Written by: Patrick Gleason
Art by: Patrick Gleason
Publisher: DC Comics
Batman and Robin ended way too soon. Though, the final issues wrapped up everything in a convenient bow, there is still a void in the DC universe. It’s obvious that the father and son dynamic had to end at the “death” of Bruce Wayne. But it still feels like we could have seen more of the paternal relationship progress and evolve. Robin: Son of Batman is here to fulfill that needed longing.
It’s clear by the title that this book follows the solo career of Damian Wayne. Rather than the obvious role of attempting to fill his father’s shoes, it’s focused on the protagonist dealing with his demons and the trauma of his death from a few months back. All while the daughter of an old enemy arises as a new vendetta begins.
Patrick Gleason helms his inaugural script. Working with Peter Tomasi on Batman and Robin has definitely honed his understanding of the character. We see him as immodest and brash, but we get to see him filled with a fear that he tries his best to hide. The other characters are purely around so Damian can project his boldness on some and his regret on the rest. It makes the hero appear more isolated in his journey as he has no one to truly relate to.
Robin: Son of Batman feels crowded with the appearance of a new foe, his attempts to deal with is past, introducing his pet/companion, and fighting off enemies with his new friend. His father has just past and he doesn’t even acknowledge it. It appears that the loss of his father doesn’t affect him, which is odd especially after the previous volume displaying their developing bond.
Gleason also continues to draw Robin. This time he gets to play with the visuals better, as we see the emotional trauma of his death represented as a twisted trip to Hell. He creates a moodier take on the adventure with his exaggerated perspectives and his deeper shadows. Gleason gives us a darker take on the hero’s struggle, which presents us with a richer and more tortured Damian.
Patrick Gleason’s comic is such a smooth transition from Batman and Robin you probably won’t notice that he’s writing it. This book is certainly welcome after the loss of the previous volume. The first issue hasn’t hit the quality that the older comic began with, but it’s not far off.