Scott's Take: Batman and Robin: Year One by Mark Waid and Illustrator Chris Samnee

Batman and Robin: Year One by Mark Waid, Illustrator Chris Samnee is a miniseries that is set in the past of the current DC Universe. In this story, Robin (Dick Grayson) and Bruce Wayne are still in the early days of their partnership and do not fully trust or understand each other. Can they become true partners? Is Robin ready to be a hero for Gotham? Can they become a family?  Is Bruce ready to be a father? These major questions are at the heart of their dynamic in this story.

 

The actual plot is way more complicated than the plot synopsis. I can’t explain how without including details that are not in the little plot synopsis snippet. To avoid any chance of spoilers, I would say that this is more of a conspiracy/mystery read with those character beats as part of the ongoing narrative.

 

There are a few villains in this story. The art is pretty good with good character expression. This is a humorous story, overall, with some dark elements and a lot of death.

 

Robin is funny as he is a showman throughout the story. Bruce gets to play the exasperated partner and father figure. Alfred and Bruce Gordon also get to play major roles which is nice since in the present day both are currently benched and not prominent anymore.

 

Mark Waid works best when he can write stories set far away from current time so he really shines here. I very much enjoyed this limited miniseries. I think people who are a fan of the duo will enjoy this read.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4dbtPrX

 

I read this twelve-issue miniseries as it released on the DC Infinite App.

 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2026

Scott's Take: The Boy Wonder by Juni Ba

 

The Boy Wonder by Juni Ba is an Elseworld’s tale with a unique art style focused on the youngest Robin Damian Wayne as he once again deals with his family issues. Told as part fairytale and part real time story with the two story halves being described on the same page, this is a complex read. There is a demon abducting people across the city of Gotham. Damian Wayne attempts to stop it. Along the way interacts with various members of his family and tries to work on his issues.

 

I read this through the DC Infinite app as each of the five issues were released on the app. The art is very different than I am used to. I liked it for the most part, but I could see why someone would not. It is a good tale despite the fact that a lot of this was retreading stuff covered by other writers. It could have been more original. Overall, I recommend it for fans of Robin.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4iGB10s

 

As noted, my reading copy through the DC Infinite App.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Brainsnorts: 1-Minute Book Reviews: Robin

Brainsnorts: 1-Minute Book Reviews: Robin