DCU Comic Book Reviews

RED ROBIN #1

The Grail, Part One Of Four

August 2009

Written by Chris Yost

Pencils by Ramon Bachs

Inks by Ramon Bachs

Covers by Francis Manapul and JG Jones

Synopsis

In Spain, Tim Wayne (aka Red Robin) breaks up a kidnapping attempt.  Afterwards, Tim wonders what he is doing there.  He is in the fourth city in seven days, searching for Bruce Wayne.  Earlier, Tim is upset at the death of Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and is not dealing well with Dick Grayson taking the mantle of Batman or Damian becoming the new Robin.  Tim’s world is falling around him, but in his heart he knows Bruce is alive, so he decides to find him.  In Czechoslovakia, a professional assassin hits his intend target, but is then killed by an unknown creature.  In Paris, Tim continues his search for Bruce.  He doesn’t realize he is being watched by Ra’s al Ghul.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

“Sorry Drake. You're still part of the team -- maybe the Batgirl costume is available!”

I liked the issue.  I like the tone and the style that Yost employs for the story and I like the overall meta-story of Tim trying to track down his mentor and friend.  Where the story fails, is that we are not really given any kind of idea what clues Tim are following.  How did he end up in Paris?  What led him to there and what is he looking for?  Is his search random, hoping to find anything, or is there some type of method to his madness.  The search is bit murky and it hurts the issue.  Despite that, I like enough of what I read to come back for me, so I think this is a positive new direction for Tim. 

This is a schizophrenic issue, especially in terms of how Tim is portrayed.  There are some bits of characterization that seem spot on and others that don’t quite feel right.  Normally, I don’t get too in depth with how a writer portrays a character; after all, different writers will naturally have different views on the character, so there will always be some variations of how a character is going to act or react or interact.  In this case, however, I noticed it and it bothered me.  I’m not sure why.  I think it might be because Tim is not only the main character, but the story is about him and who he is.  It is about identity, whether it is his non-hero persona or the log on the costume he wears when he plays the hero.  So, I get that Tim is the only one who refuses to believe Bruce is dead.  Tim has had issues with death, especially recently with his father, and then Stephanie, and his determination to clone Connor (revealed here), shows he doesn’t quite know how to deal with it.  So, I can see denial.  And his search for Bruce.  It makes sense. 

What didn’t work was the idea that Tim was pushed out of the Bat family.  I can’t see Dick Grayson pushing away Tim, someone who has been like a brother to him.  I get why Damian is there, but I would think Dick would find a way to keep Tim involved, either in an Oracle type role or perhaps as back-up to either Dick or Damian or something else.  For Dick to push Tim out, doesn’t make sense.  I suppose it is splitting hairs since I am actually complain about Dick’s portrayal, but I think Yost missed the opportunity to have Tim really drive the point of what he believes and how strongly he believes by not having Tim quit in front of the Bat family. 

My other gripe is Tim deciding he wanted to be called Tim Wayne.  That didn’t sit right with him.  Tim had a father, someone he loved.  His father’s death in Identity Crisis was heartbreaking.  It surprises me that Tim would easily toss away his given name, his father’s name, for Bruce.  Yes, I understand Tim loved Bruce, his mentor, friend, and father-figure, which explains his quest.  But, taking his name?  Doesn’t seem right. 

Thinking about Tim and his new role, I like the idea of Red Robin circling the globe.  Whether or not Tim finds Bruce, I think no matter what Tim should remain in transit even after Bruce returns.  I think a globetrotting hero has the potential for a number of story ideas.  Tim can have solo adventures or he can be joined by the variety of international heroes, such as the Great Ten in China or the Super Young Team in Japan, or Checkmate or the Global Guardians.  I wouldn’t suggest a tam-up every issue, but it could allow DC to use these characters more often. 

I also like the choice of villain to butt heads against Tim.  Given how much Tim thinks Bruce is alive and the fact that Ra’s al Ghul would want Bruce back as well (if only to kill him himself), combined with Tim and Ra’s recent conflict, it makes sense. 

 

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