BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #3 (DC COMICS)
The streets of Gotham City are getting more dangerous.
Someone is turning a group of wayward teens into a criminal movement. Dick Grayson goes undercover to investigate and finds himself with a major problem.
He’s ordered to shoot a captured Catwoman to gain entry!
BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #3 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes and Clayton Cowles (DC Comics) escalates the drama with its’ latest round.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Waid and Samnee begin with a vintage fight with the Mad Hatter. The dialogue is cold as Batman starts tearing into the unpredictable rogue. Even as the delusions grow more wild, Batman’s attack never stops progressing. It carries a heightened anger as Batman hands out justice. Readers can sense the worry in Hatter’s eyes while the police finally intervene. Gordon’s talk with Batman is more darker than usual. It is a reflection of how times are changing and not for the better.
The story shifts gears to Grayson major crisis. Waid ramps up the tension as Grayson is forced into a no-win situation. It’s presented in a climbing fashion until something intervenes. All the while, the writing shows Batman’s influence on Grayson in his decision making. It concludes with a more dramatic fall than expected. The duo’s talk comes with more business as a well placed Easter egg teases more Wayne problems. This spins into a steady ending leaving readers wanting more of this winding tale.
read last issue’s review!
Samnee and Lopes let the imagination run wild with Hatter’s fantasy set-up. Batman’s lunge into action gets a great half panel. This moves into a near full shot of Hatter’s pet ready to play. Action panels move fast as Batman has to take down the large threat. A bold full page amplifies the combat to a thrilling finish. The aftermath leads to a deeper conversation between Batman and Gordon. Their expressions reflect the dire state of Gotham as the city spins further out of control. An incredible full page provides a transition point to Grayson’s major problem.
The back and forth panels between Catwoman and Grayson drives home the intense scene. Panels using a countdown format leads to to a shocking conclusion. Catwoman’s sly exit is picture perfect, while Grayson’s fate is more dangerous in presentation. Readers watch more seeds being planted before moving to Batman. Alfred’s worry shines in the panels as he talks with a focused Batman. A spectacular full page shows the Dark Knight speeding into Gotham. It results in more great secens before leaving on a mysterious one. The last half panel shows their story is very far from over.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Batman and Robin must adapt to a city spiraling out of control with another superb issue. Waid brings out the weight of their roles with a hint of looming danger. Samnee, Lopes & Cowles continue to impress with stunning art. Readers won’t be able to escape this series’ charms.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE - DYNAMIC DUOS #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
