REVIEW: ‘The Boy Wonder’ Issue #2

The Boy Wonder #2 is published by DC Comics through their Black Label imprint, written and drawn by Juni Ba, colored by Chris O’Halloran, and letters by Aditya Bidikar. Damian Wayne goes to another of his brothers for help; this time, it’s the turn of the darkest Robin: The Red Hood.

The structure and basis of the plot are extremely entertaining. The extended nature of the issue allows for more character development. Ba has neatly bookended the story in the same place, with Jason Todd hiding away in his apartment, wallowing in shame. The two outsiders of the Bat Family join forces, but it takes a while for Jason to be dragged outside.

The pace is slow and smooth, with an engaging premise and a settled atmosphere. The villain is new and enigmatic. They barely move and cause all manner of problems for the second and fourth Robin. There’s a mystical and mental attribute to his power, devastating the heroes with unpredictable abilities. The action is collated into the center of The Boy Wonder #2. There is a dreamlike quality to the fight and the whole confrontation.

This explores two Robins that share many of the same qualities. They are both quiet and often on the fringes of the group. They don’t usually discuss their emotions, presenting stronger exteriors than what is actually there. Where Damin was born from the son of the owners of the Lazarus Pit, Red Hood was reborn in it, devastating his body and soul. Ba utilizes magnificent Arthurian metaphors in the narration. That tone adds grandiosity to the tale, sending Damian on an epic tale. And with the issue’s opening, it makes sense within the concept of the comic.

By the end of the issue, the two Robins have a heart-to-heart conversation, one that is beautifully written and filled with pain, anxiety, and regret. Red Hood’s role within Ba’s script is agonizing. It tells the story of a young boy who feels shunned and abandoned by everyone close to him after a truly traumatic experience. And Damain’s response is just as perfect and poignant.

The art is fanatics, filled with character and personality. The characters have funny proportions that accentuate the most important features. Red Hood’s helmet is larger and expressive, the shape of the eyes creating a grumpy persona. Ba adds features that are often underused for Jason. There are signs of this early in the comic, but the true extent is only revealed later. It is something that makes this Black Label entry so sad. Seeing Jason hiding away in a dark apartment is depressing and gut-wrenching.

The villain’s design is unique and fascinating. Ba’s art style, mixed with their power, leads to phenomenal imagery. Other villains that are referenced, in particular the Joker, are also presented in various forms, haunting the memory of the Red Hood.

The colors are also sensational. Gotham is dingy, dark, and drab. It’s mired in a mixture of yellow and brown, depressing for those around it. The colors come from the boys. There’s red on both of them, with Damian having more variety in the costume. But even with their vibrancy, they both are often seen hiding in the shadows. The letters aren’t always easy to read, especially the text in the caption boxes. The font is small in a style that invokes a medieval look.

The Boy Wonder #2 explores two brothers who feel broken. Using Damian as the crux, Ba takes an in-depth view of the Robins. Although not blood-related, Jason and Damian are part of the same twisted, troubled family among the darkest members. Damian, who sees himself as a ruthless assassin, is suddenly faced with a dilemma of where he will end up if he continues. Though it is merely going down in age order, Nightwing and Red Hood show opposite sides of the same coin.

The Boy Wonder #2 is available where comics are sold.