Robb Ghag reviews Batman and Robin #23.3: Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins…
“The origin of Ra’s al Ghul in The New 52! For centuries Ra’s has had a plan for this world, and now he is faced with an offer from the Secret Society that could help him achieve what he wants…or undo everything he has worked for. Which path will the Demon’s Head choose?”
In this instalment of Villains Month, we delve deeper into the history of one of Batman’s oldest foes: Ra’s al Ghul. As I had said before in previous posts, the Superman villains in Villains Month issues were very well written and offered more depth and quite frankly, more entertainment then any of the Batman villains.
This issue quickly turned that tide when James Tynion IV took over the script and writing duties for this issue. This issue is exceptionally written and gives a greater depth into the history of Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins. It would have been interesting to see how Ra’s would have fared against the Secret Society, but who knows if that is in the cards for the Forever Evil storyline.
As far as the artwork is concerned, this cover truly is one of the best 3D covers produced this month from DC. Literally the flames from the Lazarus pit seem to jump off the page, and Ra’s al Ghul textbook psychotic grin is perfect. The cover was illustrated by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray and John Kalisz.
Credit to Jeremy Haun for continuing the exceptional artwork inside the issue, which captures some of Ra’s greatest historic moments throughout time. As I said, while most of the Bat Villains failed in Villains Month to produce a really thought provoking and entertaining one shot, Ra’s al Ghul stands ahead of the rest, as usual.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published October 11, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
