Zatanna has a secrets, and as a magician, she must observe the binding pledge not to share them with those outside the magic community – even if that includes Batman. And of course, Batman can’t abide a secret being kept from him. Meanwhile, Batwing and Batwoman are burning the midnight oil in his lab, attempting to suss out secrets held by the Order of St. Dumas.

But what hold does the Order have over Jean-Paul Valley? Is it tied to Zatanna’s guardianship of ancient mystical relics? And can she save him from their corrupting influence?

On the one hand, I appreciate Batman’s ties to the greater DCU, in the form his long-standing friendship with Zatanna. But Batwing, Batwoman, Azrael, and assorted other Bat-vigilante’s is beginning to almost sound like a cult. If I were Bruce Wayne, I’d be resentful as hell – like a musician hearing his compositions attributed to someone else, or an artist who sees his work co-opted by another less-talented artist. Whatever happened to the good old days, when he worked alone out of a cave beneath stately Wayne Manor?

I’m enjoying the story, but I’d enjoy it more if it were weighed down by needless baggage. But I suppose that’s what titles such as Batman, or All-Star Batman are for. I am reminded this is the 25^th anniversary of Batman: The Animated Series. Perhaps I should dig out my DVDs and enjoy a few episodes.

Rating: 6/10