REVIEW: ‘Future State: Robin Eternal,’ Issue #2

Future State: Robin Eternal #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Meghan Fitzmartin, art by Eddy Barrows, inks by Eber Ferreira, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Pat Brosseau. After being exposed to the Lazarus Resin, Robin is fighting stronger than ever, but his mind is fracturing. With his self-control slipping, he, Spoiler, and Darcy must race against the clock to hijack the convoy and stop its cargo from reaching its destination.

The Lazarus Pit, the gift of immortality it gives, has always come at the cost of one’s sanity. Its harsh side effects have been documented throughout the Batman lore, and that has always been in a form designed for human use. With this new resin devised by the Magistrate, the chemical composition has been changed. Human use is no longer possible. Or so the data says. Yet now we see Drake, reborn with all the strength the legendary elixir has always promised. As well as with its curse.

Within the framework of a daring midair hijacking of a Magistrate convoy, Future State: Robin Eternal #2 focuses on a much more character-centric theme. Through the growing madness of the Lazarus Resin, Tim Drake finds himself confronted by his greatest fear: that he simply isn’t good enough.

Haunted by hallucinations of friends, comrades, and opponents alike, Drake is plagued by insecurities around his title as Robin. Not as strong as Jason, as skilled as Dick, and lacking the training of Damien, Drake struggles to see himself as worthy of the mantle he wears. I find this struggle particularly poignant as they are accusations that I hear from readers about the character as well. To see someone who has accomplished so much still struggling with imposter syndrome is simultaneously difficult to believe while also being completely real and authentic feeling. No one, no matter how accomplished they are, is beyond self-doubt.

Swirling around this central struggle is the continuing battle abord the convoy. With Drake’s strength enhanced by the resin, he makes quick work of the immediate enemies ahead of them. However, he isn’t paying attention to the larger picture. And Spoiler and Darcy are desperately trying to put the final pieces together on how to destroy the convoy’s deadly cargo and save Robin from the effects of the resin.

Future State: Robin Eternal #2 does a wonderful job of balancing Drake’s fracturing mental state with the action that swirls around him. The situation is always tense, as the sense of impending doom never leaves the narrative. As each new obstacle rises to impede our heroes’ progress, writer Fitzmartin does an excellent job of ensuring each of the heroes gets a chance to shine. Whether it’s Darcy’s technical know-how or Spoiler’s adaptability, every member of this trio plays their part in the story.

The art in Future State: Robin Eternal #2 does a great job utilizing some interesting page layouts while never becoming difficult to follow. The art within these layouts is also good. The action lands well, and Drake’s hallucinations are given a strong, impactful visual presence.

The colorwork’s greatest contribution is how much it emphasizes the dangers, both physical and mental, the protagonists face. Lots of reds bathe the action moments in an aura of tenseness. Meanwhile, when the story illustrates Drake’s mental struggles, the coloring takes on a wild, eclectic nature. This perfectly reflects the disjointed state of the hero’s mind.

The letter work rounds out the visuals with a final extra touch that delivers the story’s last bit of character. With alternate designs used for the dialogue of Drake’s doubts, moments of internal debate are given a little extra effect.

Bringing it all together, Future State: Robin Eternal #2 delivers a strong wrap up to this two-part story. It balances out both its emotional and physical threats well, allowing for a multifaceted story to land that both entertains and grows its main protagonist.

Future State: Robin Eternal #2 is available on February 9th, wherever comics are sold.