At the time Jason Todd wasn’t well liked by readers, but the vote to kill him was surprisingly close. From a total of 10,614 votes, fans decided that Jason should succumb to his injuries by a narrow 72-vote margin of 5,343 votes to 5,271. The story remains an important part of the Batman mythos to this day.  The “faux-simile” issue will hit comic shops on December 12! Put it on your pull list now! Robin Lives!

The post NYCC 2023: Robin Lives! appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Tom Taylor and Michael W. Conrad
Art: Stephen Byrne and Serge Acuna
Colors: Adriano Lucas and Ivan Plascencia
Letters: Wes Abbott

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Nightwing finally learns about Bea’s past, but in order to get the box that was stored in The Hold, he has to do a favor for her first that will cement her role as the new Captain Blud.

Positives

Tom Taylor keeps the story in Nightwing #107 focused on character.  This allows for whatever happens to feel legitimate.  It’s strange to see “Ric” Grayson in flashback, but Taylor makes it work because Dick is written accurately.  Bea is a bit of an unknown quantity since she’s been revealed to have a secret past, and what Taylor provides for her past is seamlessly woven into her previous appearances during the “Ric” era.  

The task Dick has to provide for Bea is not antithetical to him, but the situation provides some challenges.  He’s got to go off with Bea to apprehend her wanted criminal brother.  Barbara is not surprisingly a little concerned for multiple reasons.  Bea’s past is quite interesting as we learn that she is the new Captain Blud, the person in control of The Hold.  Bea’s mantle of Captain Blud dates back to the founding of Bludhaven, she’s descended from THAT Captain Blud.  This is an interesting legacy to fulfill and uphold. 

Positives Cont’d

The relationship between Bea and Dick is intriguing.  Dick’s a good person so he’s going to do the right thing.  There’s no lack of tension with Barbara, you can tell she’s a bit afraid.  While not spoken, it feels implied that she’s a little worried for Dick falling for Bea all over again.  It’s something nice to have on the table, but it’s not something that should come to pass.

The second story is the middle chapter of a three-part mystery.  Michael W. Conrad also focuses on  character, this time it’s Dick and Jason Todd.  Dick and Jason certainly have a complex relationship as brothers, brothers who are not alike, yet also have so much in common.  Conrad makes this the crux of the story, and it works very well.  The contrasts in personality make me think of the pre-Crisis Jason Todd that was much more like Dick Grayson.  How would this story have been different if this had been THAT Jason.

The mystery is good.  There’s not a lot that’s been revealed.  Last issue, we saw a fairly non-descript fellow watching Dick as he baked with Cassandra Cain.  This issue Dick and Jason get jumped by some thugs (it doesn’t go well for them) in an alley on this guys orders.  You just can’t tell what’s going to happen.  The character moments between Dick and his family/ friends make the unraveling enjoyable.

Negatives

The only negative with Nightwing #107 is the fear that Dick’s going to get knocked on his head and go back to being “Ric.”  Not that it would last, but it would be a difficult journey for Dick and Babs, AND Bea when Dick came back, AGAIN!  

Verdict

Nightwing #107 is another fine entry in the series.  If you’ve been enjoying this there’s no reason to think that you won’t enjoy this issue.  Character reigns supreme and there’s an intriguing story developing in the lead tale.  That sense of character continues in the second story and ties the issue together.  Hopefully, you’re here for Dick Grayson, the person and not simply the punch ups and actions.

The post Review: Nightwing #107 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers:  Tim Seeley

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letters: Steve Wands

Artist: Baldemar Rivas

Reviewed by: Carl Bryan

Summary

“I raged at her.  She had used the weapon of the enemy.  Killed in cold blood.  I couldn’t accept someone like her.” – Bruce Wayne/Batman

Robins #6 – The games are over and Jenny Wren’s traps have finally sprung around the Robins! Can the teen wonders unravel the truth behind Jenny’s connections to Batman- or will the true first Robin finally rip apart the Bat-Family once and for all?

Positives

Issue #6 provides the mystery of Jenny Wrenn solved.  Arguably, this is has been an interesting Batman and ROBINS story as we are treated to all of the characters that have held the Robin mantle (Where does Carrie Kelley mix into this?).  To see them team up together to solve this tragic mystery is pretty awesome.

