Review: Batman and Robin: Year One #1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Plot: Mark Waid and Chris Samnee
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Chris Samnee
Colors: Matheus Lopes
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Dick Grayson lost his parents three weeks ago. Tonight he embarks on his first outing with the Dark Knight. The Dynamic Duo is born!
Positives
The greatest strength of Batman and Robin: Year One #1 is the fact that it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Right out of the gate, it’s clear that this series isn’t trying to recontextualize anything or be a “modern” telling for “modern” audiences. This is for all audiences as it goes for a classic approach to the characters with just hints around the edges of modern sensibilities. At its core, it just tries to be good comics, and it just might be great comics.
Waid and Samnee are a great team. They’ve worked together on Daredevil, Black Widow and Captain America. Expectations are high for this series and issue #1 proves they should meet and exceed them. Waid’s script gets right to things as it lets the reader know exactly where things are. There’s no recap of the death of Dick Grayson’s parents or Bruce Wayne’s efforts to be appointed his ward. Waid gets to what readers want to see. We bypass right to Bruce and Dick’s first night out as the Dynamic Duo.
Positives Cont’d
Waid hits important story beats like Batman’s introduction of Robin to Commissioner Gordon and Gordon’s subsequent surprise and protestations about bringing a child into the war on crime. Waid navigates this as well as Alfred’s misgivings efficiently as well. Most importantly, he gives Batman a believable reason within the realm of “suspension of disbelief” for super-hero comics. Waid also peppers the script with character moments that inform but do not overwhelm.
This issue has action, mystery and suspense as the Caped Crusaders meet Two-Face and get some information out of him that sets up what comes next. Chris Samnee does a wonderful job with the action and atmosphere. He handles the subtlety and the bombastic equally well. Matheus Lopes colors are always outstanding and he provides a lot of the atmosphere that is critical to Batman comics. Robin’s bright colors contrast perfectly with the dark world of the Dark Knight.
Negatives
Batman and Robin: Year One #1 probably doesn’t have any negatives. It may not be Watchmen or A Contract With God, but it’s a great comic.
Verdict
Batman and Robin: Year One #1 is a great start to the series. Waid and Samnee deliver as expected on a simply great comic that is designed to be just that…a great comic without any ulterior motives. It retains enough of the classic while addressing a few appropriate updates. Any fan of Batman will want to read this.
