DCU Comic Book Reviews

ROBIN #159

First Date

April 2007

Written by Adam Beechen

Pencils by Freddie E. Williams II

Inks by Freddie E. Williams II

Cover by Patrick Gleason & Wayne Faucher

Synopsis

It is the first date between Tim and Zoanne.  Right after they order their meal, they see the bat-signal in the sky.  A moment later, Batman appears outside the window ledge.  Tim excuses himself to go to the bathroom where Batman is waiting for him.  Tim reminds him that he is on a date and can’t help.  Batman goes to fight the battle himself.  A moment later, however, the battle comes directly to the restaurant.  Tim surreptitiously helps Batman apprehend the criminal.  After the date, Robin confronts Batman thinking the fight reached the restaurant on purpose.  Batman assures him that was not the case. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

I can’t decide if the inclusion of Batman into Robin’s first date was meant as a laugh, like we are supposed to be amused by the fact that the Dark Knight can’t go one night without his partner, or if it was meant as serious as it was taken.  If it is the latter, I don’t buy it at all.  It diminished the Batman character, making him seem more like a lost dog without anywhere to go.  Actually, it made Batman into a teenager, like the best buddy whose fun was interrupted by, egads, a girl.  And if it was meant to be funny, the writing failed to convey that sense. 

Beyond the Batman appearances, I liked this issue.  The dialogue and interaction between Tim and Zoanne felt natural and not forced.  I liked how they connected over the fact that they have moved around a lot and despite not being at school, they still talked about school, which I think is very typical of dates like that.  I am disappointed we did not get to see more of the date, but it was nice to see that Tim at least kissed the girl at the end of the night. 

I am curious to see, first of all, if this romance blossoms in any way shape or form, and I am also curious to see if Beechen deals with the events in Teen Titans.  After all, Robin kissed Wonder Girl.  And now he kisses Zoanne.  I don’t mind if Beechen never deals with the Wonder Girl, but that is only if it is resolved some degree within the pages of Teen titans.  Otherwise, the situation needs to be addressed.  We can’t have Tim dating two girls at once.  Well, I guess we could butt hat would make him a cad and that just won’t do.