It is also a testament to Tim Seeley’s story telling in that it imagines a revenge factor of what the first Robin retrospectively is trying to do to set free all of the Robins.  What could Batman do without his family, his Robins?  That is the question that drives Jenny.

The back story to Jenny and Carmac Dodge gives readers an insight to Batman as he was in the infancy of his career.  The frames of Jenny taking matters into her own hands as Bruce is adamant that his rule about guns is followed.  Raw…simply raw.  This story brings to light what happens when children are manipulated for an adult’s motives…no matter how altruistic, the Robins were children.  This is a tough read from a psychological standpoint.  Well done Mr. Seeley!

Positives 2.0

Baldemar Rivas’ art continues to be celebrated.  His nuances with the Robins…the frames..the landscapes.  The splashes of color (Kudos to Romulo Fajardo Jr.)  in all the right places.  Great job in how simple yet complex it can be!

Negatives  

Not a negative but a bit of a warning per se.  To sew this story up into a test for all the Robins to prove themselves they can work together without Batman literally cheapens the story a bit.  Given the heaviness of kids and adult manipulation, this is deserving of some DC Black Label.  Arguably, it is darker than a Joker story.

Verdict

Batman has more layers than imaginable.  How can so much history fit itself into one character?  In comics, anything is possible.  However, this story can be enjoyed on the surface as a Batman and Robins team-up adventure or you can grab a snorkel and find some deeper meanings here.  Enjoy based on your own taste!

The post Review: Robins #6 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Mariko Tamaki and Matthew Rosenberg
Art: Max Raynor and Fernando Blanco
Colors: Luis Geurerro and Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Ariana Maher and Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

The Psycho Pirate loses control, thus Wear loses control and things just aren’t going anyone’s way- except maybe the patients of the Tower.

Positives

Continuity isn’t something that’s often utilized in a significant way anymore. In my view, there are too many retcons and outright disregard for stories that come before that shaped characters. However, the second feature in Detective Comics #1054 is using it in an interesting way.  It creates a specific nostalgia for a specific era in Batman’s history but also functions as a way of connecting important stories of the past with the present which in turn helps flesh out the larger world.  In this issue, we see Jean-Paul Valley as Batman alongside Tim Drake’s Robin.  This is clearly taking place during “Knightfall.”  We won’t get into how much time has passed in the universe, that may be too much of an academic assignment, but as it is it’s an extremely effective use of continuity to connect current events to something important in Batman’s past.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, “House of Gotham” is a nice contrast to the main feature, as well.  “House of Gotham” is a much more intimate look at not only the protagonist who apparently will grow up to be (redacted) but also Bruce.  Even the appearances of Tim in this issue and Jason Todd in issue #1052 are more intimate and serve as a character moment as much as a plot point.  Fernando Blanco’s art perfectly compliments the story communicating the subtler moments as well as the physicality of Valley’s Batman and the nostalgic appearance of Tim in his original Robin costume.

The main feature in Detective Comics #1054 is quite plot-driven.  Things have come to a head as the Psycho Pirate loses control during the grand unveiling of the Tower to the public and press, though not too grand.  It mostly connects the pieces of the puzzle.  One new plot element is the trapping of Nakano’s wife inside the Tower.  It appears now that both of the Nakano’s will have “rescued by Bat-family” on their CVs.

Negatives

This is probably the most straightforward chapter of “Shadows of the Bat.”  There’s nothing too wild in the structure or action to make the reader take notice.  In the larger picture, it will go by quickly as it functions to move the plot along.

Verdict

Detective Comics #1054 is an average chapter in “Shadows of the Bat.”  It does its job to get the reader from point A to point B, but not much else.  It’s necessary to do this, but there’s nothing special about this one.  That doesn’t mean to say you should skip this issue, rather just take it for what it is. I found “House of Gotham” to be the stronger of the two stories in this issue with its use of continuity creating a certain feeling of connectivity with the bigger picture of Batman’s past.

The post Review: Detective Comics #1054 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers:  Tim Seeley

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letters: Steve Wands

Artist: Baldemar Rivas

Reviewed by: Carl Bryan

Summary

Robins #4 – The Robins are splintered after the events in the graveyard. On their own and on the hunt for the distributor of the SKP Tech, the former sidekicks are on the warpath, tearing through Gotham and Blüdhaven following any and all leads.

But while the Robins descend on the criminal underworld, where has Tim Drake disappeared to?

