Robin # 119 Review

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Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Time Won’t Tell

Written by: Jon Lewis
Penciled by: Pete Woods
Inked by: Andrew Pepoy
Colored by: Noelle Giddings
Lettered by: Willie Schubert
Assistant Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics

Que Sera Sera

The changing of the guard is rapidly approaching for Robin. Jon Lewis who took over from Chuck Dixon a little less than two years ago, is out after next issue. His replacement will be white hot Fables writer, Bill Willingham. The last storyline of the Lewis era has finally settled in during the pen-ultimate chapter. Sadly, it’s still a big disappointment following some truly wonderful stories.

The opening six pages are dedicated to a boring fight scene in the Batcave; with the titular hero versus Yak Black. As the fight meandered on, I wistfully hoped for some characterization. After the fight flamed out, the book finally got down to basics and turned into a fairly good issue. At least good in comparison to the utterly disappointing stories the past couple of months have seen.

The search for Benedict Arnold, or some such thing.

The current arc focuses on a traitorous presence within the midst of the Batman Family. I enjoyed this month’s issue more than the last couple, because of the downplayed nature of the catalyst for this storyline, a message from a robotic future Alfred a few months back. While the storyline is still playing out, at least the specifics weren’t mentioned. They will come back as the storyline closes out next month, but out of sight, out of mind was a good thing this month.

A good portion of the issue, following the fight with Black, follows Robin as he trails the hero he is most suspicious of, Batgirl. Robin’s suppositions seem to have merit, and the prying eye he casts upon the newest member of the gang is quite interesting. The best parts of the issue though are the scenes between Robin and his main squeeze, Stephanie (the hero Spoiler). Characterization between the two has been far too minimal of late, and I always like to see advancement in the relationship.

While Jon Lewis’ stories haven’t been to my liking the last few months, the artwork continues to impress. Pete Woods and Andrew Pepoy are a really solid team and I look forward to Mr. Woods work coming up on Detective Comics, as he too leaves the book after next month.

Inexorably heading to a finish.

Robin had become one of the books I looked forward to the most, just prior to this story arc. While the last issues of Mr. Lewis’ run have soured me somewhat, I am very anxious to see what Bill Willingham will do with the character. As for Mr. Lewis’ future, he’s put forth enough excellent material on Robin, that I’ll definitely give him the benefit of the doubt, and sample his next work.