Steven Lee Sharpe's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Dark Knight News Reviews: 22
7.9Avg. Review Rating

Dano is careful not to create excuses for the character's behavior, just the reasons for it, and Subic's artwork does an excellent job of constantly reminding us that there was a darkness in him waiting for the opportunity to grow. When you watch the movie again, I promise you won't see The Riddler in quite the same way again.

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There's so much to enjoy in Batman Vs Robin #1, both in terms of style and content; from single moments (don't get me started on the reunion “acceptance” page!) to intriguing questions, and a high-stakes set-up that has already made this series feel like an event title.

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Batman Vs Robin #2 is one of those issues that shows the many threads that make up the tapestry of the DCU. Thankfully, it's not just that. Thanks to Mark Waid's writing, this is also a story about a young man who's got mixed up with some bad people who have affected him so badly that he's turned on his father. Oh, it's also about a dad who's out of his depth and seemingly powerless in the face of this other world that's influencing his son.

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It's a lot to pack in of course, but wouldn't be great if all comics were this good?

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DC have created a trailer for this issue, which features a conversation with Paul Dano and matt reeves. Watch out for it, later today on Dark Knight News!

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If you had any suspicions that this series would be a character study rather than a plot-heavy, revelation-filled yarn, then The Riddler: Year One #2 will confirm it. In some ways it doesn't add too much to the plot in the first issue; Edward Nashton is like one of the rats that keep popping up in the background of the comic, scurrying around, seeing all, but ultimately ineffective. The thing is, that's the point; to watch him sink further in his desperation and powerlessness until something gives. The fact that Nashton's road to hell is paved with good intentions brings the story pathos that evokes Batman: The Killing Joke.

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Subic's art continues to convey the psychological breakdown so well that if the demons Edward is seeing were real, this comic would be classed a horror.

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In a funny way, The Riddler: Year One #4 is the prequel to the prequel. I say funny, but there certainly isn't any humor to be found here. Dano has created a character that's the very opposite in tone from The Joker, and this may be the darkest issue so far of an already bleak series.

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As a collected graphic novel, it will benefit from following the emotive previous chapter set at the orphanage. Considering that this is Dano's first attempt at writing a comic series, the relationship he's struck up with Subic shows great maturity and a willingness to be brave.

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Three big fights, Damian's story, the introduction of Devil Nezha's plot, plus a Batman who's confronting his past actions with the previous Robins. It sounds like too much for one issue, and it almost is. Each fight with a Robin could've been half a comic on its own. That aside, Batman Vs Robin #3 juggles everything well while still finding space for a meditation on the theme of parenthood which gives the series its emotional weight. The importance of both story and character in this series continues to build impressively.

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We all have our opinions on favoured Robins, but Batman Vs Robin has forced both characters to a new level of appreciation for each other that leads to a feeling that Damian is absolutely right for the role and that we now have a slightly different dynamic between the duo.

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Why does Bermejo seem to fit the Batman universe so well? He certainly seems to get the best out of darkness in his images. Also, his realistic style suits a character without superpowers dressed in a uniform slugging it out with grotesque versions of psychopathy – a fact he clearly understands in the way he's written the letter in Dear Detective. Either way we should all be happy that he's made a home for himself here.

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Fitzmartin's been writing Tim Drake's journey since Batman: Urban Legends and in Tim Drake: Robin #8 it's great to see her ideas developing their potential. With exciting artwork and plotting, this issue has action and a genuinely intriguing mystery which is deepened by the cliffhanger ending, one that also manages to heighten the stakes. Phew.

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In terms of tone and character, the comic finds its feet quickly, it now just needs the chance to build on the detective element.

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Tim Drake: Robin #2 has a lot of youthful energy to it, but sometimes it feels a little too young. Tim's in danger of coming across as someone new to the superhero role. However, the artwork's charming, the momentum of the plot is growing and it ends on a page that begs to be followed up on.

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Tim Drake: Robin #3 is probably the issue that's best balanced. We get a nimble, acrobatic-based action sequence, a relationship conversation that also has an added layer of intrigue, and then the raising of the villain plot. In a series that has felt more teen-targeted than young adult, this is an issue that feels more focused, maybe because Drake's getting more focused himself.

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He's reached the lowest point on his journey to consolidate his personality, both as a young man and as Robin. His complaint that he can't make his attempt at a new costume fit has metaphorical weight. Although I have quibbles about the storytelling on occasion, the character arc and narrative arc have tied in nicely and the issue teases an intriguing proper showdown between hero and villain. I'm looking forward to seeing Tim feeling comfortable in that promised new costume.

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With this being the build-up to the final issue, I was expecting Tim Drake: Robin #9 to have a little more plot and a little less character confrontation. However, while we don't get any more clues to this intriguing puzzle, those relationship complications have led to raised stakes. Let's see how Tim gets out of this one.

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It may sound contradictory, but while the story's developing at a pleasing pace, there's a rushed feel to its execution meaning that some moments are either a little muddled or don't quite ring true. Given the amount of character and story drama going on, it strangely gives Tim Drake: Robin #4 a lightweight feel, although the series is still managing to maintain its charming Young Adult tone.

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While the ingredients have been set up for an engaging world around him, for much of the time it felt as if Tim wasn't up to the task, emotionally or intellectually. However, while I feel that his hesitancy and uncertainty over his new life has been overplayed, it's nice to see him end the arc with more assurance and confidence.

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Tim Drake: Robin #7 deals with the astute recognition that, as someone who is important to Robin's storyline Bernard Dowd needs fleshing out. Thankfully Tim is still coming across as assertive and capable. However, while this series has personality, it's yet to find its groove and suffers from some questionable moments in storytelling.

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Tim Drake: Robin #10 feels like we're watching a trailer for the issue with all the important beats to the story, but without the nuances that really qualify them. The rush to tie up loose ends was inevitable, given the sudden cancellation, so it's with a heavy heart that we wave goodbye to Tim Drake's solo title.

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