DCU Comic Book Reviews

ROBIN #171

The Odds Against

April 2008

Written by Chuck Dixon

Pencils by Chris Batista

Inks by Cam Smith and Rick Ketcham

Cover by Freddie E. Williams II

Synopsis

After Batman and Robin stop a bank robbery, Batman asks the boy wonder how his investigation of Gotham’s newest vigilante, Violet, is going.  Robin says he’ll get her.  Later, Robin tries to determine what Violet does with the stolen money that she steals.  Alfred suggests she might give to charity.  Robin eventually deduces she is using to fund the reconstruction of cathedral.  That night, Tim goes to the church to investigate when he is roped into a support group for teenagers with gambling problems.  Elsewhere, Violet forces a gambler to give her the details of the counting room at a place called Maxies.  Meanwhile, Robin goes to meet Officer Harper, but soon realizes that the meeting was called by two Detectives, who now want to personally work with Robin.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

A lot happens in this issue, but really not much happens, if that makes much sense.  The plot doesn’t move forward that much, but the story is jam packed full of goodness as Robin navigates through his life.  For that reason, I really, really liked this issue in particular and what Dixon is doing for the Boy Wonder in general.  Rather than trying to set up a plot and then push Robin through said plot for six issues, Dixon is slowly but surely building the pieces that will make up the foundation for a long, long time.  There are his friends, his work as Robin, numerous mysteries, and a continuing adversary.  Moreover, Dixon makes sure to show us Time Drake, Detective, which is the key part of his character that separates him from the other Robins.  And, Dixon makes sure to include more Batman that previous writer; it is always appreciative when any writer makes sure to remind us that they are partners. 

What happened to Robin’s motorcycle?  I much preferred that to the car.  I know a lot of people might like the return of the Red Bird, but it doesn’t do anything for me.  Of course part of my problem with the car is the vanity license plate and the logo on the front grill.  Why not put a glowing red sign on it that says, “This belongs to Batman’s sidekick!”  The other part of my problem is that a car is a hard thing to hide.

The unidentified villain at the beginning is The Condiment King, a creation (I believe) of Chuck Dixon from his earlier work on the Batman titles.  Even from this brief appearance, he seemed lame.  But for what Dixon needed in this issue, the character worked. 

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.