Slowly but surely catching up! 
- In the two Annuals we see Damian going undercover as one of the “Keys” needed to resurrect the Eighth Sinner. What did you all think of his disguise?
Like Dick said, going undercover as a spoiled and pompous child isn’t exactly the greatest challenge he’s ever had. Honestly, there wasn’t enough in the story to really judge that. It would have almost been interesting if Batman and co didn’t tell the parents and Damian actually had to impersonate and live the life of a “normal” boy for a while. But that’s not the story they were telling, so I’m not gonna knock it for that.
- Do you agree with the action he decided to take while he was kidnapped?
I mean, leaving a group of kids to a bunch of religious nuts who intends to sacrifice them all doesn’t sound all that great. But, considering they were trying to be meticulous and had a strict order in how they did things, it made sense as a calculated risk to go and get help.
- Damian is continuing to learn under Dick’s tutelage. What did you think of the lessons Dick imparts in these issues?
I think Dick is doing his best to not really chastize or shame Damian, but more subtly show him a better path, and let the role and legacy that Damian has put himself in handle the bulk of it. I think it works for this strong-willed child, especially when the one teaching him needs a light hand.
- What did you think of Damian’s encounters with the villains in these issues?
The villains in the Annuals are honestly complete nothingburgers. I’m already forgetting them as I type. That story was more for the hero interactions anyway, like Dick teaming up with The Question and Azrael teaming up with Robin. I did laugh at Azrael, of all people, calling Robin the scary one. 
Now, the Batman & Robin stories? MUCH better.
Honestly, I’m kind of surprised that everyone here is hating this take on Jason, because honestly, I think it’s FAR better than what the character had been dealing with since his resurrection under Winnick. What Jason was doing in his arc felt like a logical progression to what he was doing in Under the Red Hood, and him using social media and even a paid telephone line in some delicious meta was really fun. In terms of Damian, it was cool to see the “problem child” Robins clashing it out, as well as Damian dealing with his conscience when realizing he’s fighting against the girl, Scarlet, he failed to save.
Then in Blackest Knight, it was cool seeing Damian fight his zombie father. Damian being in the wheelchair gave him a good…obstacle, and made him rely more on his brains and cunning traps more than his fists.
- Which was your favorite story here and why was it your favorite?
Hmm…the Annuals are just…okay, nothing to really write home about.
The B&R issues are harder to grade…I liked Revenge of the Red Hood’s story, but the art by Phillip Tan was rather weak and messy. The plot of Blackest Knight was decent too (loved the Dick and Batwoman team-up), and the art was better, though hard to enjoy considering what was learned about the artist this year. I think I’ll go with Revenge of the Red Hood for favorite.
Much like Daniel’s Life After Death arc, not exactly a high bar to pass. 
I was thinking about that too! I mean, I’m pretty sure the other forensic scientist or whoever was the one formulating the kills, but still, I wanted to see Babs unmask the guy!
Speaking of back-ups, I really loved that two page chibbi story by Dustin Nguyen and Derick Fridolfs. I’m pretty sure that was the story that later sparked Lil’ Gotham.
Agreed. Thankfully we do see Scarlet again at a later point. I forget if it was near the end of this run, or in Convergence.
I mean, dude did turn Talia into Chloroform Lady because he forgot how Son of the Demon went, I think it’s fair. 
), Damian’s undercover work was the real highlight. Of course he’s the perfect person to pose as a snotty little rich kid!
I did like that Damian’s focus was on the kids despite of what Azrael was up to - I think that shows that Dick’s training is having a positive effect.