Project Gemini has begun! General Grimaldi’s plans for Gotham are rolling out. One big factor has come into play. Grimaldi was taken out by a new deadly duo. Clayface and Harvey Dent are calling the shots now. The only ones standing in their way is Batman and Robin. When the smoke clears, who will take victory?
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #10 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles continues its excellent first look at the early years of the dynamic duo!
Let’s take a deeper dive into the Duo’s first year.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE #10 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid kicks off the project’s first round in style. The set-up slowly reveals Two-Face’s plan of direction. It sends a clear message of what danger the city lies in. Once events switch to Batman and Robin, the mood lightens up. Readers watch as the playful Grayson makes a quick ‘66 homage before the city takes hold. Events come clear into focus there’s no turning back now.
The writing sets off their confrontation with much suspense. Pacing speeds as the pair must make a noble escape. It plays into much of the familiar Batman tropes. Maybe this was the birth of “Prep Time?” As the pages go, so does the sense of urgency. Readers watch as the conclusion sets the stage for an even stronger final act. Waid’s dialogue hits on the Bat-family nerve superbly. It is a heart-breaking close which brings out the bond being forged. This is no longer a business affair. This issue connects it’s major building block of unlikely father and son. Excellent read.
Samnee and Lopes tease the horror of events in the opening rounds. The panels mirror the diabolical moves being made. Once the replacements see their original targets, it is clear of the power play. It is a contrast of moods when the Dynamaic Duo enter the scene. Watching the young Grayson’s playful suggestions be rejected by an ever-brooding Batman is vintage. Where it leads follows suit. That’s absolutely not a bad problem for this book.
The meeting with Gordon starts innocent enough. A panel with a “new signal” teases optimism. This is quickly dashed as events move. Readers watch as the action takes hold of the pages. Samnee and Lopes throw in some of The Flying Graysons’ playbook for aerial amazement. This rolls into a very chaotic escape from Gotham PD. Once the duo disappear, the mood swings back to a more calm state. Panels focus on their reflection of running.
Once at the closing pages, there is a surge of emotion in the duos’ faces. With what’s unfolding, its’ an instant connection with readers. The final panels show the dire ramifications at hand. It works to lock in your reaction until next chapter’s return. The art never ceases to astound with each issue.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.5
With Project: Gemini in full swing, the Dynamic Duo look for any signs of hope. Waid’s script balances out the action with a strong emotional pull. Samnee and Lopes rev up the engines for an incredible escape from Gotham City. “Year One” pushes the complex history of Grayson and Wayne to new levels each time out.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman and Robin: Year One #10 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!