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Superman: The Harvest of Youth by Sina Grace explores Clark Kent's formative years, set against the tranquil farming community of Smallville as he navigates the trials of high school. Despite having all his superpowers, Clark has yet to embrace the Superman identity or even understand how best to use them. The story kicks off as Clark arrives at Smallville High to find that Alvin Buenaventura, a new and largely unnoticed peer, has tragically taken his own life on campus. The incident deeply disturbs Clark, who, through his superpowers, accidentally witnesses the grim scene. Haunted by a sense of responsibility, Clark remembers his brief time on the track team with Alvin and wishes he could have intervened. In an attempt to find solace and extend support, Clark, alongside Lana Lang, reaches out to Alvin's sister, Amy. As they console her, Amy asks for their help decoding a mysterious kangaroo drawing found among Alvin's belongings. Amy and Clark develop a budding affection as they try to understand Alvin’s suicide. They uncover that the kangaroo image is an Australian cartoon character called Darby-Roo, which has been co-opted by American hate groups. This revelation foreshadows troubling events as armed teenagers disrupt a high school debate meeting. Clark swiftly neutralizes them, only to realize the guns were harmless toys. Among the saved is a young Lex Luthor. As Darby Roo's misogynistic graffiti starts popping up around Smallville, Clark's friend, Gilbert Stockwell, becomes ensnared by the group's toxic online community. Following a frustrating skateboarding accident, Gilbert grows distant and resentful towards his friends and finds solace among his online “friends.” Clark, hoping to redirect Gilbert's anger, secures him an internship at LuthorCorp through his friendly connection with Lex. However, Gilbert's bitterness only festers, and spurred on by the shadowy leader of the Darby-Roo group, he exploits his new role at LuthorCorp to unleash a small army of robots on the Downtown Smallville festival. With Pete's help, Clark neutralizes the threat, leading to Gilbert's arrest and subsequent placement in juvenile detention. It’s Lana who uncovers that the sinister Darby-Roo group is orchestrated by Mister Mxyzptlk, a mischievous imp from the fifth dimension known for creating chaos to amuse himself. In this case, Mister Mxyzptlk is tapping into the rage and resentment of young men to create chaos. Having Mister Mxyzptlk as the mastermind behind the Darby-Roo conspiracy is a good choice, but he is not fully explained in this book, and probably only seasoned Superman readers would catch who he truly is! Indeed, if Clark once fought Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan, his 21st-century adversaries in The Harvest of Youth are incels and online hate groups. The narrative effectively illustrates how both positive and negative online reinforcements can skew perceptions, pushing ordinary individuals towards irrational actions. The dialogue and character interactions are crafted with authenticity. In particular, Gilbert's descent into anger, fueled by his resentment toward male “pick-up artists” (i.e., boys who can get dates like Clark and Pete) and toward women (especially those he thinks have rejected him, like Lana and Chloe), is portrayed with chilling accuracy. But while Gilbert is a highly effective character, other familiar Smallville faces, like Chloe, feel underutilized. Additionally, the initial mystery surrounding Alvin's suicide remains mostly unresolved. We are left to assume that his rejection by the Darby-Roos was the impetus for his suicide, but this is vague, and we never really learn much about him.
