So, Bruce is back (obviously) but this is his weird, creepy reintroduction into his loved one's lives incognito. He's seeing how everyone is doing instead of, you know, talking to them. That part of the story is incredibly stupid. The part of the story I did enjoy, and it was the main part of the storyline, was the continuation of Vicki Vale's hunt for proof of Batman's secret identity. This was done well with Gotham's underground out to get that info from her and then another antagonist trying to kill her. It was a solid story with a satisfying conclusion. There was some really good artwork throughout the book. Overall, at times inane but mostly decent read.
March 28, 2021
Bruce Wayne estava perdido no tempo, e após conseguir retornar, Bruce usa um uniforme secretamente chamado Insider para vigiar e observar os personagens que o cerca.
Com o tempo lendo histórias de quadrinhos, mangas e livros, descobri uma coisa interessante. Não existe personagens ruins para criar histórias. Existem escritores bons e ruins para criar histórias de personagens. E aqui mostra isso de forma muito clara.
Além disso, The Road Home é uma tentativa descarada de ganhar mais dinheiro com o arco do Retorno de Bruce Wayne. Não faz sentido isso existir.
Com o tempo lendo histórias de quadrinhos, mangas e livros, descobri uma coisa interessante. Não existe personagens ruins para criar histórias. Existem escritores bons e ruins para criar histórias de personagens. E aqui mostra isso de forma muito clara.
Além disso, The Road Home é uma tentativa descarada de ganhar mais dinheiro com o arco do Retorno de Bruce Wayne. Não faz sentido isso existir.
April 28, 2024
Modest rec if you're reading through the Morrison run... Morrison isn't involved but it adds necessary context to Bruce's return, and despite far too many cooks in the kitchen (the art in particularly is quite inconsistent) it's an okay read due to some good character work.
Speaking of the inconsistent art, the title page for the issue with the Outsiders has some of the worst perspective I've ever seen. A giant pair of boobs look like flat dinner plates. It fails Figure Drawing 101, for sure.
Speaking of the inconsistent art, the title page for the issue with the Outsiders has some of the worst perspective I've ever seen. A giant pair of boobs look like flat dinner plates. It fails Figure Drawing 101, for sure.
June 25, 2017
3.5 stars
There are only two reasons to why you should read this:
a). You want to end the Vicky Vale arc that started in Battle for the Cowl
b). You have been reading all the series that came out or changed with Batman Reborn
Otherwise you're wasting your time and the experience of enjoyng this as it should.
There are only two reasons to why you should read this:
a). You want to end the Vicky Vale arc that started in Battle for the Cowl
b). You have been reading all the series that came out or changed with Batman Reborn
Otherwise you're wasting your time and the experience of enjoyng this as it should.
May 15, 2017
Vikki Vale is hell-bent on uncovering the identified of Batman and telling all of Gotham. These stories follow Vales hunt for Batman, while also following the Bat-Family, as they protect Gotham, and Batman's identity, while they think Bruce is dead. Some stories are better than others, but it's totally worth 📚 reading.
June 30, 2024
This is a pretty decent little complication, I was out of the loop for a lot of these runs (though they've now become my favourites) and I'm intrigued that the ending was done this way. It works, capping off a series of high points in Gotham character lore. One that I'd recommend if you're interested in the ending of the Battle for the Cowl era, the only thing it's missing is Jason.
December 10, 2018
what I thought about this book is I like it because those two are my favourite superhero since I was a kid and I like how they both work together to destroy the bad guys and they use their powers and everything.
September 6, 2023
This was a nice set of short stories that all linked for a larger plot while showing you essentially the bat family and people Batman has influenced. Entertaining story and good to see some uncommon characters too.
April 16, 2019
Excellent story about the Bat World. Filled in dome gaps in the DC universe for me.
May 24, 2019
This was a lot of fun. Seeing Bruce process his place in the world be "testing" his family led to some great introspective moments. It makes me look forward to Indie pop.
June 21, 2022
Interesting look at the Bat family and what Bruce did observes. Major miss on Jason Todd, but I think he was still in jail?
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