Sometimes a title like Batman and Robin comes along that gives a different kind of flavor to well-seasoned characters. Batman is currently fighting evil multiverse versions of himself in one book, getting hung in another, and he and Robin are both trying to be good dads. It’s the best of both worlds as fans can get different, but still good, tales featuring their favorite legacy heroes. In the fourth issue out this week, Man-Bat has made himself known as Robin’s goose is nearly cooked!
It’s clear after reading this issue Joshua Williamson has a clever angle on Robin going. The series has revealed flashbacks to when Damian was training to be the future head of his grandfather’s shadowy group, while in the present, we see he’s not the assassin they wanted him to be. That is even more obvious in this week’s issue, as it reveals who Shush is as well as proves she was right back when she trained him. Considering Chip Zdarsky recently wrapped up a miniseries featuring Batman’s greatest teachers, it’s fitting we get a look at Damian’s here.
The flashback bookends well with the ending, which leaves us on a cliffhanger that’ll make Robin’s time going to grade school far more interesting. The untapped potential of Damian going to school is obvious in this issue as we see Batman walk him in.
Uh oh, she messed up!
Credit: DC Comics
Most of this issue is focused on showing how Damian goes from kidnapped to free. Mikel Janin and Simone Di Meo trade off on art, with Di Meo’s art shining strongly in the big action scene. Janin takes over for most of the rest of the issue, bringing in his fantastic, highly detailed AR style. There’s quite a bit of talking going on for most of this issue, and both artists excel at rendering compelling and tight acting.
The explanation isn’t the biggest disappointment, especially since there’s enough action to satisfy a purchase. The biggest problem comes from unearned moments like the villains escaping in a cliched sort of way or Batman’s ailment to bats being practically shrugged off. The creators are done with these threats now and need to leave the stage. Even White Rabbit seems pointless in the story and exits off-page. Once again, the mere idea of Damian in school is the most exciting bit, but it’s again not the focus, with mostly table setting going on. Until next time, then.
Batman and Robin #4 continues to excel at showing Damian and Bruce as father and son while ongoing superhero exploits occur. Williamson has a great concept on his hands to delve deeper into Damian’s growing up a bit while developing his relationship with Batman. The story just needs to get on with it.
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