Writers: Joshua Williamson
Art: Gleb Melnikov
Colors: Luis Guerrero
Letters: ALW’s Troy Peteri
Publisher: DC
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 4/27/2021
Reviewer: Soycornholio
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She’ll Kill Ya:
“How do you follow up on an amazing debut such as Willamson’s Robin #1?” This question was floating around my head throughout my read of Willamson’s Robin #2. In the second issue, we observe more of the rules and etiquette that are in play on Lazarus Island. But does the hype continue in the second issue? Let’s find out.
*Mild Spoilers*
World-Building:
I have to take my hat off to Willamson and the art team for building an AMAZING Mortal Kombat esque island in DC. Throughout this issue, Damian is given a tour of the island by Ravager. Williamson neatly crafts an island tournament that has two main rules: no fighting after dark and no fighting in the barracks. In essence, this is an “anything goes” type of scenario. Williamson also introduces us to scores of new rivals for Damian (to include a deadly 10-year-old who could give Damian a run for his money). I feel as if all of these new characters (along with the tournament) could be revisited many down the road. For example, who have been other past participants? I mean, you do not just create a DC Fight Club and NOT doing anything more with it! Right? I also have to take my hat off to the art team. Melnikov draws one of my favorite portrayals of Damian. He looks young, yet there is a subtle intensity that is etched into his face.
Kill Bill Vol 3?
After reading this issue, I am now convinced that Damian is DC’s “The Bride” from Kill Bill. He has an amazing outfit, deadly with martial arts, excellent at tracking people down, and has something to prove. As we were introduced to new characters such as Black Swan and Respawn (who looks more like Deadpool than anything), I couldn’t help but imagine the Bride making her hit list as she hunted down the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Damian views all of the other fighters as his opponents (even Ravager who is trying to help him). My only question is, when are the other shoes going to drop? We know he is there to fight, but this is the Son of Batman. There has to be some hidden mission that is silently lurking in the background.
Quality
I have been meaning to discuss the physical quality of DC’s books for a while now. For the last couple of months (I noticed with Future State) the quality of the pages and covers, have been amazing. Now in Robin #2, I feel as if the pages and the cover felt kind of flimsy (maybe I am just spoiled) BUT I am getting my money’s worth because this issue is 32 pages with a lot of content. Look, I am not a miser at all, but I expect to get a good amount of story to hold me over until the next month. Issue #2 did that!
Final Thoughts:
Ok, when is the actual fighting going to start? Yes, Robin has already had his heart ripped out and is walking around again. Yes, he had to “prove himself” once more to the other fighters, but I want the one on ones. I want to see who the best fighter is. This is Robin unhinged. Not Bat-Family or Justice Leaguers looking out for him. He is free to play amongst his toys as he sees fit. This is a natural progression for him. The creative team on this book did an AMAZING job with breathing new life into Robin and allowing him to be in a setting that fits him.
I would recommend you pick up this issue. Robin #2 by Williamson may not be as strong as the first issue, but it is still amazing. I am amped to see what happens in the rest of the series. Right now, Williamson is still setting the stage for the blood bath that is sure to follow. It would be interesting to DC put out a yearly (or bi yearly) Lazarus Pit mini series. Seeing some of our favorite brawlers and other heroes without powers duke it out, is a nice change of pace. Oh, and DC, let Jason Todd and Damian have their own Black Label series. That would be brilliant.