I was curious to see how things would play out now that Robin has returned from an early grave, with new powers to boot. I can confidently say that I was pleasantly surprised. I was about as eager to read this issue as Damian was to go out on patrol.
The Dynamic Duo are back on the streets of Gotham, although Robin feels more than capable to venture out on his own. What appears to be a routine robber roundup, turns into a spectacle when the Boy Wonder steals the show. With a barrage of bullets bouncing off of his chest, Damian disarms and dismantles the crook in an extraordinary fashion. It was like something you’d see in the pages of Superman, but this is Batman’s sidekick! Robin undoubtedly has a chip on his shoulder (well in this case, a bullet). He tries to take flight after his performance, but his father grounds him, figuratively and literally.
Gleason doesn’t miss a step with the relationship between the two partners. They basically have a “as long as your in my house, you play by my rules” talk in the Batmobile. It’s a very cool back and forth between the two of them. I even think Batman told a joke at the end of that interaction. Back at home, Damian awakes to some extremely nightmarish images that send him flying out of bed, right through the ceiling which happens to be Alfred’s floor. Pure comedy
Gleason’s pencils have produced some of my favorite art out of the Bat titles. Mick Gray and John Kalisz really do a stellar job and making the panels bold and vivrant each issue. That’s no different here. I think the time off between #37 and #38 served them all well. Not to mention that this environment offers more variety than that of Apokolips. Can someone please send HGTV down that way? Thanks. The art also really captures the feel of each scene. Their facial expressions and body language really express a whole lot that may not have been conveyed with words. The panel of a hooded Robin outside the Manor makes me recall a similar scene in an earlier book. The panels are virtually similar with completely different endings.
The young Wayne heads out to blow off some steam, and makes a few stops along the way before returning home. I thought it was a fitting closure to a long arduous journey and we get a pretty rad cameo out of it as well
Recommended if:
- You’re interested in a super-powered Robin
- You’ve been following this title for awhile
- Excited for the future of Batman & Robin
Overall:
Honestly, this issue felt like the annual issues, which I really loved. A sweet short story that brought closure to what we the readers and the Dynamic Duo had been through. Plus the Flash 75 variant cover made it feel like I picked up some sort of anniversary issue. It’s a beautiful, fun read that you definitely don’t want to miss. The lower price tag than last month’s grand finale made me feel like I got it for a steal.
SCORE: 10/10