Despite some minor shortcomings, the book delivers a poignant message about the limits of Clark's abilities. The realization that he can't save everyone — especially from themselves — underscores a reality he will struggle with his entire life. The portrayal of Clark as an empathic and hopeful "regular kid" with hidden abilities naturally recalls the appeal of the "Smallville" TV series. However, the artwork doesn't quite match the story's depth, leaning towards a cartoonish style that I personally found distracting. Did anyone else think Lex Luthor looked too much like Tintin? In sum, Superman: The Harvest of Youth is a thoughtful exploration of Clark Kent's early years, blending familiar superhero elements with timely social commentary. While it may have its flaws, it remains a compelling read for fans old and new. RELATED: Superman Collection | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman Nightwing #136 by Dan Watters picks up the pieces from the chaotic end of the "Cirque du Sin" storyline in which Blüdhaven is nothing but rubble and ruin. (Read this storyline in Nightwing Vol. 1: On with the Show and Nightwing Vol. 2: Death Traps. And Dick Grayson / Nightwing is in mourning — not for a person, but for the Blüdhaven he once knew. A Blüdhaven he’d invested so much of his own energy and wealth to make better. What’s more, Dick has been betrayed by his half-sister and the city’s former mayor, Melinda Grayson-Lin, who’s now been replaced by the even more corrupt Bernard Bisogni. Mayor Bisogni has some megalomaniacal plans for Blüdhaven — and they look a lot like turning the city into a mini-Gotham! As Blüdhaven begins its grim transformation, whispers of missing people, ghostly sightings, and murder weave through the streets. From the first page, Nightwing #136 has a real urban-horror vibe, and it’s delightful. Nightwing's decision to patrol the streets rather than the rooftops shows he's committed to seeing the city from the perspective of its inhabitants — literally experiencing it at Ground Zero. As Dick himself reflects, “To understand how my home is changing... I have to see it from the same angles as everyone else who lives here.” While cruising a newly built superhighway, Nightwing encounters a bedraggled woman wandering in and out of traffic. In true Dick Grayson fashion, he offers her a ride, thinking she might need medical care. (Can you imagine Batman picking up a hitchhiker?) But Nightwing’s act of kindness takes a bizarre turn when the woman pulls a knife on him, claiming to be a witch. Naturally, Nightwing is inclined to think she's having a mental breakdown or is under the influence of something. The situation escalates when the woman starts bleeding from the eyes. Nightwing is anxious to get her to the hospital, but she insists they stay on the highway to reach "the crossroads." It's all very cryptic and supernatural. Their resulting struggle for control of the car concludes in a massive pileup. The woman vanishes, leaving behind countless casualties, including an injured Nightwing is left to question if she was even real. And if she wasn't, he's directly responsible for the disaster. The encounter with the witchy woman directly ties into the “Vanishing Hitchhiker” tales, a legend that dates back hundreds of years — and as a fan of urban legends, I love seeing it here! The woman's tales of witchcraft trials and mass executions provide more context to Blüdhaven's strange past. (Remember the secret pirate society from previous storylines!) Indeed, I suspect “The Crossroads” story arc will be a chance to explore Blüdhaven's history in an unprecedented way!
This issue also highlights how Dick Grayson is so different from his adoptive father, Bruce Wayne / Batman. While Bruce might have approached the situation on the superhighway with skepticism and extreme caution, Dick's instinct is to empathize and help, even when a knife was at his throat. We’re reminded in a very tangible way of Nightwing’s goal to be a better version of Batman. The artwork by Denys Cowan, Norm Rapmund, and Francesco Segala is spot-on — dark, moody, and fitting for the eerie storyline. Mostly primary colors (reds, blues, and yellows) are used to capture the sullen atmosphere, where you can almost feel the weight of Blüdhaven’s dark future (and past) pressing down on Nightwing. I can't wait to see where Dan Watters and his team take us next! RELATED FEATURES: Nightwing Collection | Nightwing Annual 2024 Revisits an Old Love |DC Releases a Vintage Batman Halloween Story | Batman Collection Batman & Robin: Year One by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Matheus Lopes is a captivating blend of action, humor, drama, and retro-styled art that pulls you into the tumultuous early days of Batman (Bruce_Wayne) and his newly acquired sidekick, Robin (Richard "Dick" Grayson). This story doesn’t just delve into the crime-fighting escapades you expect from Gotham’s finest; it also offers an honest look at the developing relationship between Bruce and his young ward. The story kicks off in the aftermath of the tragic murder of Dick Grayson’s parents at Haly's Circus. It’s a heartbreaking start that parallels Bruce’s own history and sets the stage for his dual struggles as Dick’s foster father and crime-fighting partner. Right away, Dick is full of enthusiasm but still raw and impulsive. His first foray alongside Batman is a baptism by fire when Two-Face (Harvey Dent) attempts to blow them up by demolishing an entire building. But Two-Face isn’t the only threat to the Dynamic Duo. General Anthony Grimaldi, a new crime boss with murderous ambitions, has just arrived in Gotham. Meanwhile, Laura Lyn, a concerned social worker, questions Bruce’s suitability as a guardian and knows it came about by the billionaire playboy pulling some political strings. Laura is eager to unmask Bruce and place Dick in a more suitable home. This subplot adds a layer of tension as Bruce must convince both the social worker and the boy that he’s a responsible parent — when both of them know exactly what good parenting does (and does not) look like! Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce’s loyal butler, emerges as the true parental figure, recognizing that Dick's impulsive behavior as Robin stems from his unresolved grief. Alfred’s wisdom and empathy offer a counterbalance to Bruce’s stern and sometimes bumbling demeanor. It also lays the foundation for Alfred and Dick’s lifelong relationship. As Bruce and Dick attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy for Child Protective Services, the city erupts in chaos. Grimaldi employs the shapeshifting villain Clayface to infiltrate and incite war among Gotham’s crime families. Meanwhile, Two-Face has recovered a secret Gotham City Police Department file listing potential identities of Batman, with Bruce Wayne’s name among them. Using this file to ingratiate himself with Grimaldi, he convinces Clayface to betray his employer for an even more sinister reason than a gang war.
