From Evernote:

Batman & Robin #18 Review

5 / 5

B&R 18 is a unique book. Obviously Damian's death was going to be the focus of this issue, but how to go about showing this was an interesting question. Tomasi decided for a fun minimalist approach, letting Pat Gleason and Mick Gray's art tell the story. There is no dialog in this book. Instead, much like Wayne Manor at the moment, all is silent. Bruce isn't just brooding as his usual self. He's wandering around the manor trying come to terms with what has happened. After finding Alfred at the "family" portrait (Bruce and the other Robins), Bruce storms off to go on patrol, which floods him with memories not only of Damian, but Dick and crew as well. It's chaotic and dark, just like you would expect to feel at the time Bruce is going through. What follows is the absolute catharsis Bruce needs right now.

I could go on with how the story plays out, but what's important to know is that it's a great book. This is the story I've wanted to see since the last Batman Inc issues, and I'm not disappointed. This is a tough time for Bruce. I'm still not sure how the writers at DC are going to get him out of this slump. I hope they find a way to not rush it, and I certainly hope we don't see a new Robin any time soon (though things are starting to point towards the girl introduced in previous Batman issues). For now B&R is in a good place, and I can't wait to see what the next few months bring as he hunts in Gotham with other Robins and Batgirl.