Batman and Robin: Year One – Dynamic Duos #3: Cats in the Belfry

While Batman is busy dealing with the latest scheme concocted by the Mad Hatter, Robin successfully infiltrates the hideout of the “Lone Wolves” and meets their mysterious leader. When Dick is ordered by the leader to kill a captured Catwoman to prove his loyalty, both members of the Dynamic Duo will be tested in ways they hadn’t imagined.

This issue is split into two distinct halves that have an emotional throughline to tie them together. Batman’s more bombastic battle high above in Gotham, contrasts well with Robin’s more personal battle underground. Batman’s righteous anger towards Mad Hatter, and Robin’s ironclad morality have both been forged through their time together. What this results in is an introspective issue that has plenty of action, but solid examinations of its various subjects as well.

Mark Waid’s Batman is a bit more campy in dialogue compared to how he is depicted in later stories on the shelves, but there is some modern flair here and there to keep things from being too disconnected. Robin is a bit more dialed into modern times, which helps sell his younger age more. The conversation between Batman and Gordon after apprehending Mad Hatter helps reaffirm the themes of the story in a way that’s not heavy-handed and helps lead into Robin’s plot. Dick’s escape from the Wolf Pack leader is a bit too clean for my liking, but there are still some issues to explore just what else will happen with him. Catwoman doesn’t do much throughout this issue, but her growing familiarity with “Kitten” is starting to pay dividends in the story.

Chris Samnee’s visual storytelling is at a higher place than usual in this issue and that’s saying a lot. The fight between Batman and Mad Hatter is action-packed, while Robin’s mission is very tense with a few meaningful panels strewn throughout. It’s a great display of Robin’s growth as a character in the course of the series so far. All of this is highlighted as well by Matt Lopes’ muted palette of grays, blues, and greens.