Batman has always had unique relationships with his Robins. All have had value. Each has left an impact on the Dark Knight in one fashion or another. One has staked its’ claim as the most challenging.
Following in Dick Grayson’s footsteps is near impossible. Factor in someone’s tremendous amount of rage and it became more explosive than dynamic. That is what a brand new story exposed involving Batman and the most polarizing Robin ever.
ROBIN & BATMAN: JASON TODD #1 by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen and Steve Wands unveils a look at the pairing’s early days.
Let’s take a deeper dive into their partnership.
ROBIN & BATMAN: JASON TODD #1 by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen and Steve Wands (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The relationship with Todd and Wayne has never been easy. Lemire’s writing doesn’t hide that aspect throughout this issue. The chase after The Cuckoo brings out Todd’s growing anger. This sense of violent justice proves to have its flaws. Batman’s ideology of vengeance is not being received. The brash response leads into a dangerous confrontation. Its’ fallout lights an even greater explosion to come.
Readers watch as Alfred weighs in on the situation. The mood is tense as Batman refuses to see the error in his Robin choice. It is an interesting take readers see unfold. Some might think it’s just because batman doesn’t want to be wrong. This spirals into a subtle moment before launching into the end. It almost feels full circle with the dialogue. The scenes play into Todd’s rage heavily here. It results in a shocking turn to throw everything in flux. Where things go from here is wide open so brace for the journey.
Nguyen adds a new dynamic to the duo with the coloring for the issue. The watercolor style shines in the two page chase splash. Throughout the sequence, Todd’s grimace never leaves his face. It’s matches by Batman’s anger and frustration. Even with the full page image of Robin descending, the brooding aura of the brash fighter remains constant. The only time there’s a break from this is back in the Batcave.
The art doesn’t hide Alfred’s questioning of Bruce’s choices. Readers witness the struggle to find a proper solution to Jason’s issues. This transitions to an impressive nightmare portion from the young boy. Seeing the glimpse of what he sees, it’s very easy to understand Todd’s rage. From here, it’s full speed ahead to the close. The action picks up on the mounting anger. Everything gets thrown for a loop with a shocking full page vision. The fallout moves into a parting final page that changes everything. Another factor has been added into the pair’s problems with no answers in sight.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
The early days of a dysfunctional duo start off with big promise. Lemire’s writing exposes the true impact of an angry sidekick. Nguyen orchestrates the chaotic backdrop where the pair struggles to function. With more to unlock, this series will have plenty to say about Robin and Batman.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1. Thanks for reading!