Chris Samnee’s artwork is striking, placing him alongside other favorite artists like Bruno Redondo and Juni Ba. His use of hard outlines, heavy pen and brush strokes, and a limited color palette evokes the classic feel of 1930s comics, reminiscent of Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy. This retro aesthetic is mirrored in the characters’ clothing, hairstyles, vehicles, and architecture, grounding the story in an era that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Batman & Robin: Year One is more than a simple reimagining of a well-known story; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the early days of Batman and Robin’s partnership. The book is funny, clever, and at times, brutally honest. It sheds light on how Bruce Wayne became Dick Grayson’s guardian and how both characters struggled to adapt to their new roles. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Batman, this graphic novel offers a fresh perspective that is both entertaining and enlightening. RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Dick Grayson Takes Up the Cowl OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5 I’ve been behind on writing book reviews, but I’m finally diving into a combined review of Red Hood: Outlaws, Volumes 3, 4, and 5. These are the last three compendiums of the popular Webtoon series, in which the characters are forced to answer tough questions about what redemption truly means as they try to prove themselves to the Justice League. Volume 4 kicks off with the Outlaws caught in a simulation crafted by the Justice League itself. (Mostly Bruce Wayne, because let’s face it, Bruce has a penchant for concocting tests that border on cruelty.) As part of these trials by fire, Jason Todd, Artemis, and Bizarro face off against alternate versions of themselves. Each encounter in the simulation is more than just a battle; it’s a deep dive into past traumas, fears, and failures. For Jason Todd, this means confronting his short stint as the second Robin and his struggle to leave his assassin past behind. His agreement with Bruce to stop killing is not only key to being considered for the Justice League, but also vital if Jason wants to be welcomed back into the Bat Family. Amidst all this introspection, President Lex Luthor throws a wrench into their simulated journey. His corrupt schemes eerily mirror the chaos of our current political landscape, and when Jason decides to take Luthor’s life, the simulation crumbles and The Outlaws fail. The Justice League withdraws its support, leaving the team vulnerable as intergalactic bounty hunters converge on Earth to claim the substantial rewards on all their heads. During the ensuing battle, Artemis makes a confession that surprises even her — she’s in love with Jason. While the feelings between Jason and Artemis are not new, they have remained unexpressed until now. But as the couple celebrates, they pay little notice to how much Bizarro is struggling with the loss of the simulated wife and child he became attached to inside the Justice League’s mind-fuckery. He seeks the help of Dr. Chase Meridian, a psychologist who advises him that the best way to get over his grief is to leave his comfort zone and start forming meaningful attachments to people outside The Outlaws. Jason reaches out to his older brother Dick Grayson for help confronting his past and addressing his long-held grudge with Bruce, the adoptive father he’s always felt rejected by. His journey ends with a compromise: he doesn’t have to be an assassin, but he also isn’t built to be a Justice League-style hero. Artemis puzzles out what it’s like to be in a romantic relationship and to be a “fallen” Amazon — both topics she’s worked hard to avoid. To do this, she visits a kind of all-female spa in Valhalla, described as a place “for women warriors who are tired of fighting.” Okay, it’s a little goofy if you think Artemis would ever be okay spending her days baking cookies and learning how to knit, but she is anxious to at least not wake up every morning looking for her next fight. However, there’s a darker purpose to the “spa” which has nothing to do with helping female warriors get in touch with themselves, but rather stripping the world’s warriors of their weapons. When Artemis fails to show up for a scheduled reunion, Jason and Bizarro realize something is wrong. But infiltrating the “spa” — which has a ban on men — is not going to be easy and requires the assistance of various reluctant allies, including White Cat and Martian Mindhunter. This results in many action sequences, particularly in Volume 5. Artist Nico Bascunan does a good job of rendering these, often in a sequential action-flow that reminded me a lot of Bruno Redondo’s work in Nightwing. The series ends on an unexpected high note: with a wedding. But since I don’t want to spoil too much, I won’t say whose. Volume 5 also leaves some dangling threads — so we’ll have to wait and see how and when those are resolved. Confronting their pasts, presents, and where they ultimately want their futures to lie makes Volumes 4 and 5, in particular, some of the best-written and most engaging in the series. Three anti-heroes, who were originally content to distract themselves from their troubles by fighting other people’s battles, finally become multifaceted. And centered. If you think of Volumes 3-5 as the second and third acts of The Outlaws play, then this makes sense and is handled well. While I don’t necessarily think Red Hood: Outlaws was the best storytelling for these characters, it does scratch an itch or two and is bound to put a smile on the reader’s face. RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | When Jason Todd Helped Save Superman Red Hood: Outlaws SeriesThe much anticipate Batman / Deadpool crossover comic is now available. Crossovers between these two historic powerhouse rivals have been rare and the last one was over twenty years ago. As the title suggests, the main feature this time has Batman teaming up with Deadpool to resolve a "metafictional threat" from Cassandra Nova, the Marvel Comics supervillain and dark psychic reflection (mummudrai) of Professor Charles Xavier. (You may recall that Cassandra was the primary baddie in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine film.) There are smaller team ups as well. Dr. Strange partnering with John Constantine; Nightwing / Dick Grayson and Laura Kinney / Wolverine; Harley Quinn and the Hulk; and Static and Ms. Marvel. All of the storylines are very different in content and tone, varying from weird to whimsical, humorous to somber. The artwork employs the talents from both DC and Marvel and also varies greatly so the book will offer something for everyone — although I personally enjoyed some stories more than others. The Nightwing / Wolverine team up was especially fun for me, as it reunited two of my favorite Nightwing creators: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo.
The crossovers were published jointly by Marvel and DC and feature a variety of alternate covers. Check your local comic book stores for a copy as the DC version was released earlier this week. RELATED FEATURES: Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Comics Collections Dick Grayson, the former Boy Wonder is unstoppable as Nightwing — one of DC Comic's most beloved characters! And Nightwing fans can look forward to plenty of new book releases between now and 2026! Available titles in order of release:
Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven Compendium Two >>
By Chuck Dixon, Pasqual Ferry and Greg Land (Released May 2025) Batman’s first Robin, Dick Grayson, has struck it out on his own! Now an adult, he’s traded his Robin costume for a new identity: Nightwing! And with a new identity comes a new city to protect! The streets of Bludhaven are grittier and more dangerous than Gotham, but Dick will stop at nothing to keep them safe!
Nightwing Vol. 1: On with the Show >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Released July 2025) Dick Grayson joins DC’s “All In” initiative with a brand-new creative team for Nightwing. It’s not all sunshine when Blüdhaven erupts into a warzone between rival gangs fighting for the future of crime. Nightwing must push himself further than he ever has to save his home and legacy.
Nightwing Vol. 2: Death Traps >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Pre-Order: Releases January 20, 2026) Following the explosive events of Vol. 1 (see above), Blüdhaven remains a city on the edge, where crime never sleeps and trust is a luxury few can afford. As tensions rise between Nightwing and Commissioner Maggie Sawyer, a shocking murder investigation forces them both to question everything they thought they knew.
Nightwing: Leaping into the Light: DC Compact Comics Edition >>
By Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo and Neil Edwards (Pre-Order: Releases March 3, 2026) Dick Grayson is back in Blüdhaven—and this time, he’s not just fighting crime, he’s changing the city. With a new mission, a loyal dog, and a mysterious villain stealing hearts—literally—Nightwing leaps into the light to become the hero his city needs. But when the world learns “Get Grayson,” the stakes rise higher than ever.
Nightwing: A Knight in Blüdhaven Compendium Three >>
By Dan Watters and Dexter Soy (Pre-Order: May 5, 2026) The third volume in the acclaimed A Knight in Blüdhaven compendium series finds Dick Grayson caught in the crossfire of universe-shaking events and personal reckonings. With Gotham in upheaval and global crises threatening from all sides, including the Joker’s devastating Last Laugh, Nightwing must navigate high-stakes missions alongside Batman, Oracle, the Flash, and more. It doesn't seem like thirty years is very long, and in the greater scheme of time, it is barely a hashmark on the cosmic calendar. But a different sense of time seems to apply to pop culture, which by definition is one of humankind's more transitory constructions. Whether it's a book, a song, movie or television show, pop culture has a tendency to age quickly and, for those who follow such things, become the focus for sentimentality almost immediately. Into this strange void in time and space falls the relatively new phenomenon of "science fiction archeology." Okay, that's a term I totally invented so don't go to your local community college looking to major in this field, you geeks. Let me explain... To me, "science fiction archaeology" is something beyond the fanboy obsession with acquiring irrelevant and moldy movie props often at the cost of tens of thousands of dollars — you know, like almost anything you might find on icollector.com. It now involves an element of tourism, and yes, finding artifacts left behind by production companies decades ago because the prop handlers had no conception that some discarded rubber would mean anything to anyone ever. I first became familiar with the idea of "science fiction archeology" about two decades ago when I read an article in a fan magazine about the props and movie locations left behind in the Tunisian desert after the filming of Star Wars Episode IV. It turned out that remnants from the Lars homestead, Ben Kenobi's home and even those curious dinosaur-like bones C-3PO wandered passed were all still lying there in the hot desert sun... and some adventuring uber-fan had the wherewithal to photograph, document and write about them. This fascination with aging artifacts from a galaxy far, far away eventually culminated into a thriving tourist industry for Tunisia, a country few Americans could even locate on a map. Into this atmosphere comes what may be the end-all-be-all archaeological (or at least archival) look at the first of these films: The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film, The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. All three books were written by the late J.W. Rinzler, who was an executive at Lucasfilm Productions, a film historian and author who specialized in books about the behind the scenes of blockbuster movies . The latter title was just released this past October, and like its predecessor, has the fingerprints of George Lucas all over it. Lucas in a smart man in many, many respects. But when it comes to marketing, he may actually be some kind of crazy genius. He's certainly not oblivious to the fanaticism that surrounds his creation or how it can make true believers spend weeks traveling around the Tunisian wastelands just so they can take a photo of a hole in the ground where Mark Hamill once stood and stared into the sunset. He knew that thousands would pore over the pages of these books (as I did) in rapt awe of the anecdotes and never-before-seen photos of sets, costumes, effects and actors. And he knew that, while we did so, a strange aching dreaminess would sweep through us. In fact, I doubt if these books would have had quite the same appeal had they been released in 1980 when, by pop culture standards, Episode IV and V would have been young. Lucas understands that the passage of time, and with it the increase in sentimentality, gives even old Star Wars a new lease on life. Considering the amount of detail in all the books, one might be tempted to refer to them as dissertations on the first three Star Wars films. But they are neither dry nor ponderous as you might expect from dissertations, nor are they solely about about how a costume was created or a makeup effect applied — the usual things that are written about science fiction. In fact, and much to my surprise, some of Rinzler's most intriguing parts are about doing business in 1970s Hollywood, where Lucas was often seen as an impetuous upstart by the establishment. Science fiction films that preceded Episode IV were typically slow-paced with heavy, cynical themes that often made them painful to watch. Lucas's concept, of creating a space opera that was heavily derivative of classical mythology, was expected to result in a "little summer movie." Pondering just how wrong the Hollywood execs were and how much they underestimated the human need for heroes and the vanquishing of evil is one of the most satisfying aspects of the books. And if you get tired of reading these 300+ page tomes, just wander through the voluminous photos, some so clear and sharp that you'd swear they had been taken yesterday. You will find your mind wandering, and maybe