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Batman 676 contains part one of "Batman R.I.P.">, a storyline from writer Grant Morrison that he promises will change Batman forever. This is not a reboot of the character or a change of location similar to the 70's switch from Wayne Manor to Wayne Tower, but a complete shift in the mythos. Advertisements have been hinting that certain characters will die, some will change allegiances, and someone new may become Batman.
Grant Morrison started sowing the seeds of this storyline almost 2 years ago. This issue mixes and mashes little bits from all over the year or so, giving us a feeling that all of these stories and events are heading for a collision in the near future. We get a glimpse of a group of villains taking orders from their mysterious leader known only as The Black Glove who is now planning a dance macabre. We see Robin discussing Batman's mental health with Alfred and Robin now fears for Batman's sanity. Robin also questions the validity of the claims that Damien As Ghul is Batman's true son, something which Alfred says he and Batman know the answer to, but refuse to share with anyone. Batman meanwhile spends time with his new girlfriend Jezebel Jet, the woman who deduced that Bruce Wayne is Batman. And the last major sequence involves The Joker, who receives an invitation to the dance macabre while having visions of a dead Batman, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon.
Despite the fact that all of these scenes seem disjointed, Morrison has woven them together into a coherent web that lays the foundation for the coming epic. It is a primer for new age, and while longtime readers may find themselves feeling like they are treading waters they've swam in before, the sum is greater than each of the parts.
Tony Daniel's artwork on this issue shows his ability to adapt his style to they story at hand. From the nightmarish scenes in The Joker's psyche to the conversation between Robin and Alfred, Daniel draws each page as if the story is pulling his hand across the page instead giving the reader the feeling that the story has been limited by his style. It's a triumph and delight to see.
Batman 676 is part one of the 20 part story and is available at your local comic book shop for $2.99.