Positives

Issue #4 arguably takes us down a rabbit hole.  At this stage of the mini-series, I am not sure that Jenny Wrenn is in fact the original Robin, nor was she ever a Robin.  I think we have what will eventually stack up as a copy-cat from afar that wanted to be a major player…someone passed over in some case long gone by, and now is exacting revenge on Batman by tormenting Robins gone by.

In this issue, Jenny Wren has kidnapped Tim and hacked into the Batcomputer and has sent all the former Robins  after Anarky and an array of other villains.  Her game is all about revenge but we lack a motive thus far.  Or one that is plausible.

Tim Seeley has been doing a great job of planting a seed here and there about Jenny.  The prior installments were great history lessons that were part of both comic and cartoon lore, so it has been great to watch this play out.  Seeley did his homework!

Positives 2.0

Baldemar Rivas’ art is to be celebrated as it is hard to draw all of the male Robins..even with a costume change and make those characters really their own person.  Arguably a hair style here and there with dialogue bubbles can do it, but Rivas’ work is to be commended.

The sharp features and

Negatives  

No negative, but an observation that the detective work is highlighted in this issue rather than dramatic family issues.  No emotions but working the case.  This arguably could have been a really darker comic in some ways, but Tim Seeley has kept it a bit lighter in some ways.  However, Jenny Wrenn could be our next Punchline…our next Harley…but a bit darker.

Verdict

The Robins detective skills are paramount to this issue as Tim is in big trouble.  Again, is Jenny Wrenn whom she says she is?  Batman is always full of secrets…is this his biggest one?

The post Review: Robins #4 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers: Mariko Tamaki and Matthew Rosenberg
Art: Max Raynor and Fernando Blanco
Colors: Luis Geurerro and Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Ariana Maher and Rob Leigh

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

It’s a second look at Psycho Pirate’s moment of weakness from a different perspective as Dr. Chase Meridian takes center stage, plus Jason Todd goes into action in Chapter Six of “House of Gotham.”

Positives

In the review of Detective Comics #1050 I began comparing Mariko Tamaki’s narrative approach in “Shadows of the Bat” to that of William Falkner in The Sound and the Fury.  This technique of utilizing different time periods and different points of view is exciting.  It may be something we’ve seen before, like Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Watchmen, but I feel like Tamaki has her own take on it in this story arc.  In Detective Comics #1052 we see last issue’s “incident” from another perspective that of Dr. Chase Meridian.  What’s really effective is that it allows Tamaki to give us a little insight into Meridian’s character through a flashback before recapitulating the scene with Helena on her couch.  While Helena still gives Meridian instructions to call Dr. Frow, instead of following Helena into the mayhem in the hallway, we get to see what Meridian does and how it leads to a further peeling of the onion of the conspiracy between Dr. Wear and the Psycho Pirate.  Meridian’s call to Dr. Frow (really Batwoman undercover) in turn gives Oracle and the Bat-family another clue.  This all works wonderfully as it continues to build the mystery and the way in which the Bat-family works it out.

The flashback to Dr. Meridian’s rescue by the Batman is a nice addition to the story.  It gives a bit of characterization to Meridian so that we get to know something about her.  She’s not simply a plot device, but she starts to have a real motivation for what she does.  It also provides readers a look at a moment of change in her life when she started looking at things differently- specifically masked vigilantes.  (This may or not be a thematic reference to her appearance- her first appearance anywhere- in the 1995 film, Batman Forever.)

Positives Cont’d

The sixth chapter of “House of Gotham” takes an interesting turn as Jason Todd’s Robin makes an appearance.  First, it’s really interesting that we’ve got this boy who has now interacted with both Dick and Jason as Robin and he actually figures out that it’s a different kid this time.  He can tell that Jason is younger than he is (or about the same age) whereas it was clear that Dick Grayson was older than himself.  We’ve seen Commissioner Gordon comment on such things as new Robins have made their first visit to the top of Police Headquarters, but not like this, nothing in this context rings a bell.  It’s a really compelling detail in the story.

And, it leads to something even more interesting.  Our young boy, the story’s protagonist turns this observation into the notion that Batman is creating an army- an army of Robins.  It sort of makes the read question Batman’s motive’s for just a moment.  We know he’s not really creating an army, but that has to be what it looks like to Gotham’s underworld and those who are afraid of/ disapproving of the Batman and his methods.

