Review: Robin #9

With Robin #9, writer Joshua Williamson and artist Roger Cruz bring us a fun, action-packed and emotional finale. Williamson really understands the character of Damian and the deep need for family after being abandoned so many times by death and circumstances. It is also a massive great having the clean, kinetic and epic art by Roger Cruz, an artist who has been around forever but does not get the credit he deserves.

This issue gives us exactly what we would want in a final battle as the epic Lazarus Tournament saga comes to an end. The tournament has been won by Connor Hawke, the prize however is imminent death to be merged with a monstrous demon set to purge the world of humanity.

Damian and the other contestants battle against the demonic forces as individuals. But as Damian is hit and half-unconscious, t is the timely arrival of Alfred’s ghostly form that reminds him of his father’s true journey towards greatness beginning with the ringing of a bell for help. This is an incredibly poignant moment. We don’t see Damian dealing with the loss of Alfred often enough. Given all the loss he has been through, this moment feels earned.

Damian rises and calls on all the fighters to work together and coordinate their attacks. We get to see nice moments with characters who have each grown through the series before the demon is defeated and Hawke saved. The issue ends with a final blast of demonic energy sending Damian into the past where he meets a young version of his grandfather, R’as al Ghul.

Writing: 4.7 of 5 stars
Art: 4.8 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.8 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.8 of 5 stars

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Pencils: Roger Cruz
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Publisher: DC Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.