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Batman and Robin (2023) (Collected Editions)

Batman and Robin 2: Growing Pains

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Bat vs. Bat vs. Robin?

Born in Gotham's crime-filled nights, on a mission of vengeance, and determined to reclaim his once-great city from those who stole its innocence, his name is Man-Bat and he's on a holy mission to destroy Batman forever.

Allied with the mysterious new Shush, Man-Bat will stop at nothing to unleash his Cult of the Bat and its thousands of poisoned bats on Gotham. Batman and Robin have enough on their plate when Flatline, Damian's crush from the Lazarus Tournament, shows up with her own mysterious plans. Can the three unlikely allies stop Man-Bat and Shush in time? And what does Gotham City High School have to do with it?

Joshua Williamson (The Flash), Simone Di Meo (Batman: White Knight Presents: Red Hood), and Nikola Čizmesija (Sword of Azrael) continue the tale of Bruce and Damian Wayne rebuilding their life together as father and son while fighting crime as Batman and Robin. Collects Batman & Robin #7-13!

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

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Joshua Williamson

1,480 books451 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,369 reviews6,690 followers
November 15, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I wanted to give this book 4.5 stars. The thing that pushed this over the edge for me is that it brought a number of plot lines together from the big DC events and the City of Bane that I thought were being forgotten.

Also, Damian is my least favourite Robin. The first volume made me care about him. This one actually made me like him.

What is Man Bat's plan? His vision for Gotham? Can Batman and Robin stop him? Well, it will mainly be Robin. Also, the not so hidden villains are revealed. On top of that, a reckoning in the last story arc.

A very good book, great artworkand highly emotional stories. The book has a bit of everything. I would like Batman/Bruce to have a bigger, more effective part, but this book is about Robin/Damian shining. The book finishes with a varient covers gallery.
Profile Image for Aidan Hepler.
79 reviews
February 27, 2025
In my opinion this is everything I wanted this book to be. It was a bit rushed at certain parts(the end of the man-bat storyline) and felt like it didn't use Bane in a characteristic way, but the emotions I got from the story and the love for the characters made me enjoy this so much!!
Profile Image for Chris Lemmerman.
Author 7 books123 followers
February 11, 2025
The first half of this volume is actually the second half of the story that started in the first volume, bringing the whole Man-Bat/Shush fiasco to a close. It's not a bad story; the best parts are when Williamson leans into the Bruce/Damian relationship, and the stuff that ties back into the Lazarus Tournament from his solo Robin book. The actual conflict itself is just okay though, which drags it down. The art's nice, but Simone Di Meo and Nikola Cizmesija do not mesh well together in terms of style, so it can be a bit jarring.

The last three issues however bring Bruce and Damian to Dinosaur Island, where they face off against Bane and his daughter Vengeance, so we get some deep dives into how Damian's been feeling since Alfred died. This arc's much better, especially with some more consistent art from Juan Ferreyra. And that final page? Yeah, I teared up, I'll admit.

Not as strong overall as the last time Williamson wrote Damian, but not a bad book.
Profile Image for Robin.
297 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2025
damian wayne is my favorite dc character and it is not particularly close. the last issue of this arc is one of my favorite stories he's ever gotten. i am so happy to see him genuinely happy. he deserves it.
Profile Image for Roman.
199 reviews
April 21, 2025
З 7 по 10 номер відбувається закінчення історії про боротьбу з оновленим Мен Бетом. Поки Робін допомагає Флетлайн знайти її сестру, Бетмен об'єднується із Шаш, яка розуміє, що можливо не варто допомагати Мен Бету, для того, щоб зупинити антагоніста. Якщо чесно, то ось це завершення історії мені сподобалося набагато менше ніж початок. Культ, який по суті вилізає нізвідки, і як на мене його б вартувало ввести ще у першій арці замість того, щоб використовувати тодішніх лиходіїв. Невелике розчарування також викликає розкриття Шаш, як виявилося Деміан таки був правий коли думав, що директорка є його колишньою вчителькою, але помилився з тим, що вона є Шаш. Ні, Шаш тут є його вчителька, що ж пов'язує її з Гашом? Вона була його ученицею і прикривала його коли той зникав по власних справах, не знаючи того, що він є суперлиходієм. Коли ж виявилося, що Томмі любить розгулювати в бинтах і, що більшість його алібі були сфабриковані то вона втратила роботу, але з часом зустріла Мен Бета та його культ, які і переконали її в тому, що у всьому винен Бетмен. Ну… така собі мотивація якщо чесно і я, напевно, був би тільки радий якби замість цього виявилося, що вона ніяк не пов'язана з Томмі. Ще порадувало те, що Вільямсон не забив на те, що до Флетлайн пристав привид Рас Аль Ґула, воно тут взагалі не мало якогось розвитку і Рас з'являється тільки двічі, але хоча б тупо не ігнорується.


Щодо малюнку то двома основними художниками тут є Сімон Ді Мео та Нікола Жижмесія. В обох загалом вийшла досить непогана робота, в першого все виглядало все якось неоново, єдине, що я примітив, що він тупо реюзає одні й ті самі кадри в деяких моментах, ну і ще для себе примітив, що Мен лицем в його виконані мені дуже Морбіуса нагадува. В той же час малюнок Ніколи робить більший акцент на міміці персонажів.

Останній сюжет в серії розповідає про те, що Деміан отримує повідомлення від своєї знайомої Маї про те, що Бейн знаходиться на острові динозаврів. Туди наш динамічний дует і вирушає, щоб повернути лиходія до в'язниці. Загалом вийшло нормально, спочатку я закотив очі оскільки у нас знову сюжет в основі якого помста за смерть Альфреда, не додавало також і плюсів те, що в сюжеті також бере участь Вендженс (донька Бейна, яку Тайнін у своєму рані на Джокері ввів), яку я так-то був радий бачити, але яку Вільямсон зробив тут дуже надокучливою. На щастя тут було декілька по справжньому хороших моментів, як от флешбеки до взаємодії Деміана з Альфредом, сам Бейн у Вільямсона вкотре вийшов хорошим, було дуже приємно нарешті знову побачити Мію та Ґоліафа, хімія між Деміаном та Брюсом як завжди хороша, але основною окрасою ту є як завжди розкішний малюнок Хуана Ферейри заради якого цей сюжет однозначно варто зацінити.


В результаті ран Вільямсона на БіР нехай і вийшов доволі коротким та у мене ж певні претензії до нього, я все одно залишився задоволеним ним. Вільямсон вдало прописав родинну динаміку між Брюсом та Деміаном, та вдало продовжив працювати з основами Деміана як персонажа які він заклав ще у своєму рані на його сольнику. Серію спокійно можу порадити для читоглядання.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
378 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2025
The Shush/Man-Bat arc was terrible, and I can't stand Day of the Dead girl, but there were parts on Dinosaur Island that hit my emotions. Mostly though a very forgettable book.
Profile Image for Roman Zarichnyi.
686 reviews45 followers
March 3, 2025
«Бетмен і Робін: Проблеми зростання» #7-13 від Джошуа Вільямсона продовжує історію про Деміана і Брюса Вейнів, боротьбу Деміана зі злочинністю та непросту взаємодію з Бетменом. Цей том має сюжетну лінію із Кажаном-Мутантом та торкається бажання сина помсти за смерть Альфреда.

Сюжет коміксу поділяється на дві основні частини. Перша розповідає історію Кажана-Мутанта, який прагне знищити Бетмена і поширити свій культ за допомогою отруйних кажанів. Допомагає йому загадкова Шепітка, і їхній альянс додає інтриги. Крім того, повертається Флетлайн, стара знайома Деміана, що не тільки додає до історії екшену, а й романтичну складову.

Друга частина розповідає про протистояння Деміана з Бейном на Острові Динозаврів. Там також є донька Бейна і культ Кобри, що додає ще більше загроз. Мені цей сюжет більше до вподоби. Саме через показ еволюції Деміана. Якщо на початку його мотивує жага помсти за Альфреда, то наприкінці він міняє свою думку, і ця трансформація чудово передана в історії.

Враження від цього тому змішані. З одного боку, тут є все: екшен, драма, несподівані повороти й навіть романтика. Однак, незважаючи на захопливість історії, роль Бетмена у подіях здається меншою, ніж хотілося б. Адже ця історія фокусується здебільшого на Деміані.

Малюнок Сімоне ді Мео, як завжди хороший. Динамічні сцени бою, яскраві кольори та виразні деталі персонажів роблять читання цікавим. Також варто відмітити і Хуана Ферейру, який на мій погляд гарно впорався із тим всім, що відбувалося на острові динозаврів.

Проте, порівняно з першим томом, цей особисто для мене є слабшим. Глянемо, як покажуть себе наступні випуски.
Profile Image for Dakota Morgan.
3,400 reviews54 followers
May 21, 2025
Still a goofy, action-heavy series with mediocre friends and villains, but there are just enough sweet moments that it satisfies (though it does so much like a sugar high).

Batman continues to battle the cult of Man-Bat while Robin and Flatline team up to find Flatline's sister - and then finally figure out just what is going on at Robin's school. Such a silly storyline, but it gives Shush some depth (some), which helps when she inevitably teams up with Batman.

And then we go to Dinosaur Island to fight Bane and Vengeance, which is just the silliest part of the book, even as the villainous duo are happily portrayed as complex people. This also gives Damian a chance to come to grips with Alfred's death at Bane's hands. Lots of hand-ringing to be had there, but it does show growth for all parties...even as it takes place on Dinosaur Island. Sheesh.
Profile Image for London Heady.
217 reviews
December 26, 2024
I continue to really be impressed by how strong of a writer Williamson is in regards to Damian and Bruce's relationship. That's definitely the best part of this run. The Man-Bat and Bane stuff is definitely fun, but the little moments the father and son share are wonderful. The last panel of this is so incredibly sweet.
Profile Image for Subham.
3,072 reviews102 followers
November 7, 2024
This one was so freaking good and I loved it!

This is peak Batman and Damian stuff especially, two stories and both are awesome and who they are and their dynamic in such a fun way!

First, the conclusion to the Man-bat story from the previous volume as we see the duo go after the villain and the reveal of who Shush is, and interesting backstory plus her teaming up with them was unexpected and it also the return of Flatline and there's the story with her sister which was cute but then you see her romance tease with Damian and its so fun and how him and Batman take down the villain and its a decent ending but leaves him in an interesting place plus Flatline and Ra's Al Ghul too? Interesting tease of whats to come next maybe!

Then the big story vs Bane on Dinosaur Island and it also has his daughter Vengeance and how is Kobra involved? Plus the return of Maya aka Nobody and Goliath and that story is so cute and emotional, like you see him wanting vengeance for what Bane did to Alfred but how he becomes a hero and all is shown here, and just reading it showed you how much Damian has evolved as a character and its like one of the best character evolutions I have had the privillege of following!

Its an amazing ending and maybe not everyone will like it but for me it worked, it was a title I was reading every month and looked forward to and such books are hard to come by! Thank you for this amazing run on Damian Josh! Amazing ending!!
Profile Image for Adam Fisher.
3,596 reviews23 followers
November 24, 2025
Great combination of art and story!
Highlights:
- Continuing the "Cult of Man-Bat" story from the previous Volume, Flatline joins Batman and Robin to help take down Man-Bat. They eventually add Shush to the team as well, because she was betrayed by him. Not only able to shut him down, but also cure the bats, Langstrom is back locked up, but unable to remember any of his actions as Man-Bat.
- It is revealed that Flatline had an alternate reason for coming to Gotham. She is communicating with the ghost of Ra's Al Ghul, and he desires to be passed on to his grandson Damian. She keeps him for now, but this will be coming back up.
- At school, Damian was right that the principal was really Mistress Harsh, formerly of the League of Shadows, but she was not Shush. That was another one of the teachers at the school. Shush escapes. (Will she come back into play in Hush2?)
- The secondary story revolved around Bane taking over Dinosaur Island. When Robin gets a dose of venom from Vengeance (Bane's daughter), Bane shows he is only trying to protect the animals from the Kobra Cult. Robin is able to show mercy to Bane for the death of Alfred and Bane goes back to Blackgate to serve his time for that.

