The most interesting element about Juni Ba’s The Boy Wonder is how it explores the Batman mythos, and Robin’s place within that mythos. Ba has crafted his own unique take on Damian Wayne, showcasing how the latest Robin deals with being the son of Batman and living in others’ shadows. So far, he’s seen a shining example in Nightwing and the darkness that the Red Hood carries, but for my money The Boy Wonder #3 is a standout particularly because of who Damian interacts with.
The issue finds Damian and Tim Drake, aka Red Robin, infiltrating a party on Batman’s behalf since the Dark Knight is out of town. Said party is being held by Oswald Cobblepot – aka the Penguin, aka Gotham’s mayor. Tim and Damian have an ulterior motive for attending this party, as Damian feels the “Demon” that’s been stalking him has taken up residence in Cobblepot’s tower.
The DC fandom tends to be split when it comes to Damian and Tim. Some regard Tim as being less intriguing than the other Robins – Dick Grayson left Batman’s shadow to become Nightwing, while Jason Todd died and was reborn as Red Hood (and takes a more lethal approach to dealing with criminals). Others feel that since Damian’s introduction, Tim has been pushed aside for him. I subscribe a third option: Tim is an interesting character because he chose to be Robin, proving that tragedy isn’t the defining factor in a superhero origin, and he and Damian can co-exist because the point of Robin is to serve as a balance to Batman.
It’s a theory that Ba subscribes to as well. He initially starts writing Damian and Tim as butting heads, but by the final confrontation with the Demon they’re working together, and they’re really good at it. Tim even poses a question to Damian regarding the moment he took a criminal’s life: “I can’t pin you down, kid. I can’t tell if you value life.” By issue’s end, Ba delivers an answer to that question.
Ba’s artwork yet again presents a fresh take on the world of Batman, drawing from a number of influences in the process. Tim’s Red Robin costume looks like a mix of his original Red Robin suit and the New 52 era, while Cobblepot bears a striking resemblance to how he appeared in Batman Returns – clammy grey skin and flipper-like hands included. The best part of the issue, however, is the panels dedicated to the various gadgets each Robin uses. Each panel is adorned with a Wayne Enterprises logo – courtesy of Aditya Bidikar -and rendered in black by Chris O’Halloran, showcasing what goes into those “wonderful toys” that the guardians of Gotham employ.
The Boy Wonder #3 stands out for doing what I’d hope a Batman story would do: have Damian Wayne and Tim Drake work together, while highlighting what makes them both Robin. When all is said and done, this series is going to be a reminder of why Robin – every one of them – is important to Batman.
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