Welcome to Day 2 of Dark Knight Week here at Figures and More. We are counting down the days until the release of The Dark Knight in theaters on July 18th. Today and tomorrow, we will be reviewing the 2nd and 3rd parts of the biggest Batman storyline in the comics in a long time, Batman R.I.P. Grant Morrison began his ground-breaking Batman R.I.P. storyline last month in Batman #676. That issue recieved a 5 out of 5. Can Morrison keep it up with part 2? read on and find out.

Can Grant Morrison keep up the high standard he set in Batman #676. In a word, yes. Part 2 of Batman R.I.P. finds Batman continuing to struggle with the mystery of the Black Glove, a mysterious organization which Batman believes has designs on destroying him. It begins with Batman confronting one of the Black Glove’s gargoyle henchmen. Batman has been cut with a knife that, we will learn later in the story is laced with Librium. After returning to the Batcave, Batman discovers that the Black Glove was the name of a movie directed by John Mayhew, who created the Club of Heroes and was recently killed trying to destroy them on a distant island. We learn that Robin has gone away to deal with his confidence issues involving Spoiler’s death and the emergence of Damian. We also learn that one of the Black Casebooks is missing. Batman sends Alfred to see ” The Black Glove” at a theater in Gotham where it is playing.

Meanwhile, the Black Glove arrives in Gotham. Doctor Hurt says that the destruction of Batman will be ” a work of art.” He sends the other membersof the Black Glove after Batman’s allies.

Bruce decides it is time that Jezebel sees the Batcave. He brings her in by boat. Jezebel talks about the “Danse Macabre” which the Black Glove have invited them to. Bruce says it’s a trap. He tells Jezebel she needs to stay away from him or she will become a target.

In the Mayor’s Office, Commissioner Gordon is arguing with the Mayor over a recently discovered dossier which has found it’s way to the Gotham Gazette. Init are disturbina llegations about Bruce’s parents and Alfred. There is even the suggestion that Bruce’s Father may still be alive.

Back in the Batcave, as shadowy figures with parachutes descend over Wayne Manor, Bruce’s paranoia begins to take over.He goes to the Bat-Computer and can only see static on the screens. Jezebel says there is graffitti on the screen, jusy nonsense words over and over. Bruce asks what it says. She replies “Zur-En-Arrh.” This is a trigger phrase emplanted by Doctor Hurt years ago. Bruce collapses as the trigger is activated and the screens ont he Bat-Computer all show the same image: a red background with a super-imposed black handprint.  Jezebel is cradling Bruce as the Hunchback orders the lights killed in the Batcave.

Alfred returns home from the theater and finds the Batcave in flames. He is ambused by the Hunchback and his soldiers and savagely beaten as the issue ends.

Morrison is taking all Batman fans on a thrill ride we will never forget. Things really kick into high gear next month as we reach the mid-pointof the storyline. This is a storyline that no Batman fan can afford to not read.

Tony Daniel provides vivid visuals to complement Morrison’s mind-bending story. And the superb inking and coloring by Sandu Florea and Guy Major bring Batman’s world to life in sharp detail.

Batman #676 gets a 5 out of 5.