A grizzled mentor. An upstart sidekick. In the early days, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson working together wasn’t perfect. An impulsive Robin decided to ignore orders to stay home. The result is his capture by General Grimaldi.
With a life hanging in the balance, Batman is about to show the crime world why you don’t cross this line.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #6 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles continues to take fans into the past with another chapter.
Let’s not wait any longer & head right into the issue.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #6 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid takes readers into the creation of the Bat Family. Seeing how Dick Grayson processes his new persona is quite delightful. The writing brings his youthful ignorance to the front. Even when Grimaldi starts pressuring him, Grayson never folds. It borderlines thinking this is a joke. Seeing this attitude unveiled gives more clarity into Batman’s over protective nature.
Knowing Grayson is his responsibility, Batman’s approach comes off with more edge. It’s telling of how aggressive he is when invading Grimaldi’s place. Even with a side distraction, Batman shows no doubt what his goals are. The end result is one that firmly cements a long standing notion of the pair. Both need each other. This leads into the strongest part of the book. A heart-to-heart in the Bat Cave dominates with emotion. Seeing both reactions to the others pleas is an instant smash. There’s no way to read that without a smile. The final pages set up the next round superbly. If ever a question of their dynamic, this series answers it.
Samnee and Lopes begin with a summary of Dick Grayson’s life. The panels capture key moments. They only add to Batman’s dire situation. Grayson’s game face throws Grimaldi for a challenge. The art drives home his doubt of danger. It’s telling of how confident Grayson is during his capture. His mentor doesn’t demonstrate that same opinion.
With a slow build, Batman’s distraction pops off the page. Cowles lettering amplifies this moment. It gives weight to Batman’s search. What he encounters will surprise readers. Even as a side obstacle, the art team depicts this challenge with seriousness. It carries some fun action moments, mirroring Grayson’s attitude. The result is a solid staircase ascent. With gripping dialogue, readers will be locked in. The feeling stays when back at the Batcave. Images give way to a more personal flare. Seeing both sides give in to their feelings is a great touch. It helps bring the chapter to a close. The final page throws a great tease in before departing. Another fantastic chapter to witness.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.4
The bond between the Dynamic Duo grows stronger through danger with this chapter. Waid’s writing brings out two different sides of the same coin. Samnee, Lopes and Cowles construct an excellent visit to the days of yesteryear. This whole series is a must read for any Batman and/or Robin fan.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #6. Thanks for reading!