General Grimaldi’s actions haven’t won him over many friends. His obsession with the Dark Knight has led to a division in the crime families of Gotham. This isn’t good for business. One person who knows this all too well is Two-Face. After cutting a deal with Grimaldi’s top enforcer, Clayface, the scales have tipped.
It’s up to the Dynamic Duo to save the city. Are they up to the task so early in their partnership?
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #9 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles delivers its pen-ultimate issue.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the duo’s rocky start.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #9 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
With his actions wearing thin, Gotham is ready to remove Grimaldi from the board. The crime families discussing their plans sets the tone early. It is one that moves swiftly. The writing shows the General is one step ahead. When the raid fails, the duo is there to pick up the pieces. It leads into a dramatic end to the conflict. The writing also tees up another factor looming in the series.
Dick Grayson’s persona is reflective of his age and inexperience. When he is distracted in the field, Batman doesn’t know how to exactly handle it. Readers watch as the true foundation of the Bat Family has to step in. Alfred’s dialogue serves as the bridge to connecting with Grayson. It is a heart warming moment that defines how important Mr. Pennyworth is to this group. This gives way to a shocking closing act. Seeing how far Grimaldi has come, Waid throws in a monster serve. Timing is perfect as it hides a reveal that would have ruined Batman. It also sets the stage for a showdown of epic levels. Incredible writing has never been an issue with this series.
Samnee and Lopes craft the mood early with the panel set-up. The longbox build gives a scrolling sense as the families make their moves. A near full page shows Grimaldi’s back-up plan at work. The action is flying fast and loose. Lopes’ coloring is superb in dealing with the smoke and mirrors ploy of Batman. Once the smoke clears, another mid page panel showcases the aggressive duo. It takes a sidestep to an explosion, which wounds leave a deeper scar.
One of this series strongest elements is the father-son foundation forming. After Batman scolds Robin for being careless, his face changes. He’s not the brooding knight. Batman shows how human he is with a touch of sadness. The art locks in on Grayson’s brave face until he finally unloads on Alfred. Their bonding moment is pure emotion that can’t be denied. It’s a great segway to the closing act. Grimaldi is poised to celebrate his big win. A half page panel steers everything into another direction. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. It sets up the finale with a strong lead-in page. Fans will have much to rave about here.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.4
With Gotham’s most powerful gangsters ready to take on Grimaldi, the Dynamic Duo have to stay sharp to survive. Waid’s writing serves up heavy emotions through the superb build. Samnee and Lopes impress with the stunning artwork. The endgame is here & fans can’t afford to miss what’s happening.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Batman and Robin: Year One #9. Thanks for reading!