Batman vs. Robin #2: Dream Logic

Of the many Batman-adjacent books on the stands, Batman vs. Robin #2 might be the most appropriate for this time of year. For one, the series is filled with magic users, good and bad. But with this issue, in particular, there are some nods to DC’s spookier side. Mark Waid cleverly includes Cain and Abel and their House of Secrets and the three witches: Mordred, Mildred, and Cynthia. While many readers will know these characters from the pages of The Sandman, I feel that Waid is channeling the Bronze Age eras of House of Secrets and The Witching Hour. In fact, Batman and Alfred making their way through the House of Secrets and fighting with dream logic feel like something straight out of Batman book from the same era. At the same time, Batman vs. Robin #2 rightfully feels brand new, mainly because it seems to be picking up right after the events of the Lazarus Tournament from the recent Robin series. 

Mahmud Asrar’s pencils are top-notch and full of fun action. Waid’s writing moves fast and gives Asar a lot to deliver, but Asar more than keeps up and captures the sensibilities of the era Waid is drawing from. Jordie Bellaire continues to show why she is one of the best colorists working today. Bellaire is the one that breathes life into the magic filling this issue. Steve Wands’ lettering particularly stood out to me on this issue. I may be way off by thinking Waid is leaning into the Bronze Age for this issue, but a lot of the dialogue felt like classic “thinking out loud” speech. Wands handles the dialogue with ease and makes sure the reader enjoys every word. We are only two issues in, but I think this is a really fun series. It definitely helps that Waid did the groundwork in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest. Readers got enough backstory on Nezha to know he’s a threat, so Waid doesn’t have to do too much rehashing.