By: J.T. Krul (writer), Nicola Scott (artist), Doug Hazelwood (inker)
The Story: Bruised Egos: Batman (Dick Grayson) has Robin (Damian Wayne) join the Teen Titans. This is not something that either Robin or the Teen Titans wanted. Action and sniping ensues.
What’s Good: I love Damian Wayne as the unhinged psycho Robin. Comics have a lot of psychos and killers (Wolverine, Punisher, etc, etc), but I can’t think of a single one of them who is also 10 years old, and carrying around mother, father and grandfather issues, and such a desperate need for respect. It really makes Damian a rounded, multidimensional character. His brother issues are the most interesting here as Damian’s relationship with Dick has become the single most important one in his life. While Bruce was lost in time, Dick was his guardian, mentor and parent. Now that Bruce is back, Dick is the only one patient enough to take responsibility for Damian. J.T. Krul, with typical skill, captures all of this and more. The interplay between Batman and Wonder Girl (and the rest of the Teen Titans) was excellent. Krul really gave me the impression that Dick Grayson was perceived to be among the most important characters in the DC universe.
On art, I have to say, even though I am already a fan of the Scott/Hazelwood team-up, they have never looked better! Wow. I’ve watched them do some great work on Secret Six (grim anti-heroes and unhinged killers), but in my mind, they are really suited drawing light, colorful heroes. Cassie was stunning, not just in the draftsmanship. When she walked off to talk to Batman, the pose looked incredibly subtle and lifelike. By the same token, Damian came off like a maniacal 10 year old and his brief fight scene with Ravage was well done and visually clear.
What’s Not so Good: Okay, I don’t know who made up the villain, but can we send this motivation-less wonder back where he came from? Obviously there’s a puppet master behind this, and I’ll be glad to know him better next issue. Right now, I have so little invested in this tissue-paper villain, that I felt it diminished the issue. Sure, the theme is about bruised egos, but you have to show more than someone whining to get an audience to care.
Second point: scale. Is it me, or does anyone else feel that either Kid Flash (with most of the power of the Flash) or Superboy (with most of the power of Superman), if they used the full super-speed they have, could have mopped up this villain without trying? This is a general problem for me. These two (Superboy and Kid Flash) kind of make the girl with the sword (Ravage) and the guy who can turn into a green lion (Beast Boy) superfluous. Old point. Not the writer’s fault.
Conclusion: I’m glad Damian’s not on my team, but I like reading about him on someone else’s! Pick it up. It’s fun.
Grade: B+
-DS Arsenault
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