DCU Comic Book Reviews

ROBIN #121

Johnny Got His Gun...

February 2004

Written by Bill Willingham

Pencils by Rick Mays

Inks by Aaron Sowd

Cover by Jason Pearson

Synopsis

A crew of thieves just knocked over a STAR labs armored car, and then split up in the getaway.  Robin handles three of the thieves and combined with Batman’s effort, they are able to retrieve 8 of the 9 stolen items.  Robin wants to continue searching for the missing item, but Batman tells him to head home since tomorrow is the beginning of a new school year.  Next day, Tim meets Bernard Dowd, who gives Tim the low down on the school.  At the end of the day, Tim is so glad it is over that, in his hurry to get out, he literally runs into Darla Aquista.  Elsewhere in Gotham, Johnny Warren breaks into the apartment of Debbie Braunweis who’s boyfriend Ollie was involved in the theft of the STAR labs vehicle.  It seems that Ollie has the merchandise but failed to deliver it to their boss, Henry Aquista.  At the batcave, Robin wants to continue searching for the missing item, but Alfred tells him that Batman left very specific instructions:  workout followed by homework.  Robin thinks he found where Ollie might have gone.  He can’t get a hold of Batman so he heads out on his own.  When he reaches Debbie’s apartment he finds Ollie dead and Debbie tortured.  Before he can free her, Johnny Warren grabs Robin and puts a gun directly to his head.

Review

Ahh, that fresh new creative team smell.  You know how it works.  New creators are brought in and with their arrival comes many subtle (or in some cases not so subtle) changes to the book.  First, new supporting characters, so we can check off Bernard and Darla.  Second, new villains, so we can check off Johnny Warren and probably Henry Aquista somewhere down the line.  Third, a change in scenery to focus on some aspect missing from the previous run, so we can check off the new school.  And finally, a change to the character itself, often subtle, but in this case the focus is on Tim’s detective work as well as his homework.  Based on the checklist, I think Willingham has read the new creator guidebook to super hero comics. 

I jest, to a slight degree.  Ultimately, however, I like what Willingham has done with this first book and I am eagerly looking forward to see what he can do with the rest of his run.  I must mention that I am a huge fan of Fables as I think it is one of the best books out there.  To a small degree Fables is much like a superhero book, so I feel as if Willingham can make the transition to this type (unlike, say, Azzarello’s failed attempt recently in Batman).  This issue focused largely on Tim, from his detective skills as Robin to his other life as Tim Drake.  I am always in favor in seeing both sides to any super hero’s life and this issue certainly made feel good to see how much effort was given to Tim.  But just as important, we are also thrust right into the middle of action.  I liked how Tim was shown to physically as well as mentally take down the bad guys.  Robin may know how to fight, but I think his biggest asset is his ability to reason.  In that sense, I loved the beginning.  I am not enthralled by the ending, but at least I know Robin’s head won’t be blown to pieces like Snow White. 

The only problem I had with the issue was the art for Batman.  He looks way too young, almost like he was Robin’s age.  The art conveyed very nicely that youthful appearances of Tim and Bernard and even Johnny, but Batman came across badly.  The Dark Knight needs to be more intense, more thoughtful, and less youthful.-- MRB