Batman vs. Robin #1 came out of the gate swinging, featuring a seemingly possessed Damian attacking his dad, and Alfred returned from the dead. Now that we also know whatever happens in this series is launching DC Comics’ next event Lazarus Planet, it’s a no-brainer read as it’s highly important. There’s also the added benefit of reading comics legend Mark Waid’s words and enjoying comics expert Mahmud Asrar’s incredible pencils.
If you dig magic in the DC Comics universe, you’ll love Batman vs. Robin #2. After a run-in with Zatanna in the last issue, Alfred and Batman are running through dimensions of all kinds, including what appears to be the Dreaming. In this series, the big bad is Devil Nezha, although Batman isn’t aware of that at the start. Instead, he and Alfred attempt to understand what they see and why. It’s a fun way to loop the usually street-level adventures Batman goes through with crazy concepts like Cain and Abel. It also makes this issue feel unique in the grand scheme of Batman’s adventures.
Since much of this issue focuses on Batman and Alfred trying to piece together seemingly incomprehensible events and locations, it does feel a bit like filler. Plot progression is slow, with only the essential plot progressing moments happening in the final few pages. There are big reveals. However, that should satiate fans like a new costume for Damian, and a significant cliffhanger reveals too.
Things get very weird!
Credit: DC Comics
Asrar’s art propels this book beyond run-of-the-mill weird magic stuff to something awe-inspiring. His art is never done in half measures, no matter the size of the panel on the page or the insignificance of a panel. There’s an epic page of Damian controlling Batman like a marionette that any artist would put their best effort into, as Asrar does here. Still, a page earlier, Batman and Alfred are thrown through a wall, and Asrar renders every chipped board in high detail.
Color artist Jordie Bellaire plays with the supernatural setting and atmosphere in fantastical ways here. Bright pinks splashy across buildings and sickly neon greens splashy across backdrops are just a few ways in which Bellaire leans into the weird. The book is rich looking, from pencils to colors, and both artists are doing impeccable work.
After reading Batman vs. Robin #2, it’s obvious the creators are taking big swings to create one of the biggest adventures Batman has ever encountered. It’s also a reminder the magical realm is vast and dangerous in the DC Comics universe, something we don’t often see.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.