Batman has a new Robin: a rash, impulsive, reckless kid with a troubled past, who Batman was certain he could mold into Gotham’s next crime-fighter. But can the Dark Knight save Jason Todd from the darkness within himself? And when a mysterious new villain sets his sights on Jason, Batman finds himself doubtful that even he has what it takes to train the anger and torment out of his new young ward. Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1 is a hell of a start from a creative team that consistently make comic magic together.

Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1 shows once again that if you see Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen teamed up to create a comic, it’s best to make sure you get it. The team have worked together before on Little Monsters, Descender, and Ascender at Image Comics, and have shown they’re a powerhouse combo of creators (together and on their own). Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1 is another example of that taking the rather disliked Robin that was Jason Todd and filling him full of rage and grief delivering understanding, motivation, and empathy for a troubled youth.

Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1 is interesting in that it feels like it expresses a public perception at times of the character of Jason Todd. He’s a Robin that’s driven by anger and a need for revenge to fill the hole in his heart. That creates mistakes but also a character that’s hard to like. The readers, like Alfred and Bruce Wayne in the comic, aren’t sure what to make of him or what to do with him. Are we to like him? Cheer him on? Or make him a villain and challenge in Batman’s fight for justice?

Lemire adds another option, empathy and understanding. The debut issue shows Jason as a character haunted by the trauma of his past. His father murdered. A mother he overdosed. He’s a troubled youth that needs someone who understands the horrors that haunt him. It’s a connection Bruce should be able to make considering his own trauma, but doesn’t seem to make the connection or maybe he doesn’t know how to connect beyond fighting crime.

Nguyen’s art is amazing as expected. With lettering by Steve Wands, the visuals are a treat to a story that’s already fantastic. Somehow, Nguyen is able to present Robin as both youthful excitement and troubled youth. There’s something in the art that creates a character that feels like he’s having more fun than the reality of the rage within him. The colors and art style overall is so unique, it’s beautiful to see and will have you lingering on the page.

Robin and Batman: Jason Todd #1 is a solid debut as expected focusing in on a rather controversial Robin. But, with Lemire and Nguyen as the team behind it, we expected nothing less.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen
Color: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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