Robin: Tragedy and Triumph

Synopsis: These stories were originally presented in Detective Comics #618-621 and Robin II #1-5.

In the first story, we see how Tim’s mother was killed and father paralyzed by the Obeah man, while Tim collars a mysterious hacker who’s redistributing money from the rich in America to the poor.

In the second story, an escaped Joker has a plot to hold Gotham for ransom by fouling up it’s computer networks, and Robin has to deal with it on his own.

Good Stuff: The two stories each have something going for them, although I have to admit I prefer the Joker story more. The opening story really does a lot to develop Tim’s character and render him tremendously likeable. Alan Grant does an excellent job of showing his quiet courage in the face of impending tragedy, and Tim really shines.

However, the Joker story is truly impressive. Easily one of the better Joker stories I’ve read, we have a tremendously intelligent Joker, a Joker with a brilliant plan worthy of the attention of great detectives. Even better, he isn’t portrayed as a thuggish and totally unstable homicidal maniac. We really get to see Tim’s detective skills here.

Reading this book really makes you want to read more.

Not so Good Stuff: The stuff with the Obeah Man wasn’t quite as interesting as it could’ve been, and while we did get to see a lot of Tim, I would have liked to see more.

I give this book 9/10.