Batman and Robin: Year One #5 – Mark Waid, Writer; Chris Samnee, Artist; Matheus Lopes, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: This continues to be one of the most entertaining depictions of the early days of the Batman/Robin partnership I’ve ever seen, combining heart-pounding action with lighter moments – such as the first segment here, where Bruce has to pick up Dick after the boy almost immediately gets suspended from school. Turns out he really didn’t take kindly to the teacher referring to the class as a “circus”. A few threats later, Batman and Robin are back on track, as they continue to hunt down the Grimaldi crime family and his mysterious associates – one of whom seems to be a master of disguise. After a discussion with Commissioner Gordon, Batman sends Robin home and takes his investigation into a new realm – the world of high society, as he meets up with an old friend who has made the radical decision to liquidate much of his business empire and start a new chapter. Except something seems a bit off…
The cover gives it away, but the main villain in this issue is Clayface. Not the tragic actor turned hulking beast Basil Karlo, but the much smarter and more ruthless Matt Hagan, who has a vibe similar to a horror villain. Chris Samnee has been doing amazing work since the start of this miniseries, but this may be his best yet, as he perfectly captures the vibe of this shambling mutant monster who kills people and then steals their appearances to take over their lives. And it makes sense that Batman would want to keep Robin out of this high-stakes investigation – but Robin is not likely to listen, and soon sets out on his own quest. This brings him into a trap set by the Grimaldis, as our main villain plans to use him as bait to bring Batman to him. Great penultimate issue setting up a tense showdown, and likely to be one of the defining stories of the Batman/Robin alliance and how it began.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
