Batman and Nightwing #23

Bruce Wayne's obsession about his son's death continues in this issue as Alfred reaches out to Nightwing when Batman becomes lost in a virtual recreation of events trying desperately to change the outcome and save his son's life. Although the structure of the story feels a little off, the emotion works well especially once Nightwing, and later Alfred, join in.

With Nightwing's help Batman is able to "save" Damian, but it's the advice Dick gives Bruce back in the real world that seems to finally start the healing process. And the comic's final few pages dealing with Alfred resetting the simulation shows us, and Batman, just how much grief the butler has been carrying around for allowing Damian out of the Batcave on that fateful night.

Although the final former side-kick issue is done, the comic will continue the Batman and... with villains such as Two-Face and Killer Croc leading into Batman and Carrie Kelly #25 which may, or may not, begin a new direction for the title. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]