The Lazarus Island competition is over, the ulterior motives of those behind it laid bare. How does this affect Robin, especially given that along with Mother Soul, his mother and grandfather are also looking for their piece of the pit? The young heroes, and part time villains have becomes something like “frenemies” with cliques forming; its like going to Assassin High!
Joshua Williams has meandered his way through this first arc with a decent amount of skill. Does the arc really need eleven issue? Is the next issues the conclusion of this arc or the beginning of the next? The current trend to extend storylines is one thing; it has to be said that whilst I am surprised about the amount of issues this story took, it hasn’t felt too dragged out. Williamson starts to allow other relationships to impact on Damian, though it is one particular relationship that drives young “Master Wayne”.
Gleb Melkinov has impressed throughout this book. Having first crossed my path via the Angel book from BOOM! Studios, it’s is good to see that Melkinov continues to utilises elongated body lines that allow for dynamic poses. The electric style, which includes strong facial elements does remind me of a more defined Norm Breyfogle at times, heady company for sure, though there are more cartoony parts, Lady Shiva for example. Luis Guerrero’s colors have an added depth to them, highlighting the various locations that Robin and his gang find themselves in. ALW’s Troy Peteri’s letters seem a little loud in place, a measure of working with children perhaps, though there are a couple of moments that are well recognised.
The last page of the book is going make you either cheer or wince. Initially, I was cheering but on reflection, I am not so sure. Part of me expects a bait and switch. Williamson, through this run, has realised that to make Robin fun, you need to show how much Damian feels about those around him. Therefore the next issue could be make or break for Damian.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art 4 – Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 4.5 Stars
Written by; Joshua Williamson
Art by; Gleb Melkinov
Colors by; Luis Guerrero
Letters by; ALW’s Troy Peteri
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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