★★★★★ 5
If Batman #666 is canon, then this collection is important.
I just read this Batman collection again and found a much greater appreciation for these stories than I did the first time around (not that they were all that bad to begin with).
Of course, Grant Morrison's run on Batman has gone on another two years since Batman & Son, so reading this now allows you to put some added perspective on what's going on here. First of all, you have the introduction of Batman's son, Damien (this is not a spoiler, isn't it pretty obvious from the title?), who has since already gone on to a larger role in the DC Universe. I think some important take-aways from these initial issues of Grant Morrison's run are Damien's origins and his character/attitude. I believe that Damien's character is going to have a big impact on what happens with Batman (and Dick Grayson) in the near future.
You also get a pretty unique Joker story, primarily told in text form. I really think Morrison shines in this kind of story-telling medium.
Additionally, if you pay attention, there are definitely some clues in Batman & Son that foreshadow the next events in Morrison's saga.
Lastly, there is issue #666. I don't want to give anything away about the story, but I have heard that Grant Morrison considers this to be part of the Batman canon (meaning that it is authentic to the whole Batman universe). If so, then in addition to the story, there are some particular frames that I think are going to be meaningful down the road For example, the one with Damien mourning over a Batman body and also the one from Damien's memory, showing three Bat-folk fighting crime together in the future.
Overall, I have become very pleased with Grant Morrison's work on this title. Of the comics that I currently follow, he is surpassing them all in excellence, even beyond what Ed Brubaker is doing with Captain America. Once you read this collection, you will certainly want to go on to the next one.. Batman: The Black Glove.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2010