SYNOPSIS: The General makes his move, committing a series of bizarre crimes that turn Gotham’s underworld factions against one another and leaving little in the way of clues for Batman. And while things are bad for the Dark Knight, they’re even worse for Bruce Wayne and his teenage ward, Dick Grayson. But when Batman and Robin are once again called into action, their inability to get on the same page against the Maroni family and Two-Face could cost them both their lives!
Waid spends the first six pages cutting between The General barking orders in his war room and his plans being enacted by his men. It feels very cinematic given the art of Samnee and made me want to watch a heist movie from the 1960s. I also appreciate Waid reviving the Giacomos, a mob staple back when he was writing The Flash in the ‘90s.
Despite the opening spotlight on the villains, Waid hasn’t forgotten the Caped Crusaders, nor Alfred, whom Waid continues to make me miss in the present day with every issue. Bruce is so obsessed with the case that it takes Alfred to remind him not to neglect Dick and how while they may share a similar tragedy, Bruce and Dick are very different people and have different needs. It should come as no surprise that Waid is a master of character work like this, creating these little moments of insight.
Soon the Bat-Signal shines in the Gotham sky and Batman and Robin are off to infiltrate a boat where Two-Face is being held and interrogated by the Falcones. Waid has Two-Face slip a potentially major revelation (or does he?) that spurs Robin into action.
Samnee is so good here. While maybe nothing quite as spectacular as some of the two-page spreads in the prior issues, the panel work helps to make the scene feel off-kilter as the boat begins to rollick and the fight ensues. I love how threatening he portrays Two-Face, even when his back is to the wall. The vertical panels that close out the chapter perfectly convey the depths that the cliffhanger sinks to.
Once again, Batman & Robin: Year One is a masterclass of a comic, told by two creatives at the height of their game and overflowing with love. This book needs to be on your pull list! – Javier E. Trujillo
