“Family Ties”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Nikola Čižmešija
Color Artist: Rex Lokus
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by James Attias
Batman & Robin #6 picks up right where we left off, with the Dynamic Duo hot on the heels of Victor Zsasz’s son.
Ms. Shush’s School for Young Villains
After a brief intermission with the 2024 annual camping trip, we get back on track with the main storyline of this title. First of all, Damian’s trying to navigate being a high school teenager, as well as being heir to the bat AND the deadliest teenager in the world. Not an easy job.
Now, I want this on record, I don’t often like villains having kids who then go on to be villains… nothing against legacy characters, but the idea that a young lady would let a hideous murdering villain have their way with her and spawn an evil child, that’s almost identical to said villain, stretches even my suspension of disbelief.
That being said, this story handles all this very very well and I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the issue took. Bravo to the writing team for dodging a strongly worded grumble from me.
Art Boy and Damian Vane
The idea that this story’s finally giving Damian a personality that isn’t just a 5ft psychopath is wonderful. As well as having multiple plot threads, villains, and ties back to the original plot set up earlier in the series, this issue also delivers some of the most heartwarming interactions I’ve read between Bruce and Damian since the New 52.
The art’s ok, but changing the team mid-way through a run always rubs me the wrong way, as I find it very jarring. Hopefully, if it continues as the title goes on, this new style will grow on me.
Conclusion
Batman & Robin #6 was a pleasant surprise to read, and I’m enjoying the father/son dynamic a lot. I’m excited for the next issue!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
