Review: ROBIN – SON OF BATMAN #4

Script & Pencils:  Patrick Gleason
Inks:  Mick Gray
Colors:  John Kalisz
Letters:  Tom Napolitano
Publisher:  DC Comics

“Year of Blood” – Part Four.  Damian continues his quest of redemption.  By his side are Gladiator and Ducard, who was initially after him.  What they do not know is someone else has taken up that cause, and is on their trail.

What I Liked

Patrick Gleason handles the pencils and scripts.  In the opening flashback sequence, he pens a peaceful landscape on Al Ghul Island.  Colorist John Kalisz crafts grass that looks like it is lifted straight off a farm, with authentic-looking clouds.  These looks back into the past show the reader just how much Damian has changed from then till now.

Another great spread shows Robin riding Gladiator over a city overlooking a body of water.  The cityscape comes to life from its amber lights.  The colors all throughout the comic are really well done by Kalisz.

Damian’s speech pattern is the best.  He is always calm and cool, even when he is being condescending.

Deathstroke makes for a nice matchup for Robin.  In other media we have seen Damian take on Deathstroke (most recently in the animated movie Son of Batman), but I am not sure if it has happened in the New 52 world.  Deathstroke’s introduction also makes sense, since it ties into Nobody/Ducard being here.

What I Didn’t Like

The fight choreography between Deathstroke and Robin visually looked great.  However, the direction the eyes were led from panel to panel could have been better.  Robin or Deathstroke would be flipping in one panel, but end up out of place in the next.  At one point, Deathstroke was holding a different weapon in each hand, and in the next shot, both weapons have switched hands.

Finally, I hope there is a twist regarding Damian’s mission to atone for his sins.  It would be too simple for him to succeed without any complications along the way.  Will his mother get involved?  Ra’s Al Ghul himself?

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE