Batman and Robin Vol. 1: Memento

Batman and Robin (2023)

by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Javi Fernandez (Artist), Miguel Mendonça (Artist)

Damian Wayne is the son of the Batman, grandson of the Demon Ra's al Ghul, and Robin—but as he nears the age at which his father traveled the world, one question is on his mind: Who is Damian outside of the crusades his family has tasked him with fighting since birth? When he starts to look beyond his life of endless violence, a different way to help the world begins to present itself—but when an enigmatic serial killer by the name of Memento returns from Bruce Wayne’s past, the Dynamic Duo must muster all their guile to solve this puzzling mystery…

The powerhouse team of Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Superman: Warworld Saga) and Javier Fernandez (King Spawn, Nightwing) introduce a new chilling and mystifying villain to the Batman mythos in Batman and Robin: Memento, Part One, collecting Batman and Robin #14-19.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Phillip Kennedy Johnson earned a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, where he served as Teaching Fellow for the Department of Jazz Studies, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Kentucky University. SFC Johnson has performed with the Lexington Philharmonic, Dallas Opera, Washington Symphonic Brass, and the Moscow Ballet, and was a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 2004 to 2005. SFC Johnson remains active as a composer, arranger, teacher, and clinician, and also enjoys a second career as a writer of comics and graphic novels. His work has been published by DC Comics, Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, and more.

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to rate this book 4.5 stars, I like the story, the artwork is great, I characters are done well there is just something missing. I can't put my finger on it.

Memento is a legend of serial killers. He has his own following, but he died in prison decades earlier. However, it seems he is back or is it a copycat? What is his connection to Batman and a young Bruce Wayne?

This is the first book that is a real reminder of how young Damian actually is. Usually, his attitude and arrogance make him dislikable to me. Here I actually feel sorry for him and what he goes through in both his roles as Damian Wayne and Robin.

Can Robin take the lead with Batman compromised? Even if compromised will Batman let him? Can they work together to solve the case or will too many issues and doubts split them apart?

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s first arc on Batman and Robin was pretty darned great. Good detective work, thrilling action sequences, heartbreaking character work… Honestly, if it hadn’t been for the chopping and changing between three different artists, this could have been a 5 star read for me.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on another killer stalking Gotham...but it also has some different insights on Damien and the father/ son that is Batman / Robin.
This story is to be continued in next volume.

[Doesjka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Batman I've read in years

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip Kennedy Johnson's debut volume, Batman and Robin Volume 1: Memento, is a very solid first volume. The greatest strength of this collection lies in the really great feeling between Bruce and Damian's growth. Damian is at the age where he's starting to figure out his life choices, and I think him wanting to save people like Bruce's father is an excellent idea.

That being said, sometimes the arguing between the two seems really annoying and forced. But if you flip back, the action is great. The fight choreography and pacing are a definite highlight, keeping the story exciting and engaging.

Beyond the main plot, the inclusion of other members of the Bat-family elevates the volume. The Red Hood issue is a standout, feeling legitimately amazing and providing a different perspective on the legacy of Batman's Robins. It's a fantastic standalone story that enriches the larger narrative.

Overall, this is a very, very solid first volume from Phillip Kennedy Johnson. It successfully blends high-octane action with a compelling character-driven narrative about growth and legacy, making it a must-read for fans of Batman and Robin.

[Renae Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy body horror, Batman! I want to own this and also immediately read the next volume lol.

[♡ Alisa Doe ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love watching the bat family interact and the emotional conflict of Damian!! I loved this comic.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good!

much much better than the previous dawn of dc volumes, though it kinda bothers me how damian is drawn either looking like a little kid or like a young adult. i have no idea how old he's supposed to be lol

i actually didn't know jason would show up on #18, so that was a pleasant surprise. i even liked his characterization, which doesn't happen a lot lol. and him defending damian! they're brothers, your honor 🥹

also lucy the monkey is very cute! i love damian taking in strays <3 like father, like son

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is exceptionally well-written, there are a lot of things to like about it, but i immediately find myself missing the way williamson wrote damian.

[Roman Zarichnyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Комікс «Бетмен і Робін, Том 1: Мементо» від Філліпа Кеннеді Джонсона — це одна з найяскравіших пригод дуету Бетмена і Робіна за останній час, які мав змогу почитати. Сценаристу вдалося знайти унікальний баланс між драматичним розвитком персонажів і захопливим містично-супергеройським сюжетом.

У Ґотемі з’являється серійний убивця на ім’я Мементо, загадкова постать, яку вважали мертвою вже десятки років. Чи це справжнє повернення легенди, чи лише новий наслідувач — питання, що тримає в напрузі і Бетмена, і Робіна. Паралельно місто стає ареною для нового культу, що поклоняється Нетопиру. На тлі цих загроз Деміану доводиться балансувати між роллю Робіна й звичайного школяра, а Брюсу — навчитися довіряти синові та дозволити йому брати на себе більшу відповідальність. Усе це переплітається в історію, де минуле повертається у найнеочікуваніших формах і ставить під загрозу як родину Вейнів, так і безпеку всього Ґотема.

Часто Деміана зображають зарозумілим та відстороненим, але тут ми бачимо глибшого й більш багатогранного героя. Він не лише вправний боєць, вихований Лігою Вбивць, а й хлопець, який прагне віднайти власний шлях і заслужити довіру батька. У цій історії особливо відчувається, що він ще дуже юний і вразливий. Його боротьба між тягарем минулого і бажанням мати нормальне життя викликає співчуття.

Брюс, у свою чергу, постає у менш звичному ракурсі. Замість непохитного Темного Лицаря ми бачимо батька, який боїться втратити сина й водночас розуміє, наскільки важко поєднати роль захисника Ґотема з батьківською турботою. Це додає історії емоційної глибини й показує, що справжня боротьба відбувається не лише на вулицях міста, а й у серці самого Бетмена.

Сюжетна лінія з Мементо, серійним убивцею, котрий перетворився на легенду й повернувся загадковим чином, надає історії напруження та інтриги. Нас постійно тримають у невизначеності: чи це справжній злочинець із минулого, чи новий послідовник, чи щось значно небезпечніше. Атмосфера містики з детективним підтекстом вирізняють цей том поміж попередніх.

Загалом ця арка є не просто черговою історією про боротьбу зі злочинцями Ґотема. Це оповідь про родинні стосунки, довіру та спробу знайти себе у світі, де минуле тисне на кожному кроці. У Філліпа Кеннеді Джонсона часто виходять посередні сюжети, але в цій арці він запропонував дійсно хорошу історію.

[Chelsea &#x1f3f3;️‍&#x1f308; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! Finally another story with Damian Wayne worth reading! It’s been 84 years.

I skipped over Williamson’s run on this book because his Robin comic was largely responsible for me giving up DC comics for a while. This volume and Kennedy Johnson’s take on the character more closely resembles the character I loved so much before. I appreciate a softer side of Damian while maintaining the tension and his tendency to challenge Bruce.

There are some tough conversations had here. I really enjoyed Jason’s brief appearance, too. The Chicken or Egg convo where Damian posits Gotham might not have the plethora of villains if the Batman didn’t exist reminded me a bit of Alfred’s past questioning of his role in creating the Batman. I liked this representation of Bruce’s continuous struggle to feel connected to Damian. Truthfully, the convo where he’s mad at Damian for not just obeying him reminded me of when Nightwing got fired in Nightwing Year One.

Sidenote: pleasantly surprised the female rep was pretty good, as well.

I really liked the concept of Damian exploring other ways to help people. The choice he made here was a unique one for the Batkids. I really wanna see where this goes. This was great.

[kesseljunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FANTASTIC collection. Top notch.

And a cliffhanger ending to the volume so guess I’m buying the next.

[Mytzky C. ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this one!! Damien questioning if he wants to be a Robin!! Batman's struggle with parenthood (like always)! JASON SHOWING UP!!! The art style was also beautiful!!

[Kirsten Quong · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I put it down and immediately went shopping online for #20 of this series. They really hook you with the mystery in this volume and I was very compelled by the batfamily drama that ensues. Also a good run of issues for Scarecrow which is a bonus. :)

As others have said, my one qualm is that with the way Damian is portrayed, both visually and in his dialogue, it’s really hard to tell what age he’s supposed to be. He’s depicted simultaneously as a little boy and like a teenager depending on which exact issue you’re reading.

[Vito · Rating 3 out of 5]

JASON TODD🤤😊

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!! DC comics is firing on all cylinders right now with some of the best series in superhero comics. I had been hearing how great Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run was on Batman & Robin and I have to say this was some of the best Batman storytelling we've gotten in some time. Everything just works here from the mystery of our murderous villain, Memento, to Damian's inner turmoil of his choice to be "Robin" and Bruce coming to grips with th of lose his son. Johnson has a real grasp on the characters and is treading into new territory with Damian. Damian Wayne has always been a hard character to write as many writers have kept him stuck in an endless cycle of just being s snot-nose bratty kid. Tomasi, in his Super Sons series gave us a Damian with more depth. This was due to the innocence of Jon Kent aka Superboy. If this series came out after that initial Super Sons run, it would fit perfectly. In this book we get a Damian that has a drive to grow beyond his assassin programming. He is eager to learn more about his family and more than anything gain his father's trust. At its core this story is about letting go of the past and embracing a more psotive future. Johnson has a Batman asking "What is a normal life? And, Is the cost of being Gotham's protector to high?" The artwork by Javi Fenandez fits this story like a glove. The action panels pop with action and the color give this book cinematic quality. This book kept me on the edge of my seat even up to the unexpected ending. I really would love to see Johnson on the regular Batman series in the future. This is probably the best Batman book being published right now. Here are few other adventures featuring Damian you should check out: Robin, Vol. 1: The Lazarus Tournament, Robin – Son of Batman, Volume 1: Year of Blood, Batman and Robin by Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason Omnibus, Super Sons, Vol. 1: When I Grow Up... & Robin War.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good like I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this!

