DCU Comic Book Reviews

ROBIN #156

The High Dive

January 2007

Written by Adam Beechen

Pencils by Freddie E. Williams II

Inks by Freddie E. Williams II

Cover by Patrick Gleason & Wayne Faucher

Synopsis

At school, Zoanne greets Tim Drake with a kiss and then admonishes him for not calling as soon as he was “rescued” by Robin.  Later, Robin visits Dodge in the hospital.  Feeling bad about what happened to Dodge, Robin heads out to the roof for some time alone.  However, he finds someone else there, ready to commit suicide.  The two talk for awhile and realize that they need to talk to others to get a different perspective on their problems, someone who can provide some advice to help.  Later, Time calls Dick Grayson (aka Nightwing) to talk for a little while.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

As I reading this issue, I was really, really enjoying it.  The fact that I noticed this during the reading indicated to me that this was one kick ass comic.  I thought the visit to see Dodge followed by the rooftop conversation were brilliant character moments that really helped to define Robin and who he is and how he deals with things.  The ending with him calling Nightwing was perfect.  And then I reached the end and the advertisement for the suicide hotline.  For a moment I was stunned and then a little angered that I was essentially subjected to an after school special.  Or an issue of Robin that would’ve been billed “A Very Special episode,” if it were a tv show.  After putting it down and thinking about it, I had to ask myself if the PSA really invalidated the issue.  The answer to the question was actually very simple:  if the PSA did not feel integral to the overall book, then I would have the right to be upset about the highjacking.  But if the contents felt natural, then it shouldn’t bother me.  And, as I said above, this issue felt like a natural extension of the current plots and Robin’s state of mind seemed just as natural, so that if it weren’t for the PSA, I probably would’ve been happy with this issue.  So, yes, without reservations, I can say I really liked this issue.

One aspect of the comic I really enjoyed was the portrayal of Dodge’s parents.  I fully expected, and indeed it almost has become cliché, to see the righteous parents upset at Robin for what happened to their son.  Usually in these cases the parents are hysterical and condemn the vigilante and attempt to make the hero’s life miserable.  In some cases, the parents are portrayed as cold and heartless, blaming the child for all that is wrong before turning their backs on them.  In contrast, Beechan portrays the parents as reasonable, caring adults who are able to discern the nature of their son’s impulsive act while at the same time remain loving and supportive of their son.

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page	NEXTð

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.