Batman and Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos #1: Birds of a Feather

The dynamic duo is back! After saving the city from Two-Face and Clayface, Batman and Robin have returned to their routine crime-fighting ways. However, nothing in Gotham is ever simple, especially crime. When Bruce is accosted by a group of kid pickpockets, he and Dick find themselves in a mystery that will place them in the claws of a familiar femme fatale.

Batman and Robin: Year One was one of the best comics to come out last year. Mark Waid and Chris Samnee collaborated on a very fun and heartfelt story about Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson’s first year together after Bruce adopted Dick. It was a more stripped down crime story, where the focus was more on the pair’s relationship than superheroes. This first issue seems to continue that trend.

Mark Waid is a legend in this game and his mastery of these characters is once again on full display in this opening issue. Dick feels like an actual kid and his back and forth with an exasperated Bruce is very fun to read. The best showcase of Waid’s understanding of Batman is when Bruce and his date encounter the pickpockets in the alley. Bruce screaming “We are not prey!” was both frightening when you know he’s saying it to children, and sad when you know why he’s said it.

Chris Samnee is just as important to this book as he also worked with Waid on the story in addition to doing his always stellar artwork. The characters are well-rounded and stand out against the detailed cityscapes washed in Mat Lopes’ warm and muted color palettes which add to the grittiness of Gotham.