Review: Robin #2
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Art: Gleb Melnikov
Colors: Luis Guerrero
Letters: AWL’s Troy Pietri
Review: Tony Farina
Summary
After the shocking events of Robin #1, Damian has learned the deadly rules of Lazarus Island the hard way! Now he must prove that he belongs in the tournament and uncover its secrets! But his only ally is the daughter of one of his greatest enemies: Ravager! In this tournament, only one fighter can get out alive—ready for round two? Fight!
Positives
Robin #2 doesn’t let anything linger. We discover immediately how Damian survives having his heart ripped out. It makes perfect, hand wavy magic sense to me. If that is not something you are interested in, you should stop reading this book. Williamson has a great ear for dialogue and the banter with Damian, Ravager and Flatline is pretty great. Even some of the side characters have some clever things to say. Honestly, the best thing about this book is the way that Alfred lives on inside Damian’s head. We see this happening to the rest of the Bat Family across the other books as well. That is my kind of crossover.
Gleb is a great artist everyone. I mean. He is so damn good. In the panel just above this, take a look at the look on Ravager’s face and the look on just half of Damian’s face. It is so perfect. You know exactly what is going on with both of them. Nothing “happens” in that panel, but it is perfect. His action panels are so well done as well. Damian sort of loses it and goes on a killing spree in this book and well, it is pretty fantastic. Don’t worry. They come back. That’s the thing about Lazarus Island.
Negatives
This issue is incredibly strong. I don’t see any weaknesses here. The pacing is perfect. The magic makes sense; the baddies are bad and even the good guy is bad. Pretty awesome.
Verdict
Robin #2 is action packed, beautifully drawn and has reminded me once again why I dislike Damian so much. However, Josh is creating a place for him to maybe, sort of, actually grow up a bit. I know, I know, he is a killer, son of the Bat and Talia, he has seen more in his 14 years than most people ever see. However, he is still a cocky a-hole who needs to actually have a chance to be a real person. I think this book is going to be his chance.
