Father and son. Bruce and Damian. Batman and Robin. From Batman vs. Robin to Knight Terrors, a lot has happened to the Dynamic Duo, but now they are back together and ready to fight crime in Gotham–just in time for Batman’s most monstrous rogues to team up to turn the city into an urban jungle! A new villain watches from the shadows, intent on revenge, with a plot to turn one of Batman’s greatest assets against him! Can Damian help his father solve the case before it’s too late? Batman and Robin #1 brings the functionally dysfunctional father and son crime-fighting duo back together for all-new adventures.

Written by Joshua Williams, Batman and Robin #1 is a solid start to the new series that currently takes place during the current “Gotham War” storyline. A new mystery begins with a mysterious villain on a mission to collect items and people they need for… something. While Catwoman has gathered and organized the low level thugs, this new villain is getting a bit more talent that pose a bigger threat tot he crime-fighting family.

But, beyond setting up the action, Williams focuses the issue on the fallout of recent events and the relationship of a father and his son. There’s been massive changes for each character including a dialing back of the luxury they both are used to. It seems too that Bruce as Damian’s father realizes he needs to try to be an actual father and support his son’s emotional growth. It’s an interesting aspect and Williams’ story plays off everything really well.

Where the comic feels like it really stands out is the art by Simone Di Meo. Di Meo’s pencils and color, along with lettering by Steve Wands, pops on the page with a great look for the characters and one that really lends itself to dynamic visuals. The overall feel and result is a comic that has a balance between the gritty, dark and gloomy art of the past and the dayglo neon Gotham we’ve seen elsewhere. There’s also some great panel and page layouts that combined with Williamson’s script delivers a comic that is full of kinetic energy that exudes the playful fun that’s intended.

Batman and Robin #1 is an entertaining start that has a voice of its own and stands out from other comics in the Bat-family. It delivers a start that does a solid job of reminding us about the rather odd family dynamic and teasing enough of Bruce and Damian’s personal life to let us know where they stand emotionally. This is one that’s well worth checking out and swinging in to.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Simone Di Meo
Color: Simone Di Meo Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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