Overall, a pretty good 2 Volume run. Looking forward to seeing what comes to the dynamic duo next. Recommend.
Profile Image for Joanna.
175 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2025
4/5🌟
Personally, I preferred volume one but, I enjoyed Damian’s growth in this. It is evidentially clear that Damian has changed, when faced with the opportunity to finally strike Bane down for what he’d taken from him, how he’d taken Alfred.. Damian chose mercy, grown into his fathers teachings. There was less of his schooling than in the last volume but it made up for that lack in action and in flashbacks. Flatline and Damian are good together, both as friends and a potential love interest which maybe will be explored in the future but perhaps delving further into who he is first would be more beneficial. Shush was taken care of early on in the book and honestly, I appreciated her character in terms of growth, realizing that she was wrong chasing revenge. I’d say this duology was a story of personal development and growth, as well as a good way to show Damian’s character aging, that he’s no longer just the son of Batman. To conclude, the book had a great ending and complex storyline, boosted by spectacular artwork.
Profile Image for Ross.
1,545 reviews
January 28, 2025
The wrap up to Williamson's run on 'Batman and Robin'...

This is a strong ending that doesn't really reset the board, but definitely honors all the pieces on it. We've got Damian finally coming to terms with how he's grown, who he is, and what has changed in his life. Possibly the...end to the whole Lazarus Island influence? (It's been 8 years now?) Flatline, Goliath, and Nobody all cameo.

Also, Bane and Vengeance STILL trying to move on in life. Wonder if they'll push the redemption angle or just let it lie low...
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Bonus: The Man-Bat cult is an interesting idea, but ANOTHER personality for Man-Bat?! Ugh...
Bonus Bonus: The Demon Head always cameos in a Damian story. Always.
Profile Image for AJ Easterday.
475 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2025
*4.5 stars

"It will be an honor to watch you grow up."

Holy emotional wreck, Batman! Instant tears! I was not expecting this volume to make me cry so much, but it truly has been an honor to watch Damian Wayne grow up. I feel such a strong connection to this character that it feels like he could be a real person. His character growth is truly amazing. The journey he's been on has been a wild and fantastic one, and it continues to be. I will never understand the Damian Wayne haters. I don't ever want to hear anyone say anything bad about my boy. I don't read these books for Batman; I read them for Robin.
Profile Image for Chad.
10.4k reviews1,062 followers
September 26, 2025
The Man-Bat / Shush story comes to a close. It draws a lot of things from Robin's Lazarus tournament days into it and it's fine. That's what I have to say about the art as well. Then the last 3 issues take place on Dinosaur Island where Bane has set up shop and Damian has to face Alfred's death all over again. There are parts that are quite good and parts that are just meh. Juan Ferreyra's art is always a treat though.
Profile Image for holden caulfield.
320 reviews
December 9, 2025
NOOOOO I want to see more of flatline!!! she's an icon. body? tea. that outfit?? ate downnn. the makeup? fab. the phone charm??? gaggy. the hair is kind of a flop though. but I died!!! I can't believe I've never heard of her until this comic. and I really like her and Damian together. I need to have more of them.

that bruce wayne face reveal towards the end was a huge jumpscare though. don't ever do that again.
Profile Image for Germán Pérez-Duarte.
51 reviews
November 7, 2025
Didn't love that first arc to begin with, and I was thinking of not even picking this up. I'm glad that wrapped up just a few issues in, because the second half of this was an absolute blast. Batman + Dinosaurs will forever rule hard as fuck and it definitely helps that all of Bane's stuff is written so beautifully.
Profile Image for Craig.
2,886 reviews31 followers
May 11, 2025
The Man-Bat/Shush storyline wraps up and it was kind of a blah, anti-climactic ending. Then it's off to Dinosaur Island to face Bane and his clone daughter, Vengeance. Again, kind of a blah story. The art throughout most of this is chaotic and headache-inducing.
Profile Image for Arianna.
253 reviews
May 24, 2025
The Man-Bat arc was completely uninteresting but the second part was WILD, I loved it. I just wish they had left Bane alone on his little island, he deserves some rest and relaxation. And honestly this series needs some better art...
234 reviews
November 1, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4. I wasn’t particularly crazy about the second story but it did have some good moments. I’m enjoying watching Damian grow instead of that 10 year old who should have been locked away.
Profile Image for Clover Gislason.
72 reviews
February 23, 2025
I love the art and story per usual. My only issue is that Shush was resolved very abruptly. I know she was a secondary villain but resolving her completely in two pages felt rushed
Profile Image for Alex.
35 reviews
August 1, 2025
A comic full of returning side characters I love! Also "Bane, King of Dinosaur Island" which was one of the funniest things to say to my girlfriend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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