We get introduced to this new villain who connects to Batmans past when he was still training under various teacher and acquiring skills.. here he was training under a detective named ATTICUS BYLE in Scotland yard (sherlock inspired I think) and from there we see people he met there and this serial killer named Memento and how in the present the same villain has returned or is it a copy cat.

And I swear each isse is more brutal than the last one I feel like its insane.. We get so many scenes like the fire at the hospital to the dock crash which leads to a gang war between Penguin and Tiger shark and then you add to it whatevers going on with Damian after he witnesses a deep thing and wanting to change career path of sorts in crimefighting and moving to medical which was so fun to see!

Then the greasly murders happening and Batman investigating it add to it the interrogation scene of Scarecrow and a breakout at Arkham by Memento's followers and all and it was so insane and cool reading those sequence of events! OMG! WOW! The slow reveal of who it can be and the return of Katherine Lautrec from the flashbacks to the present and the relationship and tense moments there!

And the gap between Bruce and Damian increasing and all.. them working alone and Damian making a big life decision and his training under Dr Bashar malik and before Batman realizes who the villain is.. him attacking Damian and thats where the story leaves off and it was phenomenal..

I love how the volumes tests these characters in such ways and actually forces them to question their relationship and Damian is growing and so he will make decisions about his future and he isn't wrong and even he asks Bruce didn't he do the same and its valid and I love that! Then having Bruce admit he doesn't want his son to go and thats like every fathers fears right?!

And add to it the villain MEMENTO who talks in 19th century poem style and the intrigue of his character and he is so good omg?! The way the mystery surrounding him has been built and how he challenges everyone.. and in particular how he is bringing Bruce trauma back to life or something and haunting him in the visions he sees.. its insane how well its done..

Loved this volume though the art was a bit weird in some places but thats just me but the design for the villain and how he appears so large like a monsters in those visions Bruce is having.. that was like really well done.. so props there.

Overall a fun read and I highly recommend it!!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5🌟
This volume of Batman and Robin #14-19 was an interesting and engaging collection of issues, however—the art style for Damian was so inconsistent, it agitated me to say the least. This follows Batman and Damian’s Robin as they hunt down a supposedly dead serial killer named Memento, which Bruce has history with under his old alias as “Jack” when he studied abroad in Scotland during his youth, roughly the same age Damian should be now.. which he only appears to be when drawn by Miguel Mendonça which was exclusively during Memento Part Three. Other than the stylistic art changes that made it seem less cohesive than previous issues 1-13, this was still undoubtedly interesting, it was extremely enjoyable yet difficult to read through Damian’s section of what I would call his rebellion against his father, overhearing his conversation with Jason whom appeared briefly as backup called in by Oracle, and led to Damian only hearing the more harmful aspect of the conversation, leading to Damian’s conclusion that he may not want to be Robin anymore after this mission is over.
The ending of this volume was a cliffhanger and I’m interested to see what happens next, especially regarding how Bruce handles being a father and hopefully admitting when he was wrong.. you called your son “unremarkable”, isn’t Damian above his grade level as I recall in the last few issues? I wouldn’t say that’s unremarkable, even if it is out of context.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman & Robin gets a new writer and artist as part of DC All-In, bringing on Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javi Fernandez as Bruce and Damian face off against a serial killer who may or may not be a ghost.

This was very good. PKJ balances the interplay between the Bruce & Damian drama and the superheroics really well, and even manages to add in some Batman: The Knight level flashback sequences (complete with Carmine Di Giandomenico artwork). The mystery of Memento is compelling, and even I can't see how it's going to play out - bonus points awarded because he's a rhymer, and that always gets me smiling.

Fernandez's artwork is solid, but he only manages to pencil two of the six issues here in their entirety, with Di Giandomenico on the flashbacks as mentioned, and assistance from Miguel Mendonca on two issues as well. If you're switching someone in, you'd think they'd have enough lead time to do a six issue run unbroken.