Of course Fernando Blanco turns in another great job on art for this chapter.  The scene with Batman breaking in on the Penguin in the Iceberg Lounge is iconic.  It’s also great to see Batman with the yellow oval Bat symbol on his chest.  We only see this in flashbacks and Josh Williamson’s book these days, and it’s always fun.  Finally, Max Raynor does his part on this chapter of “Shadows of the Bat.”  He infuses his characters with a very natural relaxed look.  His layout for the page on which Psycho Pirate takes back control shows a creative approach to the action.

Negatives

Much like last issue, I can’t find a negative with Detective Comics #1052.  It’s not only a lot of fun watching the Bat-family work together on a case like this, it’s well written within a creative narrative style really engages the reader.

Verdict

Detective Comics #1052 continues to build, utilizing character and an engaging dynamic for the Bat-family told in a unique narrative style.  Both “Shadows of the Bat” and “House of Gotham” hit with surprises to keep the plot rolling.  With the Penguin making appearances in both storylines, one can’t help but wonder if Cobblepot will end up being the lynchpin to tie them together.

The post Review: Detective Comics #1052 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers:  Tim Seeley

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letters: Steve Wands

Artist: Baldemar Rivas

Reviewed by: Carl Bryan

Summary

Robins #1 – The Robins run face-first into a group of copycat villains decked out in high-end tech giving them the powers and battle prowess of Batman’s greatest enemies!

As the former wonders face down these threats, they deduce that whoever’s behind the assault on them has hacked into the Batcomputer.

As hard choices are made, the five ex-partners of Batman realize that going their separate ways and leaving the Robin mantle behind might be their only option!

Positives

Issue #3 is pretty amazing if you look at it from a an older lense like mine.  Those of you that remember the Saturday morning cartoon SuperFriends.  You may also remember that there was a great run of this comic circa 1976.  Some of those issues focus on the “sidekicks” like the ones featured in Robins.

I love it that Tim Seeley visits this in a way that the sidekicks (arguably all the Robins and all the villains) are trying to live up to the reputation of their senior hero and villains.  Holy Therapy Batman!  Lots to unravel here as the Robins are confronting issues from their first cases…mistakes and all… and the villains are using tech to make up for their perceived deficiencies.

Seeley provides this in dialogue as the sidekicks battle that they are all suffering from an inferiority complex.  Again, in the 1970s, it was very cool to see these junior members of the Super Friends and the Legion of Doom.  Now, Seeley has enriched the playground a bit more with his script.

The confrontation between the Robins is an psychological onion…”Why does Tim get to have his revenge?”  Brutal confrontations between the Robins… Dick confronts Bruce over this and while Bruce arguably dismisses it, his body language and actions speak very loudly towards Dick.  This psychological drama really is deep and full of pain!  We thought that Alfred’s demise was bad….

Positives 2.0

Baldemar Rivas’ art is really sharp.  The battle scenes are very colorful, but I really appreciate the homages to the White Knight series as the art is very similar.  Battles are not gory, but the posing and anatomical positions are really clever!

Negatives  

Batman has some work to do.  There are some real family issues here and it appears that writers are now acknowledging the real deep psychosis that each of hte Robins have endured at such young ages.  This is not a Burd Ward comic.  It is pretty serious on a lot of levels.  You can read it light if you so desire, but really hunker down, and you have a pretty depressing tale of kids not living up to their mentors or parent expectations.

Verdict

What is Batman’s Gauntlet Zero? How did the first Robin get out from Batman’s nest?  This book may change everything in canon in terms of Dick being the first Robin.  How did Alfred let all of this happen?  It’s a dark read, and akin to a “What If…” story.  What started for me as a “Look it’s all the Robins…” has turned into “Will Bruce’s world ever be the same?”  Awesome writing from a helicopter view…. but it can be depressing in the nest!

The post Review: Robins #3 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writers:  Tim Seeley

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letters: Steve Wands

Artist: Baldemar Rivas

Reviewed by: Carl Bryan

Summary

Robins #1 –  Tim Seeley takes us on a ride where five of the most prominent Robins will unite to discover the truth about a secret Robin that predates them all.

Batman has had a Robin by his side pretty much non-stop since Dick Grayson debuted in 1940’s Detective Comics #38, and now five of those sidekicks – the aforementioned Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, and Stephanie Brown – will come together in a new six-issue Robins limited series that will introduce a new villain who claims to be the original, forgotten Robin.

