Story by Ty Templeton
Art by Rick Burchett
Colored by Lee Loughridge
So, what’s the story?
Batman and Robin are taking down some gunzels in an alley. Talia appears with a last minute assist. She tells them she’s come for Batman’s help. Her father, Ra’s al Ghul, plans to unleash a deadly virus called “Blood of the Demon” that will destroy civilization. She needs Batman’s help to stop Ra’s. Batman instructs Robin to stay behind, referencing an old case. Batman and Talia head to a secluded jungle island. Batman ejects from the open cockpit plane in a glider, while Talia brings the plane in for a landing. Ra’s greets her, and though he is suspicious, he invites his daughter to dinner. While they dine, Batman infiltrates the lab, planting bombs as he goes. Over dinner, Talia tells Ra’s she had tried to stop him, and doesn’t understand why so many people must die to achieve Ra’s goals. Later, Ra’s and Talia are on hand as Batman escapes the underground lab. The bombs explode, but Ra’s claims victory anyway, as Ubu is already on a plane bound for the U.S. But Batman has another ace up his sleeve, as Robin arrives in the Batwing, throwing a rope ladder to his mentor for a quick escape. In no time they intercept and stop Ubu.
I love a good Ra’s story! True, this one isn’t much different from so many others, but that’s sort of what I like about it: Talia’s duplicitous nature; a plan for world conquest; and exotic location; Batman making a last minute save, Classic stuff! Templeton got the story tone and the character voice just right. Thank you, sir!
How’s the Art?
Some of Burchett’s finest. I wish I had the original art from any of these pages. The shot of Batman jumping from the plane with his glided is one of my all-time favorite Batman images.
Any continuity issues?
None at all.
Anything of interest to customizers or cosplayers?
Ra’s wears an orange suit. And Batman sports an all black appearance with his glider. I always intended to make that.
Is this issue worth my precious time?
Absolutely.
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