REVIEW: ‘Robin,’ Issue #16

Robin #16 from DC catapults the Boy Wonder back into his own storyline, which means Lazarus Island and the gang are front and center. Joshua Williamson writes this issue with art by Roger Cruz, colors by Luis Guerrero, and letters by Troy Peteri. Issue #15 brought Robin back to the island after he removed himself from the tug-of-war between his parents. It ended with the villain Lord Death Man, mentor to Robin’s crush Flatline, washing ashore and claiming Flatline had gone rogue. Whatever that means when a villainous teen strays from an evil criminal.

However, this issue begins with a nightmare. Respawn, undead and hateful, blames Robin for abandoning him to die. This is probably the most I’ve seen of the character’s death impacting Robin. Then he gets up to face yet another day of challenges. It was simple but effective, and this scene not only paralleled what’s going on with his father, the Batman, but shows just how alike father and son are.

With Lord Death Man tied up and, well, talkative, Robin and Connor Hawke determine they should head to Japan and confront Flatline. But before they do, a new group of fighters arrives, seeking refuge. To be honest, I had hoped Robin would remain with this zany cast, but I never envisioned Lazarus Island as a home for wayward warriors. This gives me hope that we will see more of these teen soldiers and get them fleshed out more. The issue moves along, and this new Dynamic Duo of Boy Wonder and once Green Arrow head to Japan. Williamson offers us a guest appearance by yet another minor hero who would be great in a comic series or miniseries, turning the duo into a trio. 

From start to finish, Williamson pulls out the budding leadership qualities of Damian Wayne, albeit with the shadow of his arrogant upbringing. Hawke’s persona bounces off Robin’s quite well, and they have a common purpose. I feel like Damian was ready for independence several issues back; we just had to wait to get ‘Shadow War’ out of the way. There’s a bit of light humor in this issue that makes for a nice touch, and of course, Cruz never skims on the action scenes. 

Cruz continues to make Damian slender and small, a great look that makes him appear ‘less’ standing next to others. This only highlights the character’s strengths through the visuals. A ‘size matters not’ storytelling approach, for this is who the cast looks to for guidance. All the panels are a mirthful blend of powerful figures and strong poses, while Guerrero goads rainbows out from the heavens to slumber across pages enlivened by clouds of Peteri’s lettering. If anything is a hallmark that this is a Batbook, it’s the dominating shadows Rapmund commanded to skulk into every single panel. This book is as old-school bright as it is Bronze Age macabre.

Robin #16 is a bright tale despite the secrecy of Lazarus Island. It feels like an older comic of heroes teaming up, a new Dynamic Duo. Robin and Connor are committed to helping fighters with nowhere to go, giving them a purpose and functioning as true heroes. I am loving Damian more and more with every issue. Definitely worth reading to see how the Boy Wonder is molded into a leader, plus what becomes of these other characters.

Robin #16 is available wherever comic books are sold.