Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul
by Grant Morrison, Paul Dini
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Book Summary Information
Author: Grant Morrison, Paul DiniEdition: Hardcover
Published: 2008-05-20
ISBN: 1401217850
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: DC Comics
Book Reviews of Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul
Book Review: Father-Son Relationships (spoilers)
Summary: 4 Stars
While the events of this graphic novel depict the return of Ra's Al Ghul to the land of the living, I noticed that the real theme of the story was about the relationship between a son and his father. Batman and his two adopted children, Tim Drake (the 3rd Robin) and Dick Grayson (Nightwing), join forces to protect his only biological son, Damian. In the mean time, Ra's Al Ghul is again presented as the complete opposite of Bruce Wayne, as it shows glimpses of his relationship with his father and son. While some thought the action was a little sparse, to me, the relationships explored here were far more interesting.
Damian, Bruce Wayne's son and Ra's Al Ghul's grandson, plays an integral part in the plan to bring Ra's back to life. He has been raised in the lap of luxury and has known no hardship. Naturally, he's completely insufferable, and is a very easy character to hate. In what could perhaps become a redeeming quality, however, what Damian desires above all else is the approval of his father, even though Bruce could really care less, and is much more interested in ensuring Ra's remains comfortably dead.
Nightwing and Robin, Bruce's two "adopted" sons, also seek the respect of Batman, but I think deep down they know they already have it. Neither want to fail him, but also, it seems both would rather have their biological parents back if they could. By far, the best parts of this graphic novel are the scene written by Paul Dini where Ra's tempts Robin with bringing his parents back, and the resolution of that situation later on.
The second Robin, Jason Todd, is only mentioned in passing, but it should be noted that he was killed by the Joker while looking for his biological mother. I'm not sure if that fits into this theme, choosing his biological mother over Batman, as his biological parent was still alive. Batman does feel great responsibility for Jason's death, however, and we know he considers it to be his greatest failing.
Bruce's relationship with his parents is well known. His entire crusade against crime is a result of a promise he made on his parents grave, and he desperately wants his work to be something his parents would be proud of. Alfred is his surrogate father figure, and this is the relationship that is displayed as an ideal father-son relationship in this comic. Both Bruce and Alfred try hard to protect each other and not to let down the other, they care for each other and work together.
Ra's, on the other hand, has a very destructive relationship with his father (Sensei) and son (the White Ghost). He overthrew his father as leader of their clan a young man, and in the course of this story the two attempt to destroy each other completely. Meanwhile, Ra's son, The White Ghost, has been his only faithful servant for centuries, yet Ra's never calls him by his name or refers to him as his son. Ra's only seems to appreciate The White Ghost in the very moment he possesses his body. In the end, Ra's has outlived his father who he despised, and destroyed his son who loved him unconditionally.
In this regard, Talia Al Ghul really doesn't fit in. She's one of the only women in the novel and really just seems to follow Batman and run around punching and kicking ninjas. While she's attempting to protect her son, it's clear he's not interested in her protection, and doesn't seem to think she needs protection herself. She had to be in the story, as she's Ra's daughter and Damian's mother, but there doesn't seem to be much other justification for her being there.
In the end, this graphic novel succeeded in some areas more than others. Some thought there wasn't enough action, but I disagree. Just because people aren't beating each other up doesn't mean there isn't exciting stuff going on. In all, I thought the story was very good, it provided an intriguing look into some of the relationships that make Batman interesting, and it gave a believable way to bring back one of Batman's greatest villains.
Summary of Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul
Batman's immortal foe, Ra's Al Ghul, should be dead at last -- so how has he returned to haunt The Dark Knight?And what does his return have to do with Batman's teenaged son, Damian -- whose mother is Ra's Al Ghul's daughter, Talia? It will take the combined skills of Batman, Robin and Nightwing to get to the bottom of these mysteries and stop Ra's Al Ghul's insidious plans!
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