Comic Review: Robin (Issues 1 - 140)
This review was written prior to the current re-vamp of DC Comics' entire line. I'll be posting a new review as new issues become available.
Comic Book: "Robin" (Issues 1 - 140)
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artists: Varied
Available: Through most comic shops.
Background/Summary: Being the third in line to become the world's most prominent teen sidekick is a pretty daunting task, but the character of Timothy Drake has become a fan favorite. The first Robin was Dick Grayson, who is now Nightwing and a star of his own comic and hero in his own town. The second was Jason Todd, a young orphan who was murdered by the Joker, Batman's nemesis (and the DC Comics fans in a call-in "voting" in which it was decreed that the young teenager would die by a narrow margin). Now, the third is a young man of 14 who figured out Batman's secret identity and then aided Batman in a case which resulted in his recruitment into the "Bat-ranks."
Now, the young hero is at a private, boys' boarding school, along with Alfred Pennyworth (formerly of Batman's employ) and is struggling with his own identity as a superhero. This character has time and again proven that he has a good head on his shoulders and isn't afraid to use it.
Props:
+ Tim Drake/Robin is propositioned by his long-time girlfriend when her aunt & uncle aren't home. At that point, he has the choice about whether or not to engage in teenage, premarital sex and he chooses to say "No." This kind of responsible writing and story-telling and its subsequent praises by critics, retailers and fans alike won accolades for Chuck Dixon. And the message was not preachy, long-winded or overdrawn, but real and honest. And it was GREAT!
+ Tim Drake/Robin must confront the issue of guns in his school when a friend of his is shot and killed. He tracks the killer down over the course of several issues and finally finds himself in a fight with the other teenager. Their fight is broken up, however, by Batman's arrival in possibly the best ever portrayal of the Batman's authority I have ever read. He simply states two orders, telling the killer to go to a police station and turn himself in and then telling Robin to get in the Batmobile. After reading that frame, I was ready to turn myself in!
+ Tim Drake/Robin must contend with his new girlfriend's pregnancy (he was not the father). Teenage pregnancy gets an in-depth look over the course of the next 15 or so issues and this sub-plot that becomes a major plot-line is another example of strong, socially responsible story-telling.
Slops:
+ Some of the plotlines have gotten a little outta hand (C'mon, Demon Assasins up for the highest bidder?).
+ Sometimes, Tim is a little too good for his age. A 14 year old is a 14 year old, no matter who he is or what he does. Also, I recognize that he is a talented athlete, but c'mon! He needs to lose some fights!
Mad Minister's Verdict: This is a strongly recommended monthly book for any and all teenagers, and any and all adults, interested in comics. It may not be the one that most are fascinated with, but the stories are hard to match, the character serves as a strong role model, the art is detailed and brightly colored, and overall, it's a "Mad Read!" I could, without a doubt, recommend this story fully to any parents for their teenagers!
Mad Points: 4 outta' 5.