The heat is on the Dynamic Duo! General Grimaldi refuses to quit his hunt for Batman’s true identity. After acquiring a Gotham City Police folder, he has names. His associates are working through the list. One name standing out: Bruce Wayne!
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #8 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles continues its’ look at the first year of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
Let’s take a closer look at where events play out now.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #8 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid displays the early struggles of the pair before the heart of the chapter hits. Their raid on a suspect’s house becomes more challenging than expected. Robin’s youthful inexperience stands out in a key moment. The resolution dances between hero and parent for Batman. It provides a reminder of how Batman sees himself in Grayson. This solidifies where his latest moves take him.
Meeting with Jim Gordon is a tale of two sides. Their partnership gives way to a family perspective. Readers watch as the calm moment succeeds to a larger game at play. Waid elevates the pacing as Grimaldi strikes the Waynes. The conflict mirrors the struggle of being “Bruce Wayne”. For this chapter, another character takes the stage. Grayson is written as a true student to Wayne’s teachings. This results in a thrilling action sequence. It ultimately spirals into a unique landing spot. Knowing how high stakes have become, the closing pages set the stage for an epic confrontation in waiting.
Samnee and Lopes display the suspect raid as a chaotic scene. It gives way to a notable two page splash. Seeing how Batman processes the young Robin’s rational leaves an impression on the audience. This energy moves into the meeting with Gordon. The mannerisms on display become deeper than the surface. A slight smile from Batman as he touts Grayson resonates as the case mounts. This becomes a great transition point before the pace speeds up.
Readers watch as Wayne is attacked. Cowles’ lettering dominates the panels. It translates into the frantic landscape of the fight. Once the story moves to Grayson, the mood grows like a horror scene. This leads into an excellent full page image. It becomes the set-up for a stunning full page entrance for Batman into the conflict. The fallout steers readers into a definite close. Readers know that the end in near and it spells danger across the board.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
The tables are turned on the Dynamic Duo as trouble comes home. Waid’s writing spotlights the deeper bond between the two. Samnee and Lopes amplify the tension as the hunt is on! All roads start their path towards the sensational finale in waiting!
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Batman and Robin: Year One #8. Thanks for reading!