The critically-acclaimed duo of writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen reunite for the second entry of their Robin & Batman series. This new three-issue miniseries focuses on the second Robin, Jason Todd. Will Robin & Batman: Jason Todd be able to maintain the quality of the predecessor? Let’s get into it with my thoughts on the first issue.
For context, I never read the first Robin & Batman (2021) miniseries, which focused on Dick Grayson. Based on other critic reviews and fan responses, that series was very well-received (and you can check out our review of that first series here). But I have read some of Lemire and Nguyen’s prior collaborations, specifically Descender and its sequel Ascender. I also consider myself a fan of Lemire’s work and appreciate Nguyen’s watercolor aesthetic. When I found out that they were returning to create another story highlighting Batman and Jason Todd’s earlier days working together, I was instantly hooked.
The rage is brewing in Jason. Will it be too much for even Batman to handle?After reading Robin & Batman: Jason Todd #1, I believe this series is off to a great start. Nguyen’s artwork is always a highlight for me, and that sentiment doesn’t change here. His art style just fits with the melancholic tone that this creative team is establishing with this story. The colors by Nguyen also complement the visuals, especially the reds that are infused.
To me, Jeff Lemire usually does a good job diving into the psyche of the characters he writes, and Jason Todd is no different. Lemire hammers home that built-up anger within Jason and how reckless he can be. Some Jason fans might view Lemire’s depiction as a criticism because it can come off as too on the nose, and I totally would understand that critique. But I feel that for those who are unfamiliar with Jason Todd, Lemire showcases how different Jason’s characteristics are compared to Dick Grayson. There’s even an instance where Bruce and Alfred are having a conversation after a mission about how different the two Robins are, and I found that moment very melodramatic but in a good way.
Alfred tells Bruce the truth about how he feels where Jason’s trajectory is going.I liked how Lemire depicted Bruce and Jason’s relationship and how Bruce is struggling with mentoring him. Most Batman fans know where Jason’s story leads and there were allusions to his transition to the Red Hood persona. Personally, I prefer his time as Red Hood compared to his time as Robin, so I appreciated those foreshadowing moments. For those Jason super fans, let me know in the comments on how you felt Jason was depicted in this issue.
Jason stares into the face of his inevitable destiny.The introductory villain named Cuckoo was fine, but there was a leap in this character’s direction towards the end of the issue that I felt was a little rushed and out of character for what was established leading up to the ending. But the cliffhanger did leave me intrigued for what happens next.
Recommended if…
- You liked the first Robin & Batman series.
- You’ve been a fan of Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s prior work together in general.
- You are a fan of the Jason Todd character, whether it’s him as Robin or his time as Red Hood.
Overall
Robin & Batman: Jason Todd #1 is a solid start to the series. It once again shows that Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen have great chemistry when they collaborate. They do a good job of highlighting Jason’s core characteristics for both new readers and old. While those characteristics might be a little too on the nose, I think they are essential to Jason’s story. And with the cliffhanger ending, I’m interested in what happens next for this incarnation of the Dynamic Duo.
Score: 8/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of review.
English (US) · 