Tags
Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Conner Hawke, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, Flatline, Gleb Melnikov, Joshua Williamson, League of Lazarus, NCB, Respawn, Robin, Robin #1, Robin #1 Review, Rose Wilson, Teen Titans
Robin #1
Review by Paul Bowler.
Damian Wayne strikes out on his own in Robin #1, DC Comics brand new ongoing series from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Gleb Melnikov. Having cut all ties with Batman and the Teen Titans, Damian will have to emerge from the shadows cast by both of sides of his parentage to forge his own legacy. Embarking on a quest to earn a place in the deadly League of Lazarus tournament, the teenage Robin uncovers new mysteries and allies as he seeks the prestige of proving himself the greatest fighter in the DC Universe!
Damian Wayne is probably the most exciting and dynamic character in the extended Bat-Family that’s been crying out for his own series for a while now, and writer Joshua Williamson is clearly going to address the emotional fallout from City of Bane and send Damian on a heroes journey of self discovery with this opening story-arc. Having gone off the grid completely Damian must find the secret island where the League of Lazarus tournament is being held. That means a cage fight with King Snake, some kick ass action, and the acquisition of a marker to enter the tournament. There’s time for some reflection along the way, we also have the reintroduction of established characters like Rose Wilson and Conner Hawke, and brand new faces like Flatline and ReSpawn for Robin to meet as well.
Gleb Melnikov’s engaging artwork brings a dynamic Manga-like look that is a perfect fit for this series and a character like Damian. Alfred’s death has impacted powerfully across the whole of the Bat-Family, none more so than for Damian, and Melnikov crafts some hauntingly moving scenes with the young Robin mulling over his plans with an imaginary spectral Pennyworth watching over him. The action scenes in the cage fight with King Snake and the journey to the island are also rendered with vibrant detail.
This premier issue kicks off an important story in the DCU that will examine Damian’s connections to Batman and Talia Al Ghul like never before as Robin searches to find out the why his mother and father kept the League of Lazarus tournament a secret from him. There’s also a great mix of new and old characters for Damian to interact with, especially Rose Wilson, Conner, and the intriguing Respawn – a character with a distinct penchant for copyright infringement!
There’s a wealth of potential here for Damian to grow and evolve as a character in this series. All-in-all Robin #1 sets up the new series and its premise very well. Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov make for an inspired creative team, and its great to see Damian finally getting a long overdue stint in the limelight with his own book.
Publisher DC Comics
Writer Joshua Williamson / Artist Gleb Melnikov
Lettering ALW’s Troy Peteri Cover & Variant Gleb Melnikov
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
Would Respawn infringe on the original Spawn?
Probably not, is was more of a wry observation by Damian as he weighed up one of his fellow competitors in the tournament. There’s hints of a strong dynamic between Robin and Respawn as well which I think has a lot of potential.
I was in two minds about picking this up, but your review has sold me on it. I’ve been reading some of Tomasi’s original Batman & Robin run recently and really enjoying his take on Damian. After Grant Morrison, I think Peter Tomasi really nailed his character.
I was in a similar frame of mind too but I really enjoyed this first issue of Robin. Its great to see Damian step out from the shadow of the Bat on his own terms. I enjoyed Tomasi’s take on the character as well that you which mentioned as well.
I’m not a big enough fan of Damien Wayne to read his own solo series, but I agree he’s deserved this for a while. And a series that explores his complex relationship with his mother’s side of the family sounds like a great place to start.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Damian Wayne but I do like the character and I think him getting his own solo ongoing series is long overdue. Its an interesting story as well.
I definitely can’t afford to add any more Batman titles to my pickup (already got Batman, Detective Comics, Batman/Superman and Joker on the go) so can’t say I’ll be reading this to be honest Paul, I’m not the biggest Damian Wayne fan either – I don’t mind him just not attracted to a solo series of the character.
Glad to hear you liked it though Paul, hope the series continues to be enjoyable for you.
I only read Batman and Detective atm, so will be adding Robin as well for now. I know what you mean though, comics are so expensive now, its impossible to follow everything. I’ve never read Batman / Superman or the Joker book, but I did check out Batman The Detective and enjoyed that.
The current run of Batman/Superman (it’s only two issues in) is excellent and quite an original take that’s well worth a look.
I’m actually surprised that you haven’t checked out Joker Paul, I would have thought that would have been on your must read list…it’s definitely intriguing and is going to have some repercussions for the main Batman book.
I’ve heard good things about the new Batman / Superman, must check it out if I get a chance. Actually wasn’t that bothered about the Joker series. Think its because there’s been so much Joker lately, Joker War, Three Joker’s, and all the Death Metal Joker stuff that I guess I’m just a bit bored with the Joker right now.
Ah, right, I was on the fence about Joker but the first two issues have been interesting…not that much Joker in it actually.
Wow. It does indeed sound like there’s a lot of potential for Damian in this solo run. I can see how they can capitalize on his emotional state following the City of Bane event too. I’ll keep an eye out for how this series evolves for sure.
I’ve been hoping for a Robin series featuring Damian for a while, so was pleased to see how good this issue was. There’s certainly a wealth of potential for the comic book series to explore, and it will be good to see Robin step out from the Batman’s shadow.
I’ve always viewed Damian as the arrogant one- in the graphic novel Heroes in Crisis there was a strip that showed the four Robin’s and their secret worries. Damian was his usual jerk self.
Damian can be a somewhat salty character at times. Must admit I didn’t like Heroes in Crisis at all, it was a poorly written mess, and it treated many of the characters appallingly IMOP. I think Damian was portrayed much better the Super Sons series, along with his friendship with Jon Kent, and this new Robin ongoing series finally allows Damian to step out of his fathers shadow at last. I haven’t always liked Damian that much as a character, but I think he’s grown up a bit now since City of Bane and doesn’t seen quite so arrogant as he used to be.
Heroes in Crisis was problematic- it had several highs and lows. My writing partner Kathleen read Super Sons- I should get to it myself someday.
I think Heroes in CRISIS was one of those comic book events the industry really could have done without. I would highly recommend reading the Super Sons as well, its a wonderful comic series, and the dynamic between Jon Kent and Damian Wayne is so well written.
I really like the look (of the illustration) and potential of this series. Looking forward to reading more about it. 🙂
I really liked the art and tone of this issue as well., Its great to finally see Robin / Damian Wayne get a share of the spotlight with his own comic series at last.