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...

REVIEW: Legends of the Dark Knight #1 (Print Edition)

No annoying Owls, no New 52 retcons, and an appearance by Tim Drake as ROBIN? Quite possibly one of the best Batman comics of 2012. No, seriously.

Raining...again

Appearing for the first time in print, Legends of the Dark Knight is a compiled release of the first three short stories of the 2012 digital-first series of the same name. All three stories are stand-alone tales and take place outside of regular current DC continuity. It's a nice breath of fresh air after a year of New 52 frustration and confusion. Just classic stuff really, and any fan of Batman old and new will enjoy this series. 

If you aren't down to the pay the $4 cover price, each story is available digitally for $.99 cents. Since the series is digital-first, it was meant to be read digitally and supposedly a much better experience. I prefer print so I'll leave you all to be the judge! :)

Batman drinks coffee?

Ever wonder that Batman's weakness really is? In "The Butler Did It", writer Damon Lindelof and artist Jeff Lemire take a look back at a young, arrogant Batman/Bruce Wayne as he learns a valuable lesson or two from the ever-wise and faithful Alfred.

"All of the Above", my favorite story in the issue,  pits Batman against Justice League villain Amazo. Stranded alone on the JLA Watchtower, Batman's "powers" are put to the test. (Keep an eye out for the Adam West reference.) Kudos to Jonathan Larsen and JG Jones for reminding us why Batman is so awesome.

Guess who?

Finally, "The Crime Never Committed" penned by Tom Taylor and drawn by Nicola Scott features Batman intervening to prevent a crime that he knows will be committed. Tim Drake makes an appearance here in his classic Robin costume, and I can't say I didn't squee just a little when I turned to that page.

THE GOOD: Just a great book with three superb stories that highlight Batman's strengths and weaknesses. Nothing too over the top or shocking, and a nice break from all the frustrations of the New 52. I dare say, it ranks as one of the best Batman issues of 2012.

THE BAD: Absolutely nothing wrong with this issue. 

FINAL VERDICT - A+

You might also like:

• Batman Annual Issue 1 - The Torment of Mr. Freeze
• Nightwing Issue 1 - Full Circle
• Secret Avengers Issue 21.1 - Hawkeye Leads the Team

REVIEW: Nightwing #0

DC's 'Zero Month' continues with Nightwing #0 and the New 52 retelling/reboot of Dick Grayson's origins as the original Boy Wonder.

Although the issue is actually very well written with amazingly drawn and colored visuals, the changes DC has made in Nightwing #0 are simply unforgivable. It proves the age old saying that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Possible spoilers ahead.

What's next for the Batman film franchise?

With Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy behind us, what's next for the franchise? There's lots of possibilities but only a few that we wouldn't mind seeing.

If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises, STOP READING NOW. 

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.

RUSTED SPOTLIGHT: Batman

The Batman.

The Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, the World's Greatest Detective! My first memory of Batman was at my 2nd birthday party. My parents always tell me it was a grand event - a long guest list, giant cake, balloons, and food galore. But I don't remember a single detail from the day...except for the BATMAN COSTUME I got. Come to think of it, I don't even know who it was that gave it to me...

This month marks the 73rd anniversary of Batman's first appearance in Detective Comics #27. Unless you've been living under a rock (and just somehow stumbled upon this blog), you know the legend of his origin, so I'll spare the repetitive back story.

The Caped Crusader has grown into a worldwide cultural icon, and is no doubt one of the most popular and recognizable figures today. It's arguable that Batman isn't just one of the best superheroes ever, but one of the greatest fictional characters ever. But what is it that makes Batman still so popular?

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.

Recommended Reading! Robin: Year One

Holy Escrima sticks, Batman! First published as a four part miniseries, Robin: Year One isn't merely another origin story, but an early tale of Dick Grayson's beginnings with the Dark Knight. Batman (and Robin) fans are in for a treat.

Nightwing a playable character in Batman: Arkham City

Dickie G fans, you're in for a treat! Rocksteady has announced that Nightwing will be a fully playable character in the upcoming Batman: Arkham City game. Check out the full official image and more details after the jump.

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