Batman & Robin: Year One #2: Settling In

Last month’s debut of Batman & Robin: Year One was a near-perfect issue that accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Mark Waid and Chris Samnee’s vision of Batman and Robin’s first year works both as a reimagining of the early days of the Dynamic Duo and another worthy entry to helm the “Year One” title. Batman & Robin: Year One #2 is written by Waid, with Chris Samnee on art, Giovanna Niro joining as colorist, and Clayton Cowels as the letterer. Issue #1 hit the shelves running and didn’t waste any time, but issue #2 has a little more room to breathe which leads to a smooth reading experience. Waid and Samnee plotted the story together, which is one of the reasons the pacing is so effective. 

Early in the issue, readers are treated to a fantastic double-page spread depicting Dick training with Bruce and Alfred. Everything from the dialogue to the art and colors will have readers lingering to take in as much detail as possible. Waid does a wonderful job establishing the relationship between Bruce and Dick here, though there are other moments that do similar things. Right after the training scene, Gotham CPS pays a visit to Wayne Manor, where Bruce and Laura, the CPS worker, walk in on Dick performing his trapeze act from chandeliers. Samnee does an incredible job depicting this scene. It’s quick but packed with humor and a great contrast from the more grandiose training segment.

This issue also sheds some more light on the criminal element of the story, with Two-Face approaching The General and offering his services for a price. Two-Face seems like a great character to include in this series. He is such a pivotal character to Batman in this part of his career, but his inclusion is also a great way to show that Gotham isn’t swarming with Batman’s rogue gallery just yet, though there is a hint of another classic foe later. Samnee’s art is gorgeous and flows so well with the writing and lettering. Gotham took the spotlight in many instances in this issue. Samnee does an incredible job of balancing the modern and retro influences without overdoing either. Even the office at the Child Protective Services office felt this way. There is technology present like computers but it doesn’t rip the reader into a certain time period. Giovanna Niro joins this issue as colorist and she is another great pick. Her use of pastels and warmer tones helps boost the feeling that Samnee’s art evokes. It’s nostalgic to earlier ages of comic books while still feeling modern and not hindered by the limitations of the time. Samnee and Niro balance the warmer tones with cooler colors in the back half of the issue where Batman and Robin cut through the cave system and then save a family from a fire. The contrast in the colors works brilliantly and just adds to the ambiance of this city. It is a scary and dangerous situation but still filled with hope. Towards the end of the issue, readers will see the saved family embracing with Batman putting his arm on Robin’s shoulder as they walk away. It’s little moments like these that prove Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are making something special with this series.