“The Final Four”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Gleb Melnikov and Max Dunbar
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: ALW’s Troy Peteri
Review by Fay Clark
This has got to be one of the best ongoing comics series out there at the moment. I honestly never thought I would be a fan of Damian Wayne, but apparently, Joshua Williamson had other ideas. The last time we saw Robin, he was finally making some friends… let’s hope they all stay alive long enough to get a coffee together, after Robin #7.
It’s the Final Countdown
So, apparently when you have a death tournament people die. Who knew? Damian’s convinced he’s figured out at least part of the puzzle as to what’s happening on Lazarus Island, I’m not so sure. What I am convinced about is that Joshua Williamson is a master at torture, as the slow burn, though it was great for the first five issues, now makes me feel like if I don’t get some solid answers soon, I might just join the death tournament and find them myself. WAIT! Am I turning into Damian Wayne?!?
I see what you’ve done, Williamson! There I was, just enjoying Robin #7 and now I’m contemplating murder. Very clever manipulation of the reader. Feed us this amazing story, but make us wait for the answers so long that we lose it… I like your style!
In all seriousness, this issue’s awesome, as you do start to get a more solid picture of just what’s going on and who everyone is. (Mother Soul, you are not as slick as you think; that made a lot of sense to me, yet I was still surprised when the reveal happened.) Joshua Williamson’s dialogue is outstanding, I love a bit of banter, as do ALL THE ROBINS EVER. Yet they each have their own unique style of trash talk… Williamson has that completely covered for Damian. I’m a bit upset about one scene in particular, but I guess it had to happen to move the story forward.
The Grass is Always Greener on Someone Else’s Murder Island.
You can clearly tell that I could read this series of Robin all day every day… and then there’s the artwork. I could look at this series all day. Robin #7is just stunning, and I think this is my favorite visual issue so far. Gleb Melnikov and Max Dunbar have done a fantastic job of showing the movement and fluidity in the fight scenes. I do pay special attention to these, because of who the character is.
Some the of fast movement effects in the fights bring so much energy to the otherwise static characters. Luis Guerrero is also outstanding, as the shadow and coloring in Robin #7 are wonderful. This is saying a lot considering how much I love everything else too. I enjoy it when we spend some time in parts of the island and see nature and color because that’s where we can see Luis really get to work. If it wasn’t a murder island filled with evil plots, I would almost want to visit it for a nice holiday. That’s how good this creative team makes the art look.
Conclusion
For the love of your own sanity, pick up Robin #7. You need to be reading this series, it is one of the best currently running. The writing is amazing, the artwork’s gorgeous, and the vibrant colors are, you guessed it… OUTSTANDING. See, Williamson? I’m taking a leaf out of your book. Keep the readers guessing! I will be, all the way till the next issue.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
