Writer Tom King, along with multiple artists, ends the Robin War in a hugely gratifying way while ending with a development that promises to rock the Bat-world (as well as the entire DC Universe) in a gargantuan way.
Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Khary Randolph, Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Steve Pugh, and Scott McDaniel and Andy OwensThe stunning conclusion to the “Robin War” is here!
With “Robin War” #2, writer Tom King successfully combines the drama of a fast-paced event with emotional moments that humanizes the protagonists. The three classic Robins, along with Damian, are featured in this sixth and final part of the “Robin War” event. But it’s the group of Robins from writer Lee Bermejo’s title “We Are Robin” that are given the most attention. King has a natural knack when it comes to their dialogue and is especially successful with Duke Thomas. This particular Robin was created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo and is proven, by King’s pen, that he is a character who deserves a lasting future as part of the Bat-family.
The other Robins to get especially poignant moments are Damian Wayne and Dick Grayson. The two “sons” of Batman, the oldest and the youngest, are characterized by King in wonderfully appropriate ways. The importance of family has been a hallmark of the Batman mythos for decades and these two Robins understand and personify his mission movingly and selflessly in King’s story. It makes sense that King would be so comfortable writing Dick because he has been co-writing “Grayson”, which has been one of the best comics to come from DC, with Tim Seeley. When the shocking final page is revealed, we understand Dick’s decision.
This 38-page oversized one-shot has multiple artists. Despite the various people involved, the art transitions are not that jarring. The stand-out artists in “Robin War” #2 are Carmine Di Giandomenico, Khary Randolph, and the team of Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens. Di Giandomenico lends a grittier style to his contributions than the other artists. A street brawl has the air of an apocalyptic showdown of heroic proportions. Colorist Mat Lopes highlights that impending doom with colors that are ominous with their feeling of claustrophobic thickness.
Khary Randolph, who has supplied the art for much of the “We Are Robin” title, brings his usual expressiveness to the “Robin War” finale. The Robin featured in the opening pages exudes feelings of resignation and hopelessness. In one simple yet impactful page, we get a bird’s eye view of that Robin as he watches television on a couch. Even the most mundane moments such as these are given a monumental aura by Randolph. Emilio Lopez’s colors on Randolph’s pages are diverse and always complicated, with the manipulation of shadow and light melding quite well with Randolph’s pencils.
Veteran artist Scott McDaniel, working with Andy Owens, brings his signature style to his respective pages. McDaniel and Owens bring a sleek element to their art, which is appropriate for blockbuster superheroics. Both are good at depicting battle and also using colors that are fitting for Robins. Unlike Batman, they need a brighter sheen to their costumes and surroundings.
Despite my emphasis on these artists, the other contributors add their own unique touch. Steve Pugh and the team of Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez are just as deserving of praise, as does the colorist Chris Sotomayor. Steve Pugh draws an especially awesome rendition of Damian Wayne as Robin.
“Robin War” #2, as well as the previous chapters of this mini-event, is an example of crossovers done in an enjoyable and meaningful way. There is no filler and instead the focus is placed on character. One of Tom King’s strengths is characterization and he compels us to care for these characters. He brings Dick, Duke, and Damian to life and gives them moments that make us want to continue the journey alone with them on their future exploits. With more than capable artists working with him on “Robin War” #2, King has effortlessly closed one chapter on the Robins’ saga while setting up a perilous future for one of the boy wonders.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – The status quo-shattering ending to “Robin War” #2 is not the only exciting part of this book. The attention to character and world-building is also admirable.
