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Robin Year One Review
-by Andrew Goletz
Rating: 9 out of 10
'Robin: Year One' deals with the adventures of the
original boy wonder, Dick Grayson, during his first year as Batman's
partner.
Chuck
Dixon can write a great Robin story. We know that. He writes wrote the
successful Robin mini-series (featuring Robin #3, Tim Drake) and continues
writing the monthly Robin story. He
also writes the continuing adventures of Dick Grayson every month in 'Nightwing'.
On this mini, the equally talented Scott Beatty teams with Mr.Dixon
to tell perhaps the greatest Robin tale yet. With the book only 2 issue
into its 4 issue run, calling it the definitive Robin story may be
premature, but based on these two issues, I don’t think I’m taking
that big of a gamble. The writing is pretty much flawless in the first two
issues. Beatty and Dixon manage to capture the wonder, excitement and
anxiety that it would be like to actually be Batman's sidekick, flying
through the skies above Gotham at night and juggling school issues during
the day.
Using Alfred as almost a point of conscience, the
writers are able to show the stark contrast between Bruce Wayne and Dick
Grayson, both in the way they handle their private lives and how they
fight crime during the night. This isn't a particularly unique concept.
Heck, the team of Dark Victory did it themselves, but Dixon and Beatty’s
approach is the key. They have a comfort level and familiarity with the
characters which enables them to peel the layers off, and reveal them to
the reader as precisely as anyone else could hope.
Javier Pulido’s art is the only thing I’m not 100%
sold on. It’s not ‘bad’ by any means and it doesn’t cause me to
squint my eyes while reading, but to me it just isn’t the right fit for
the story. That said, it still isn't enough to take away from the
wonderful qualities of this series. And I couldn’t name a replacement
artist off the top of my head that I believe could improve upon Pulido.
In the current issue, #2, we’re finally treated to
the revelation of what exactly the much talked about ‘double gallows
trap’ was. It’s a revelation that hits hard and makes up for the years
of teasing and allusion and may make you question you feelings of Batman
having a young partner. The writers pull no punches with this one and
I’m anxious to see what happens next.
'Robin:
Year One' is another terrific miniseries in a year that's had a lot of
them and it’ll be a great way to wind down a banner year for comics. If
you’re a fan of the character, this book delivers and will make you
proud. If you don’t like the idea of a ‘Robin’, check this out
anyway. This series should change your mind.
Scott Beatty, Chuck Dixon: Writers
Javier Pulido: Penciller
Robert Campanella: Inker
4 Issue Prestige Series Available Monthly from DC Comics
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