REVIEW: ‘Batman and Robin’ Issue #3

Batman and Robin #3 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, art and colors and Simone Di Meo and letters by Steve Wands. Batman and Robin work to protect White Rabbit from a new villain and her army of animal-based criminals.

This is an exciting action issue from start to finish, Beginning exactly where the previous issue finished, the new villain is introduced to both Bruce and Damian early, taking the surprise away but keeping the confusion of her identity a secret. We’re unable to dwell on the villain’s identity as the protection off White Rabbit becomes urgent and more difficult as the issue progresses. The structure is brilliant with the villain finding multiple angles to attack, with backup from the Terrible Trio. Whether it’s Batman or the assassin, Shush, who makes a move, neither are able to outsmart the other, each facing surprise backup plans or hidden enemy’s.  Meanwhile, Robin’s goal is to keep White Rabbit safe from the rest of the gang. The energy is frenetic with pulsating tension. The last part of the book contains an amazing car chase that is rapid and intense, wrapping the comic up with an explosive ending.

Shush is a terrific antagonist, filled with menace for both those who oppose and work alongside her. The premise of the story is all due to her trying to assassinate White Rabbit, preventing the lesser figure from being swayed by Batman. There is a calm and suave attitude to her personality, never panicking or exerting too much energy. Batman’s immaculate tactical brain is being tested to its limits and is even bested at some points. There is a lot of fun within the other characters as well. White Rabbit bounces around, exuberant even in the face of danger. And Robin is grouchy following his experiences at school, so the contrast is hilarious. Before Bruce and Damian had been working together and actively trying to be supportive of each other but there is more friction and animosity now after the school incident.

The art continues to be mesmerising. There is a cinematic quality to Di Meo’s art style. Batman and Robin #3 is filled with fast, athletic characters, and their movements are captured perfectly. Bats and Batarangs are blurred as they fly through the air. If there is a word to describe the art of the whole book, it would be sleek. Everything from the costumes to the cars is stylish and cool. Shush has a terrific design, borrowing a signature from another Batman villain whilst making it her own in the same moment. It’s in the small details, such as the thin strands of hair across the face, where Di Meo is able to superbly highlight Shush’s unique identity. For most of the book, the panels are as close to action as possible, not letting up from the intensity for a second.

The colors are spectacular. The lens flares and the bright lights further reflect the cinematic elements of the issue. The red and blue aura that covers every single page has become part of the personality of the series, often mixing to create a purple hue. It gives the book an urban and neon look that has been consistently brilliant throughout the series. The lettering has one interesting feature, and that is the fainter text color used for Shush’s word balloons. This is to infer the volume of her speech but it is still very easy to read and follow.

Batman and Robin #3 is an energetic edition of the series. The issue features exhilarating action from the beginning and never wants to let the book get far without the fights following it. The new villain is filled with drama and darkness and demands curiosity, a breath of fresh air among a character that often resorts to the old rogue’s gallery. Instead, someone is introduced with ties to various other aspects of Batman and Robin’s history whilst containing originality as well. The comic is tremendously fun and enthusiastic, with a stunning art style that makes it fluid and formidable. 

Batman and Robin #3 is available where comics are sold.