REVIEW: ‘The Boy Wonder’ Issue #1

The Boy Wonder #1 is published by DC Comics through its Black Label imprint, written and drawn by Juni Ba, colors by Chris O’Halloran, and letters by Aditya Bidikar. As Damian Wayne ventures out on an adventure of his own, one of the other Robins is sent out to help.

This issue has a delightful tone and sense of adventure. The book is lively and energetic, enthused by Robin’s defiant and grumpy personality. As he takes off into the dangerous city of Gotham, his independence is interrupted by Nightwing and Batgirl. Ba instills a feeling of being babysat and observed, even from afar. The story appears to be set early in the youngest Robin’s career, within an alternate universe with very slight differences from the Prime Earth.

The pace is springy, and the action is fantastic. Much of what is found is like a beginner’s guide to Gotham; the first villain is challenging. But Damian went out for a reason, and that revelation is surprising, creating a mystery within The Boy Wonder #1.

The first adventure with the characters is an exciting selection of personalities. The narration is fascinating. It writes the story as a classic Arthurian quest with princes, kings, and demons. Ba’s script is sensational, and seeing how well the Bat Family fits within that context is interesting. It displays the imagination of a young boy, overblowing his journey. His excitement to venture out on his own makes the issue fun. The comic quite succinctly sums up the backstories of the characters involved. There is an in-depth look at both Nightwing and Damian’s histories.

The relationship between the oldest and youngest Robin is a curious one. Early in the book, Nightwing and Batgirl may patronize the young hero, taking over his battle. But that also comes from a place of concern and understanding of the streets of Gotham. But later in the issue, Dick has a longer leash for Damian, allowing him to make his own decisions and have a fight on his own. It is also Nightwing and Batgirl that have the most glaring change within this universe. It’s only a brief exchange, but it is mindblowing.

The art is sensational, with a unique style that reinvents the city and the characters. Ba’s style gives each character their shape, and the proportions are amusing and intriguing. Damian is short, with a scowl on his face. Sometimes, his hood is up, and his face is obscured. But you can still see his fringe, eyes, and occasionally his mouth when his expressions are used for comedic effect.

Nightwing is much taller, with broad shoulders that allow his symbol to be fully visible. The characters’ movement is terrific. Batgirl and Nightwing move around each other brilliantly, with an instinctive connection. The villain the team faces is an excellent choice for this art style, and he is imposing and fearsome. The city looks phenomenal. There is a load of detail, yet not much, with the buildings presented as suggestions rather than complete representations.

The colors are gorgeous. Each panel has very few colors, except for big fight scenes involving multiple characters. This concept creates a consistent look throughout the book. Gotham is covered in an intense orange light, obscuring much of the city. You can’t see the streets, just the outline of the buildings. There is a shot of Gotham from afar where the city is practically in a bubble of that orange light. That brightness bucks the trend for how this iconic location is presented by colorists, which often shrouds in darkness and shadows. The letters are dynamic and distinctive, changing throughout the comic for various purposes.

The Boy Wonder #1 is all about a boy and his brothers. This comic may prioritize Damian Wayne, but it will encompass all the Robins and the relationship between them. The first book has a youthful energy, gearing up for an adventure across Gotham. Unlike other Black Label books, which can be dark and bleak, this one is inherently charming and upbeat, with an enthusiasm for the Bat Family. It is apt that the late, great Darwyn Cooke is quoted early in the comic, as his influence spreads not just in the script but in Ba’s art style, too.

The Boy Wonder #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.