Dick Grayson is struggling to adjust to his new life as Bruce Wayne’s ward, with both Bruce’s rules and Batman’s training making his life difficult. But Dick is happy to remind Bruce that turnabout is fair play. Gotham’s newest crime boss, the General, continues to vie with Two-Face for control–but could an alliance benefit both of them and spell trouble for Batman and Robin? Batman and Robin: Year One #2 is another fantastic issue that evokes the classics.

Written by Mark Waid Batman and Robin: Year One #2 is another home run of an issue that delivers action, humor, and heart with a look that’s as crisp as the storytelling. Waid dives further into the early relationship between the dynamic duo, this time focusing a bit more on Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. It also addresses a major talking point for years, isn’t it a bit odd for Wayne to be adopting these kids? Are they safe? How involved is Wayne? Through a reporter, we get questions asked and answers given about the oddity that is this unusual family. From Alfred’s role to how hands on Bruce is, the issue checks off the questions Gothamites would have, and so have readers for years. With it, we also get to see the seriousness of Bruce versus Dick’s playful behavior, extending the dynamic the two have when battling crime.

And we get to see some of that two as Dick trains with Bruce and Alfred we also see that his plan of attack and solution to problems is quite different than what Bruce would do as Batman. Waid emphasizes how similar as well as how different these two are. They both are “born” out of tragedy but the impact on their demeanor as well as how they approach life is totally different.

The art by Chris Samnee continues to amaze. With color by Samnee and Giovanna Niro and lettering by Samnee and Clayton Cowles, the comic is Samnee’s amazing style but also a little blend of what has come before. The comic feels like some of the other modern Batman classic like The Long Halloween. Part of that is due to the colors taken which gives a bit darker/muted look but at the same time not a “dark” look (if that makes sense). But, where Samnee’s art really shines is how the visuals emphasize the brightness that is Dick Grayson. Small details of him being a kid, like sticking out a tongue, the body language, the facial expressions, it all adds up to a kid who exudes a positive and bright feeling around him. It sticks out compared to the rather dour Bruce/Batman.

Batman and Robin: Year One #2 is another fantastic issue that continues to help cement this series as a modern classic. Two issues in and it feels like this is one that’ll be talked about and suggested as a “great Batman read” for years to come. Here’s hoping it can keep up the high quality for all of the issues to come.

Story: Mark Waid, Chris Samnee Writer: Mark Waid Art: Chris Samnee
Color: Giovanna Niro Letterer: Clayton Cowles, Chris Samnee
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle