Action packed, block busting Batman, with more emphasis on increasing character screen time than a deep consideration of the Batman story. The reaction of the network to their mentors death, is mixed but interesting and the emphasis is on Richard Grayson's role in this brave new world. Interesting in places, but this feels like an action movie sequel or second film in a trilogy. There's going to be a role for these characters after this episode. Good. ( )

I found this comic enjoyable. I love it because it involves all of the Robins. It also shows when Nightwing becomes Batman. ( )

Honestly, I sorta wish that more of the characters that were in the awesome full page art layouts had actually been in the TPB. Some of them were peripherals in this TPB, and others secondary characters, and most of them weren't in it at all.

But, that aside it's not a bad story. Everyone from Jason Todd to Stephanie Brown wants to save Gotham, and each in their own unique way.

But the two that are the main guys in the running for the mantle of the Bat are Jason Todd who appoints himself the new Batman, and Dick Grayson who everyone else feels should be the new Batman, but he doesn't believe that.

There's a bit of Maggie Sawyer which was cool, not enough Oracle at all. And a bit too much Damian Wayne in this TPB. He also seemed different than in some of the later parts of his story. Much more child-like in this one. ( )

I didn't read this until after Batman returned, so my review may be a little skewed. I waited so long because I wanted the trade paperback, not the hardcover.

I have to say, the story didn't really live up to the hype. I thought Nicienza's Gazette stories were actually much better than the main plot. I get the feeling that nobody really knows how to write Jason Todd, not even Grant Morrison. The recent Red Hood: Lost Days miniseries is probably a good place to start, but Tony Daniel didn't have that luxury back in 2009.

Lots of characters survived inprobable violence (even for comic books) due to some deus ex machina bit of superhero training from the original Batman. This felt like a major flaw in the storytelling. The companion collection highlighting other characters from the Network was better in that regard, though I never followed up on their later adventures in Gotham Sirens or the like. ( )

Batman is dead and Gotham has fallen into chaos and ruin. Can those raised by Bruce Wayne live up to his legacy and bring order--and rein in the criminal-killing impostor that has been donning the garb of the caped crusader? ( )