Red Robin

Red Robin #18

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Red Robin‘s “Hit List” has taken him to Russia in an attempt to crack a super-villain communication grid. Along the way he runs into an old friend, meets yet another attractive woman, and worries over his relationship with Tam Fox.

A “super-villain communication grid” isn’t exactly a sexy target, and since I’m not that familiar with Red Star or his time with the Teen Titans the use of the character doesn’t do much for me personally. However, the character of Promise does show, well… um, some promise.

That this is the first real push of the “Hit List” storyarc doesn’t do much to get me excited about an idea I was only lukewarm on to begin with. I’m also less than thrilled that Birds of Prey baddie Calculator looks like he’s being woven into the yet another bat-title. Unless he’s bringing his bitchin’ 70’s costume with him I’m just not interested.

Even with these quibbles, the issue is still a good read. As long as the character of Tim Drake continues to be written so well I’m willing to forgive quite a bit. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Red Robin #17

/ / Comics

I love almost everything about this issue. The epilogue to “The Hit List” gives us a little of everything that’s made Red Robin such a great read in the absence of Bruce Wayne along with a promise that things aren’t going to change.

We get the both the return Cassandra Cain and Batman in his fancy new costume as well as a Tim making a difficult decision to trust Lynx (perhaps not entirely made with his brain). To’s art is terrific (I honestly can’t pick out a favorite panel: the hug? the kiss? the discussion about Damian?), and Fabian Nicieza once again delivers yet another strong story without trying to rewrite the character of make some grand statement (something Grant Morrison could learn).

My only real complaint with the issue is the obvious slight to Stephanie Brown in Tim offering the role of Bagril back to Cassandra. Aside from the fact it’s not his to give, it’s just one hellova a dick move to make. I’m glad to see her pass on the opportunity, and it seems like there may be a new role for the character in the expanding Bat-family that feels more her own. Must-read.

[DC $2.99]

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Red Robin #15

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red-robin-15-coverTim Drake‘s been shot! Or has he? Plenty of twists and turns have been packed into “The Assassination of Tim Drake.” Although I like the idea of showcasing how far Drake will go to protect his legacy I do take some issue with a storyline that has him pretending to be severely injured by a gunshot in an issue that mentions, but doesn’t include, Barbara Gordon. It’s just a little…unseemly.

I’m assuming Babs will weigh-in on this elaborate plan to throw Vicki Vale off the scent of the Bat-family, and I’m hopeful that the moment will be given the time and weight it deserves. At the same time, if he had weighed the effect of such a plan on one of his closest allies and went forward anyway, it does help push Red Robin further into a morally ambiguous gray area which should give plenty of opportunities for new stories. Hit-and-Miss.

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Red Robin #13

/ / Comics

red-robin-13-coverFirst Red Robin was searching for Bruce Wayne, then he was taking on Ra’s al Ghul, and now? Well, that’s the question as this arc begins.

Now back in Gotham, Drake takes down a gang leader (which may turn out to be a mistake) as he tries to answer questions about his role and mission now that he’s back. There’s also a nice scene wrapping up the engagement news of Lucius Fox’s daughter Tam.

Strong issue all around, and I like how writer Fabian Nicieza is playing on Red Robin’s over-confidence, leaving open the possibility of a big fall in the future. The comic remains fun, well-written, and one of DC’s best. Definitely worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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