DCU Comic Book Reviews

ROBIN #127

Girl Wonder

August 2004

Written by Bill Willingham

Pencils by Damion Scott

Inks by Damion Scott & Robert Campanella

Cover by Damion Scott

Synopsis

After Batman and Robin (aka Stephanie Brown) defeat a bunch of bandits, they learn the name of the person giving them marching orders:  Henry Aquista.  Meanwhile, the Scarab has successfully killed potential “Robin” number 7.  The next day, Batman and Robin battle Tiger Moth.  In an inspired moment, Robin is able to capture Tiger Moth and save the kids she had kidnapped.  In the batcave, Batman determines that Tiger Moth was working for Henry Aquista.  At school, Tim learns that Batman’s new “Robin” is a girl.  In the batcave, Robin’s physical training is interrupted by the batphone.  It is Tim.  He wants to talk to her, in person.  Before Robin can leave, Batman arrives and tells her they need to get going.  Batman tells her of a serial killer, one who kills entire families with boys between 14 and 18 years old.  Pictures of the boys reveal they all look like Tim.  Meanwhile, Tim is waiting for Stephanie when Batgirl arrives to keep him company.  Elsewhere, the Scarab is hunting for victim number 8.  She pulls back the bed covers but rather than the intended target, she finds the real Robin. 

Review

“Everyone knows the Batman owns a bunch of secret orphanages all over the world—where he get his Robins from”

I have one problem with an issue that was otherwise very good.  This one problem has to do with the fact that Batman would NOT allow eight (count ‘em, 8) murders of entire families to go unnoticed in Gotham City.  While Batman and Robin have been busy taking care of Aquista’s thugs and the murders were taking place over several weeks, I do not think these a legitimate reasons the news of multiple murders would escape Batman’s notice.  It is not like the deaths of these families are even considered to be accidental or natural.  These are murders.  I would think that Batman would be aware of something like that going on in his city and he would not let it go all the way up to number 8.  To me, this shows a lack of knowledge that Batman is a great detective, an intuitive thinker who would be on top of these murders quicker than what is shown here.  This slip-up mars what would be an otherwise good issue.  The story moves briskly through the various plot points to reach the final cliffhanger but it doesn’t feel rushed.  Steph has a different relationship with Batman and I liked how that was played out, including the humorous dialogue between Batman and Robin (especially with regards to transportation).  She really ahs grown into her role and I would be more interested to see more of her as Batman’s sidekick.  Unfortunately, the upcoming crossover mega-series in all of the bat-titles suggest that her role will not last, which is a shame.-- MRB

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