Great stuff. Still Batman & Robin, but in a very different way to the previous runs, and with an injection of mystery too. Shall we take bets on whether Memento is an avatar of Olgrun, so this can tie into PKJ's other DC work? :p

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The core mystery of the story and the way it unfolded was pretty well done. The tone was deliciously dark and unsettling, and I did like the supernatural elements folded into the case. As far as the batkids go, I feel like Damian is one of the harder ones to write, but PKJ does a great job at making him more relatable and sympathetic by delving into his struggles with his superhero/civilian identity, and his love for animals and art.

On the other hand, this arc had its fair share of flaws. The ever-changing artists made it difficult to establish a consistent tone (but my favourite among them was easily Javi Fernandez!). Batman makes a bunch of really questionable decisions, and the way he treated Damian was incredibly frustrating to read. Plus, for a series named Batman and Robin, I had hoped to see a greater focus on their relationship, but it really wasn't explored as deeply or with as much nuance as I had hoped.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great. It's a continuation of Batman and Robin even though DC labeled it as a volume 1 due to the new creative team. There's a new villain in town, Memento, and he may be the same villain Bruce was investigating in his abroad days in London when he was learning to become Batman.

Meanwhile, Damian is becoming more than a snot-nosed brat. He's having some second thoughts about being Robin after a little girl is hurt under his care. It's interesting to see Damian questioning what he's trained all his life for. Javi Fernandez's art is very good although I'd like to see him be able to complete full issues. He didn't even make it 2 issues before Carmine Di Giandomenico and Miguel Mendonca had to step in and draw pages each issue.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

PTSD gains more traction with Damien in this trade...

He's seen Alfred killed in front of him. He's been killed and resurrected with superpowers. He's always been more of a weapon than just a kid. All these things are making it hard to focus on being Robin.

A recent injury to a small girl hits Damien extra hard and he shifts his focus to volunteering in Gotham. He's at a crossroads point. Stay and become disillusioned, or refocus and save his awkward relationship with his father.

...oh, and there's a serial killer with connections to Bruce's 'world tour' of criminology training.

====
Bonus: 'Harvey Moment', huh? EVERYONE has had one?

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce and Damian have their hands full with a new (old) criminal, the serial killer known as Memento. Damian is also starting to question his choices and whether he's really cut out to be a full-time crimefighter. He starts volunteering at a local hospital, alongside Bruce's old friend, Dr. Malik Bashar, who takes him under his wing (which of course, makes Bruce suspicious). There are flashbacks to a young Bruce dealing with Memento in London, along with French detective, Katherine Lautrec, who has also made an appearance in the present day. It's an effective, spooky mystery, with decent artwork from Javi Fernandez and a couple of fill-in artists. Looking forward to the next volume.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty incredible. It's got a great mystery, but more importantly it nails the character voices and complex dynamics between the title characters. Damian Wayne is made even more interesting and likable. Bruce is correctly portrayed as a difficult and damaged person to be around, but is still very caring. And there's a great guest appearance from Red Hood.

This is the beginning act in a larger story that I can't wait to read more of.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some writers don't understand the relationships between Batman and his Robins, and that's a problem. It is not a problem here. Damian's journey in this is nothing but painful excellence, and a certain someone about ripped the soul from my body."He doesn't give a --- about Gotham." This writer has no problem telling us that Batman is absolutely f***** up, and I respect that. Hats off to Oracle, forever the voice of reason.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems to be turning into my standard review for Batman comics, but I really liked a lot of the key ideas but the character beats moved too fast. There wasn't enough build up to the character conflict beats so many of them felt a bit forced. LOVE the seeds it's laying for Damian going into medicine and leaving the superhero life, but again elements feel too off screen and underdeveloped for me

[Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Pleasantly surprised with this one, we get a new serial killer, a Jason Todd appearance, Damian adopting ANOTHER animal, Bruce struggling (as always) with fatherhood, conversation about what it means to be Robin and whether they would be better off without the mantle.

3.5, I’ll splash an extra 0.25 cause I love to see all the new ways that writers come up with to psychologically torture Bruce

[Lewis Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just caught up on the single issues and really appreciate the gritty tone of this series. However, with issue #19 ending on a cliffhanger, I'm curious how well it will translate as a standalone trade.

[Justin Biondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t give this story its proper dues and I feel like a jackass now. Originally I wasn’t feeling it when the switch happened and I wasn’t able to afford every Bat-book at the time and this seemed at the base the one to cut to save some money but dammit that was stupid

[ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was really good but something about the way damian is portrayed in this is confusing me. is he a 10 or 16?? i literally couldn’t tell for the life of me

but seeing jason in this made me literally jump for joy!! his defending of damian..🥹