Batman and Robin #1 review

Last time Batman and Robin shared a title they were at one another’s throats, but today things are different.

It doesn’t take long for them to beat White Rabbit, one of the more minor villains in the Gotham Rogues’ Gallery, but they don’t find out on whose behalf she was hijacking one of the city’s trademark zeppelins.

Later, it’s a new beginning for Bruce and Damian Wayne, as the Boy Wonder moves into his father’s brownstone.

Their first night sees Bruce wanting to chat, check out how Damian is feeling after a tumultuous few years, but Wayne Jr says he wants some sleep. As it turns out, he has a new hobby.

Maybe two, actually, as he surprises Bruce next morning.

There follows a conversation between Bat Dad and Son around Damian’s schooling; Batman wants him to attend Gotham Heights high school so he can enjoy the teenage life he never had. Damian, of course, reckons there’s nothing he could learn from a teacher on the city payroll. Damian has a different idea as to how he should spend his time, and relays details of recent crimes that need solving – crimes that don’t come within the remit of Catwoman’s current project to cut Gotham crime by, er, organising it.

Don’t ask me. I’m not reading the Gotham War business, it sounds extremely dumb. I suspect Batman and Robin writer Joshua Williamson agrees as after paying lip service to it, he moves on with his own storyline. And as it happens, it circles back around to what was going on with White Rabbit and her hostage taking. It also involves a classic Silver Age villain combo who seem to be committing more than previously to their bit, two more recent Gotham bruisers and a hero turned… villain?

Also, the tables are turned on Batman as he’s forced to be the passenger in a terrifying Bat-vehicle, and Alfred Pennyworth’s continued absence – yes, he’s still dead! – hangs over the Wayne boys.

I enjoyed Williamson’s script a lot, it’s a treat to see Bruce and Damian getting along, Batman seems thoroughly sane here – when was the last time that was the case? I don’t know where this story is going, which is a nice change in these days of everything being trailed to death, but I like the elements we see, including a behind-the scenes-presence with delusions of grandeur for Gotham… if I had to guess, I’d go for Hugo Strange. And the dialogue suits the characters.

The striking visuals come from Simone Di Meo, working in full colour. Once upon a time art this slick only appeared in graphic novels and while I tend to prefer more traditional styles for superhero books, with lots of primaries, the art works for the story; I especially like his cauliflower-eared Damian, and the freaky villains in the latter third of the book look excellent. As for that ride I mentioned, it fair roars off the page.

The lettering of Steve Wands sits attractively on the art, never competing with it.

I like Di Meo’s jolly cover, and the bat and bird are a nice touch… it’s a shame yet another new DC logo proves to be flat with random decoration – the line’s mastheads are starting to look boringly generic.

The creators do enough to have me looking forward to the second issue, which is a big win for a Bat-book these days – if Batman and Robin can stay at least one step removed from the constant crossovers I’ll likely stick around. Heck, where else can I see a smiling Batman and Robin?