REVIEW: ‘Batman and Robin,’ Issue #1

Batman and Robin #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, art and colors by Simon Di Meo, and letters by Steve Wands. Batman and Robin are back as a duo and a family, living apart from the rest of the Bat-Family. They stumble on a campaign that contains multiple villains and a whole host of animals.

The word that encapsulates the plot of this first issue is energy. Opening on a thrilling fight that is the start of a larger plan, the pacing and tone remain fun and exciting. This issue is working alongside the Gotham War, and the situations with Selina are happening almost parallel to this book. Robin was the one member of the family that sided with Bruce, and now they have to go it alone.

Although there is that baggage, the rest of the first issue is pretty streamlined, seemingly a fresh start. There are ideas Bruce has for Damian, with an intention to try and live as father and son in the public eye as well. There’s great humor and positivity to a set of characters that rarely get a chance just to be. The villains involved are unexpected, brilliant inclusions with a theme running through all of them. The second battle is extended and constantly throws a curve ball into the comic, bringing some pieces of chaotic technology and adventure to the comic as well.

What struck me about the characters in Batman and Robin #1 is how light they are. Robin has been known to make a few quips, largely arrogant brags about his brilliance and fighting ability. But even Batman is showing some levity in the first issue. He makes a few jokes himself, seemingly enjoying working with Damian again. But that can be seen in Bruce Wayne also. He doesn’t have the mansion, just a small apartment, but even there, you can tell he is trying to be a father, a better father. He’s trying to help Damian and treat him like a real son. The villains they encounter are dangerous, but how they talk has much less menace than a typical Bat comic. That is not bad, as it removes any bleak heaviness and allows the book to move at speed.

What helps manifest that speed is the art. Di Meo has a gorgeous, sleek style that works beautifully with the writing’s pacing and personality. Batman and Robin have similarities in their costumes, meaning they work superbly alongside one another, fighting on an almost even level of ability. But even out of costume, the familial resemblance is clear. They are father and son, and that is one of the key themes of the whole series. When jumping into battle, there are regularly multiple fighters, but what is happening always remains clear. The lines and designs are extremely clean, with enough detail to create ominous and expressive characters. Di Meo makes certain to keep this Robin’s huge domino mask, something that has always been unique to Damian but is sometimes missed out by other artists. It is an iconic feature that deserves to be mentioned.

The colors are phenomenal. The book takes two figures notorious for existing in the darkness and bathes them in light. These are the lights of the city. Mainly they are red and blue, mixing and blending to create an intense and distinct palette for this series. That darkness has only been moved, as the brightness can generate larger shadows on Batman and Robin, covering most of their costume in black. The lettering is always easy to read, even with some custom word balloons for one of the villains.

Batman and Robin #1 uses separation to bring a family closer together. With no outside help, Batman and Robin have to rely on each other and much less tech than they’ve ever had. It is a really interesting story about a father trying to reconnect with a son who may not want to. They work well as a crime-fighting duo, but that isn’t always conducive to existing as a family. Without Alfred there to help, Bruce’s difficulty is interesting and relatable. The personality of Batman is explored beautifully without resorting to pitch-black misery and darkness. His actions prove that he’s trying to do things differently with Damian this time, and the approach is certainly worth reading.

Batman and Robin #1 is available where comics are sold.