“Robin & Batman” – Book One
Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Steve J. Ray
We’ve seen the beginnings of Batman and Robin’s careers told a hundred different ways, by a thousand different creators. Some change everything, while others tread familiar ground. There are some versions that infuriate, and others that delight. Robin & Batman #1 definitely falls into the latter category.
It feels like Jeff Lemire can do no wrong. This is a writer who puts passion, heart, and soul into every single thing he writes. Characters in his creator-owned titles like Family Tree, or licensed properties like Batman & Robin; Lemire gives them all personality, strengths, flaws, and a sense of reality that few other writers can match. I had high hopes for this book, and my expectations have been met and exceeded.
Robin & Batman #1 is already everything that All-Star Batman & Robin should’ve been, but wasn’t.
All The Colors Of The Night
I’ve been a Dustin Nguyen fan since the first time I saw his work. This is an artist’s artist and a man who’s as at home with pencils and inks as he is with paintbrushes; digital or otherwise. I knew this book would be beautiful as soon as I heard that he would be providing the visuals, but the results have surpassed even his own very high standards.
From Dick Grayson’s proto Robin/Nightwingesque training costume to every character’s beautiful body language and facial expressions; every image is sublime, and every emotion conveyed palpable. This is glorious comic book art that’s also worthy of hanging on gallery walls.
Conclusion
Not only are we getting a story worthy of joining Batman: Year One, and The Long Halloween as true, tried, and tested masterpieces, we’re also seeing things from a brand new angle. Hearing Dick Grayson finally tell his side of the story, and then have it tie in with a classic Batman villain’s genesis too adds even more layers to a fantastic first issue.
This series is a classic in the making.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment