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Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 4/26/14
This is the week of zero issues, apparently! All of the cool kids are starting off their new comic books with an issue #0 instead of the traditional #1. Because who needs tradition, amiright? Besides, ‘zero’ starts with a ‘Z’, so that makes it cooler already.
We’ve got both Justice League United #0, the start off the next Justice League spin-off , and Original Sin #0, a prologue to this Summer’s Big Event from Marvel. Original Sin actually makes for a nice little prologue, while this #0 issue of Justice League United actually reads like a #1 issue. I wouldn’t be surprised if Justice League United #1 just picks right up from where #0 left off.
So what was the point?
Beyond those zero books, we’ve got new issues of Aquaman, Fantastic Four and Batman Eternal, which continues its efforts to drive me insane. I also decided to jump back into Red Lanterns, which was a good choice, because Red Lanterns #30 wins Comic Book of the Week! Though, admittedly, there wasn’t much released this week.
Comic Reviews: Aquaman #30, Batman Eternal #3, Fantastic Four #3, Justice League United #0, Original Sin #0 and Red Lanterns #30.
You can also check out my review for Elektra #1 at Word of the Nerd!
Batman Does Not Understand Why He Needs a Robin
Batman needs a Robin. I already went over that earlier in the week. And it’s also my theory that Bruce Wayne doesn’t really understand why he needs a Robin. He just doesn’t get it. Oh sure, he can recognize the strategic benefits of having a partner. And maybe he even enjoys being a teacher and mentor. But Batman doesn’t really understand the crucial motivations that go into becoming a successful sidekick to the Dark Knight.
The key issue is whether or not the new sidekick wants to be Robin or whether they want to be Batman’s partner. And the difference will determine whether they are a success or a failure as the Boy Wonder.
One big happy family
There have been five different Robins in standard DC continuity. And it is my claim that when you look at the origins and outcomes of each of those Robins, you will see that their success or failure can be predicted based on what role Batman played in how they became Robin, and whether they were in it for the glory of the being Robin or whether they just wanted to help Batman. There’s a big difference between the two, even if it doesn’t sound like it at first.
When Batman picks the Robin, it ell ends in disaster. But when the Robin picks Batman, it works out great!
Join me after the jump as I explain why Batman doesn’t understand his own sidekick. Also, there will be SPOILERS after the jump! So be warned.
Why Robin Matters
Robin the Boy Wonder is the most maligned superhero in the world of comics. He gets no respect. His mentor, Batman, is one of the most beloved and iconic heroes in the entire world! But poor little Robin gets picked on and teased to no end. It’s a travesty. And it’s going to change.
I’m here to tell you folks that Robin is one of the best superheroes in comics and he doesn’t deserve all the hate. Forget the 1960s Batman TV show, push all of the gay jokes out of your mind, and let’s just pretend that 1997’s Batman and Robin never happened. Because if all you’re going to do is focus on the worst interpretations of the character then you’ll never see the whole picture.
And Robin is a deeper and far more interesting character than anyone gives him credit for. Until now. It’s time to give Robin all the credit.
Robin’s importance to the Batman mythos can be summed up in four key points that we’re going to explore in this article. The first idea is my own, the second I got from noted Batmanologist Chris Sims from Comics Alliance. The third idea comes from artist Tim Sale. The fourth is just kind of obvious.
1.) Robin represents approval of Batman’s costumed crimefighting. Characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred will only ever accept that Batman exists, but Robin is not only someone who approves of the life, but has flourished in it.
2.) Robin is a reflection of Batman, in that this is what happens to a child who loses his parents when there is a Batmanaround to help him.
3.) Robin is visually and psychologically the opposite of Batman, creating an inventive and appealing juxtaposition and balance between the two characters.
4.) Robin can change; Batman can’t.
Join me after the jump and we can get started!
Batgirl: The Web Movie!
I never read Bryan Q. Miller’s apparently excellent Batgirl series, which saw vigilante Stephanie Brown donning a rather awesome black and purple costume to assume the role of Gotham’s girliest protector. But I know one group of fans who read it and loved it enough to take their fandom to the ultimate level – a fan film! Here is the first full trailer for Batgirl: Spoiled.
Hopefully the actual web series itself will be coming shortly. You can find out more about on Facebook.
The cinematography looks very top notch, and they are definitely not skimping on the fighting. Though if I’m being completely honest, I don’t think that costume fits all that well on the actress. She looks a little too much like a delicate cosplayer than an actual vigilante superhero. But she still looks smashing. Plus cameos by Renee Montoya and more? I’m in!
For those who don’t know, Stephanie Brown was a supporting character in the Batman comics in the 90s. She was the daughter of a super-villain, and decided to put on her own costume and call herself Spoiler in order to help Batman and Robin take down her dad. Then Stephanie decided to stick around as the Spoiler, not least of why because she started dating Robin. Stephanie even became Robin herself for a short period of time when her boyfriend gave up the mantle. Stephanie is the only female Robin in regular DC continuity, even if it was short-lived. When her boyfriend came back and took over again, Stephanie moved on and became the new Batgirl, leading a rather popular, quirky and fun series – from what I’ve heard.
Unfortunately, Stephanie’s Batgirl series came to an end when DC rebooted their entire comic universe in the New 52. Stephanie’s time as both Robin and Batgirl was erased from continuity, and she has yet to reappear in the New 52. So sadness for Stephanie fans. Maybe this web series will provide some happiness.
Henchman-4-Hire 