Share this
Batman and Robin Year One #4: Robin barely escaped a fatal mistake and it seems he has to learn there is more than fighting crime. With Bruce hot on Grimaldi’s heels, he must watch his back as the adoption agency is on his. Robin may be able to prowl Gotham but, can he navigate school?
Mark Waid (WRITER) Chris Samnee (ARTIST) Matheus Lopes (COLORIST) Clayton Cowles and Chris Samnee (LETTERS) Chris Samnee and Matheus Lopes (COVER ARTISTS)
**Possible Spoilers Ahead**
The Story:
Mark is settled into this story and the juices are flowing with ease. His ability to transition between Batman and Robin and Dick and Bruce makes this story a lot of fun as it breaks up the serious crime fighting with real-world problems. It feels as though the two stories are tied together in harmony as we weave between who is organizing the crime and how Bruce can fend off the adoption agency.
Watching Alfred be the grumpy old man with a snarky attitude gives him real flavor as more than Bruce’s man in the chair. More than that we see a glimpse into the lives of these two heroes. Robin can fearlessly battle crime and the worst Gotham has to offer but, the idea of school has rarely been mentioned before. Waid gives every character a sense of true individuality making this story intriguing and fun.
The Art and Letters:
As I mentioned this seems as though two stories are tied together into one and Lopes and Samnee do an incredible job of showing the fierce anger Batman portrays and the dirty grime of Gotham City. On the flip side when Bruce and Dick are out of their cowls we see the lightness about Bruce more so. He is smiling and the way he is drawn and colored it is hard to believe they are the same person.
Speaking of colors, showing the vibrant daylight within Gotham and Wayne Manor is one of my favorites because it allows us to see this city and these areas in the day and full of life. Clayton brings the tie in effects through his lettering and this is a team settled in and handling business.
Overall Thoughts:
Batman and Robin Year One continue to offer glimpses into Bruce and Dick’s relationship as they continue to bond. We see Bruce becoming less impatient with Dick as he learns and the duo bond. Built within the background is an intriguing story of an ex-military man organizing a crime revolt in Gotham which sets the stage for an epic first year for our favorite duo.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.5/10
For more from Matt to include links to his weekly pop-culture podcast head to http://linktr.ee/hopsgeeknews
To support the American Red Cross, you can call (800) 733-2767 OR you can text REDCROSS to 90999
