The Best Robin Ever?

With all the hubbub over the recent events in Batman, Incorporated, the topic of 'Best Robin' has been thrown around lately in comic shops, internet forums, and dinner conversations (at least mine, anyway). Let's be honest - it's a debate that truly has no wrong answer, but we here at Rusted Mecha obviously have our own opinion on the matter. 

But first, let's set some ground rules...

Injustice Gods Among Us: Damian Wayne

Fans of Damian Wayne should pick up the latest Injustice: Gods Among Us digital comic to catch a glimpse of the Boy Wonder one more time!

Review: Batman & Robin Issue 0

The introduction of Damian Wayne in the New 52 timeline is showcased here. While the issue doesn't cover anything new about the prodigy, issue 0 touches upon the fierce development of Damian, under his taskmaster mother.

Why the Revelation in Batman #10 Doesn't Work

If you haven't already read Batman #10, I highly suggest you run, don't walk, to your nearest local comic book shop and do so. The latest chapter in Scott Snyder's Night of the Owls arc is definitely a game changer, and a huge turning point for the entire Batman mythos. The issue's revelation has also already spurred some intense controversy amongst Batman purists and casual comic book readers. Yep, it's one of those issues, boys and girls.

Spoilers ahead. You have been warned. SPOILERS. AHEAD.

REVIEW: Batman Annual #1: The Torment of Mr. Freeze

For years the quintessential origin of Mr. Freeze came from the 1992 Batman - The Animated Series episode "Heart of Ice". Incidentally it's also one of the best episodes the best episode to come from the iconic TV series, which is saying quite a lot. Following the positive critical response of the episode and a resurgence in the villain's popularity, DC even retconned the comic book version of Mr. Freeze to more closely resemble and portray the animated version. The episode also influenced the plot of 1997's infamous and horrible Batman and Robin, where Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Mr. Freeze. 

It's hard to believe that "Heart of Ice" first aired 20 years ago. Now that we've somewhat adjusted into DC's New 52 Universe, I guess the heads at DC thought that Victor Fries needed a new origin as well, and the first New 52 annual issue of Batman retells the now classic tragedy. Victor's origin isn't safe from the New 52 relaunch however, as there are some major changes and additions which tie directly into the current Night of the Owls event. (Reanimated undead Talon assassins? Ring any bells?) Fans can rest easy however - though the change is not necessarily better, it's definitely a different take on one of the Batman's better villains and worth the read.

Warning! Spoilers ahead. SPOILERS. AHEAD.

DC Comics: The New 52 - November Run Down

AQUAMAN #3 - Geoff Johns continues to prove that Aquaman is actually pretty cool. I love how Johns incorporates all of our preconceptions and prejudices of Aquaman and Mera and clearly defines what they're really capable of. Solid story, and great art by Ivan Reis. Waiting for #4!

BATMAN #3 - Though this issue honestly felt like filler, it is by no means a bad comic book. Another good issue by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, even though not much really happens. One can assume it's going to be crazy good next month. I especially liked seeing Batman using a glider through Gotham City.

GREEN LANTERN #3 - Sinestro and Hal Jordan are obvious archenemies, but have surprisingly great chemistry together. Another fun issue, and Sinestro steals the spotlight here. It ends with a pretty crazy cliffhanger. Another series that I'm looking forward reading next month.

REVIEW: Batman #1

The DCnU relaunch still has a week's worth of books left, but I'm going to go ahead and call it - Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman #1 is by far the greatest issue of the New 52, and one of the best comics I've ever read.

Scott Snyder had an AMAZING run on Detective Comics before the DC relaunch, and this issue of Batman is more of the same. After writing Dick Grayson Batman so well, I was honestly a little skeptical if he'd get the Bruce Wayne Batman down, but Snyder doesn't disappoint. He just knows Batman, and Snyder somehow nailed every aspect of the character in ONE ISSUE, and even managed to keep the story current and not alienate new readers.

Seriously, this single issue has it all - Batman takes on Arkham Asylum, does his Bruce Wayne rich-boy spiel, plays detective with Commissioner Gordon (and Harvey Bullock), and sneaks in a new gadget or two. We even get to see Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne all in the same room. Wow!

As far as the art of the book, it's amazingly done as well. Greg Capullo's work is beautiful, and I love his take on Batman's new costume. (Sorry, Jim Lee!) Capullo put a lot of effort and attention to details - everything from the Riddler's question-mark shaped mohawk to Damian's red sneakers is just wonderfully done. Although nothing has changed story-wise in the Batman books post-relaunch, all the characters are clearly younger. Bruce is more baby-faced, Dick Grayson is noticeable shorter than Bruce, and Commissioner Gordon's hair is red once again. Capullo's modern redesigns for Batman's rogues gallery is also worth nothing.

There isn't really more that I can say here without spoiling the book. The ending will leave you stupefied, and I can honestly admit that my jaw dropped after the last page. If you're even just the least bit interested in comic books or a casual Batman fan, I strongly urge you to pick this one up.

THE GOOD: EVERYTHING. Snyder just knows Bruce/Batman, and there isn't anything he missed here, from the public persona of Bruce Wayne, the new gadgetry, the detective work, to the Arkham Asylum villains. I especially loved the way he reintroduced us to Dick, Tim, and Damian.

THE BAD: If I really have to complain about anything, I don't like the book's new logo.

THE ART: Simply awesome. Greg Capullo draws an awesome Batman, and I love his take on the new militaristic-styled costume. This is Capullo's FIRST work on any Bat-book, but it's so well done you'd think he was drawing these characters for years.

FINAL VERDICT: A++

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Images appear courtesy of DC Comics