SYNOPSIS: Robin is caught in the General’s clutches, and it’s up to Batman to rescue his intrepid young protégé. The Dark Knight knows he’s running headlong into a trap, but is the General really prepared for Batman like he thinks?
The Dynamic Duo of Waid and Samnee are back, kicking off this issue with a two page recap of Robin’s origin, told with a retro, yet cinematic flair by the art of Samnee. Yes, the visuals are familiar, hitting the major iconography of his tragic beginning, but Waid’s narration that he gives Batman propels things forward, setting the stage for the bond they will share by issue’s conclusion.
Given the cliffhanger we left off on last issue, Waid and Samnee quickly jump back to resolving it. I love Samnee’s depiction of Gotham. As I’ve stated before, he has this noirish sensibility with his art that recalls the late, great Darwyn Cooke, and it’s a perfect fit to this tale from a bygone era. The shadowy confines that Robin is captive in, the grotesqueness of the General’s Monster Men, the varying panel work-they all serve to draw the reader in and engross them.
Obviously, Robin lives to die another day (hey, was that a Stretchy Guy reference to Ralph Dibny?), allowing Waid to really cook when the Caped Crusaders are back safe in the Bat Cave. The pair finally reach an understanding with each other that will hopefully see them start to gel in the upcoming issues as they become the legendary crime fighters we know they are destined to be. Waid really hits home with the father/son-big brother/little brother-teacher/student dynamic they have. As great as the action and escape are, this is the scene that makes the book for me.
The only drawback to this issue is The General feels a little toothless this outing. His hasty retreat somehow takes away from his threat, although his men still find him very intimidating. Perhaps the way this issue concluded will swing the pendulum back the other way next time?
Despite that miniscule qualm, this is another fantastic issue of Batman & Robin: Year One! It’s refreshing to get back to that classic status quo, particularly the fresh coat of paint that Waid and Samnee have given it. Simply put, this is a comic I look forward to every month! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A-
