By Fabian Nicieza (writer), Marcus To (penciller), Ray McCarthy (inker), Guy Major (colors)
The Story: The Hit List, Part II: I think the core of this book is nicely summed up in this quote by Red Robin: “I’ve always forgiven him because he was raised in a vat of chemicals and taught to be a homicidal maniac. I’ve always held back for Bruce or Dick, but as stupid as it sounds, if this idiot is ever going to respect me, I’m going to have to kick his ass!”
What’s Good: Tim Wayne, the former boy wonder, the man with the plan, has a slap-down with our favorite psychotic, ninja-trained, ten-year-old sidekick. Fabian Nicieza has written an awesome book about two brothers: the middle one and the youngest. Nicieza exploits the dynamic of the dead father and the absent eldest brother to create an issue where these two very different brothers must deal with each other. This is not to say that this will lead to a happy ending (Cain and Abel anyone?), but Nicieza gets to the root of both characters, especially Damian in a way I’d never expected. I’d never seen Damian as particularly sympathetic or vulnerable (Bad-ass…Yes. Do I want him on my side of any fight? Yes. Do I want him over for supper? Hell, no!), but Nicieza succeeded in doing that. And Tim’s patented monologues, always engaging, continue to give us a great window into Tim’s world.
Artwise, Marcus To, Ray McCarthy and Guy Major gave us an action-packed issue full of running, swinging fights, stalking suspense and family secrets. Red Robin’s take-down of Brutale was hilarious and never in question (so it isn’t a spoiler). Damian’s sneaking into Tim computer was well-done (sneaky little bastard!) and the final scene of the fight is filled with a sudden, deep emotion.
What’s Not So Good: This was, quite frankly (not Frank Quitely) a really fun book. No complaints.
Conclusion: Neither Red Robin nor Batgirl are typical Gotham residents. They are fun and light-hearted and optimistic. If that’s what you want in your Gotham book, then Red Robin should be on your pull-list. I had mused a few months ago that Red Robin as a series was going to hit a wall if the DCU staff couldn’t find a new direction to take it. The Hit List arc is not a new direction, but it capitalizes on Tim’s strengths (he’s the man with the plan) to make this character much more powerful by putting him in the driver’s seat. I look forward to seeing where this creative team has him go.
Grade: B-
-DS Arsenault
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Conclusion