BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #1 (DC COMICS)
A lot can happen within a year.
Bruce Wayne’s life was forever changed when he took in an orphaned Dick Grayson. Little did anyone realize at the time this would forge a legendary partnership. Their initial outing was a rocky one filled with danger. Dealing with the like of Clayface, Two-Face & General Grimaldi, Batman and Robin went through a trial by fire.
The result was a forged bond centered on justice. From here, the challenges only grew far more difficult. In this mystery, it centers around a group of wayward kids.
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #1 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC Comics) sees the fan-favorite creative team embark on a new adventure!
Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds now.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid and Samnee jumps back into this era without missing a beat. The opening involving the Scorpio cult crafts a dangerous feel. It quickly is interrupted by Batman waiting in the darkness. Readers watch as the combat goes fast as The Dynamic Duo pounce into action. Their dialogue captures Grayson’s overjoyed personality. Even with taking down the bad guys, his gleefulness in stopping crime breaks Batman’s aura. It helps move the story into its main setting with questions following.
Once inside the Batcave, the writing allows both heroes to let their guards down a touch. Waid gives them great dialogue as they clash over where events lead from here. The result is a sight rarely seen: Bruce Wayne enjoying a night out (without costume). This brief pause of life turns rather quickly when a wrong turn is taken. Readers watch as a small conflict escalates out of control. It tests Wayne’s patience as a new player has emerged in the City. The fallout plants some groundwork while giving a solid reveal to the mysterious new figure. Knowing this character’s reputation, events just became more complicated. Perfect set-up to tease what lies ahead.
PREVIOUSLY IN YEAR ONE!
Samnee and Lopes keep things simple with the opening pages. Using a color pallet of black and red, it creates a sense of brutal worry as the cult attempts their actions. A phenomenal full page shows who’s waiting for them. This sets the tone for the fast action forthcoming. Panels move fast as the duo gets to work. Readers watch as business is handled in a timely sense. The art sneaks in some great expressions as the duo wraps up events. It serves as a great set-up for the next phase.
A series of fantastic two page spreads serve as a bridge to get to the next conflict. These images mirror the dialogue to a fan-favorite moment. It ushers in the night out with a glimpse of actual enjoyment from Mr. Wayne. This mood is dashed as his attackers emerge. The ruckus is brief but challenging to present. Samnee’s staging of panels keep pressure on the moment. It’s elevated with the new player’s entrance. Mixing up the color scheme keeps readers guessing as it moves to another solid two pages set-up. It breaks for a full page reveal of who’s arrived on the scene. The final page adds a bit more questions into the sequence before dipping out until next round. Another visual treat for fans.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
A new look at the Dark Knight and Boy Wonder showcases their growth while bringing a new danger to Gotham. Waid orchestrates events with superb writing. Samnee and Lopes set the bar high with their art. A timeless look at legendary heroes that never goes out of style or suspense.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