Over the decades, Batman has had several sidekicks take up the mantle of the second half of the Dynamic Duo, but it seems that Robins will shed some light on a hidden chapter from Batman’s past that may change the entire history and legacy of Robin as we know it by introducing a character who may predate Dick Grayson in the role.

Positives

Holy Family Reunion….or Guess Who Wasn’t Invited to Dinner?  Call it what you will, this story is somewhere between 1970s fun time comics and a deception we knew nothing about…another Robin…I mean one before Dick Grayson.

Never mind the sleek martial art battle scenes featuring all the Robins working together or the summit around the kitchen table.  This is a funny book, but it is also a curiously released one.  Sometimes I wonder if we don’t get overkill, and we may have that here.

Plot-wise, I think this road has been covered a lot, but throw in a pre-Dick Grayson Robin and then you have our attention!

Positives 2.0

The writing is strong and full of sibling jabs and rivalry.  Dick seems to be the elder Brady of the Brady Bunch, with little Damian poking at everyone.  When you do see this cavalcade of personalities together, it is quite something to behold!  So the writing continues to be intriguing, but a bit repetitive on the history lesson!

There’s this amazing blend of comedy and drama that I think is almost perfectly conveyed by Baldemar Rivas’ art. The action scenes are really dynamic and fluid.

Negatives  

I am not entirely sure how much Robin chirping we can endure as an audience.  Future State Gotham already has the Robins working together pretty seamlessly.  We also see in the pages of Nightwing that all the Robins typically make an appearance or two throughout the run.  Haven’t we also seen in the pages of Robin where everyone tries to get Damian from competing in this death tourney?

Taking into account the entire Joker War, Court of Owls, and Dick’s foray into amnesia and becoming Ric… we have about rewritten all the history we care to.  However, the last page is a breath stopper and causes you to pause in regards to was there a prior Robin to Dick?  That would mean SHE is how old?

Great cliffhanger Mr. Seeley!

Verdict

The premise is great and judging by Robins #1, it’s going to be a strong 6 issue run.  It appears as a bit of group therapy for the Robins as sitting around the table recounting their history is a bit too 1970s for me.  Educated readers don’t need to be caught up to speed that much.  However, let’s see where this all goes! I’m in!

The post Review: Robins #1 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer:  Dennis Culver, Joshua Williamson

Artist: Giannis Milonogiannis

Letters: ALW’s Troy Peteri  

Reviewed by: Carl Bryan

Summary

Following the events of Infinite Frontier #1, The Joker is the most wanted man in the world!

Positives

DC has a lot of balls in the air as Future State opened up a lot of questions.  Currently we are in the events that lead up to the creation of the Magistrate and subsequently the Peace Keepers.  So instead of letting things run the natural course in the current timeline, we get a very solid black and white rendering of the continuation of the Future State storyline.

Again, I am not sure if DC is patient with us as readers as someone there wants this story told and told soon.  However, it is billed as “what could happen”, so this may be an alternate timeline.  The story is solid and an Easter Egg or two is provided. 

Trust me in that you want to buy this issue and the prior one as this starts connecting the entire Batman Future State saga.

Negatives

I am a bit disappointed in that we had the Black and White issues of Batman and we are even given a repeat story in this story arc that was introduced in Batman: Black & White.  Apparently, this story arc needed the insertion and a little foreshadowing must have been warranted, but I don’t ever like “cash grabs” and repeat stories in new books.

The art seems rushed.  There is a way to do a black and white comic, and there are frames that appear to be hot off the sketch board. 

Negatives (more)

Okay…We have the regular timeline (or do we?)  I mean now Bruce is arguably not as wealthy as he was dealing with the aftermath of Bane and Joker and the beginnings of The Magistrate.  But then we have to buy into Future State again as that was promised as the future that could be…Charles Dickens anyone? We also have the Murphyverse which is pared down a bit in characters, but an entirely different Batman saga.  The Detective?  Yep…got that one?  You should.  Urban Legends?  Yep…buy that too. But Batman is still brooding a bit in Justice League.  Confused…yeah me too.  But this story is good and seems to be well on its way to wrapping things up…. in this timeline at least.

Verdict

I enjoyed City of Bane, Joker War, and Future State.  And now the prequel to Future State, but how can we “catch up” if the Future keeps coming at us.  Ponder that as you read this comic.  Is it good?  Yeah…but it should have been in Black & White where it belongs.  

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