you will come away wondering what other bits of Star Wars legend are still lying undiscovered in some distant jungle, on an ice floe or in a dusty warehouse. RELATED: Star Wars Book Collection | The Dark Side of Star Wars Toy Collecting | Five Things That Make The Mandalorian Great Star Wars | The Promise of Luke Skywalker in A Floppy Hat | Redemption for Star Wars | Welcome To The Jundland Wastes Books About the Making of Star Wars:OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood Outlaws: Vol. 2 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 3-5 Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 continues the Original DC Stories series by Webtoons, penned by Patrick R. Young and Nico Bascuñán. This installment follows the unconventional trio of Jason Todd, Artemis Grace, and Bizarro, who have traded their criminal pasts for a seat at the Justice League's table. Now operating from the Watchtower, a gleaming space station, the Outlaws face skepticism from the public and the challenge of filling the void left by more esteemed superheroes. Their latest mission pits them against two formidable villains: Medusa, the mythic gorgon whose gaze turns victims to stone, and Mirror Master, a cunning criminal with the power to manipulate reflections. The heart of Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 lies in the personal trials confronting each member of the team. Jason Todd, grappling with his traumatic history, strives to be the leader the Outlaws need while navigating a budding romance with Artemis. His journey is one of introspection and growth, as he balances love, leadership, and the shadows of his past. Meanwhile, Artemis faces her own demons, haunted by her brief and disastrous tenure as Wonder Woman. Her battle against Medusa is complicated by her feelings for Medusa's sister, Euryale, adding layers of emotional complexity. Bizarro, the team's enigmatic powerhouse, harbors a devastating secret about the destruction of his home world. His internal struggle adds depth to his character, showcasing the vulnerability beneath his formidable exterior. While Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 offers an engaging narrative, it stumbles in comparison to its predecessor. The Medusa storyline begins with promise but falters with a rushed conclusion precipitated by Euryale's sudden, unconvincing shift in allegiance. In contrast, the Mirror Master storyline forces the team to face uncomfortable truths, creating a compelling psychological battleground. The conclusion is clever, capitalizing on Bizarro's unique nature where everything is opposite, which turns the tide in an unexpected way. Artistically, the second volume maintains the vibrant and eye-catching style that fans have come to love from Bascuñán. The artwork is particularly good at capturing the emotional turmoil in the Mirror Man storyline. Despite its narrative shortcomings, Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 remains an enjoyable read for fans of the series. It may not be the strongest outing for the Outlaws, but it continues to explore the complexities of its characters with heart and creativity. RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Superman Collection | Wonder Woman Collection Red Hood: Outlaws SeriesRobin & Batman: Jason Todd is a new 3-issue series which began in June and will conclude in August 2025. The miniseries revisits the early days of Batman / Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd's partnership in crime-fighting. Written by the Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, this series follows on the heels of last year's DC Vault: Death in the Family: Robin Lives! as another imaginative re-telling that delves into the history of these iconic partners. The narrative kicks off shortly after Jason’s father is murdered by Two-Face and his step-mother dies of a drug overdose in their apartment bathroom. Like Dick Grayson, Bruce adopts Jason but quickly finds him to be a rash and impulsive thirteen-year-old. Despite these challenges, Batman’s convinced that he can shape Jason into the next Boy Wonder now that Dick has moved onto the Teen Titans and assumed the mantle of Nightwing. However, Bruce’s loyal butler (and best friend), Alfred Pennyworth, harbors doubts about Jason's potential, fearing that his dark impulses might ultimately consume him. Batman reflects on how Dick, his previous sidekick, benefited from a loving upbringing before losing his parents and becoming part of the crime-fighting duo. In contrast, Jason's lack of familial stability presents a unique set of challenges. At Bruce’s request, Dick attempts to take on the role of a "big brother" to Jason, but this only angers the young man. Jason's complex feelings toward Dick—a mix of admiration and resentment—propel him to prove himself worthy of the sidekick mantle. The plot darkens even more with the introduction of a mysterious new villain, Wraith, who dons a ghostly white mask and sets his sights on Jason. Wraith perceives Jason as a kindred spirit, foreshadowing the future persona of Red Hood, a vigilante who challenges Batman's cycle of capturing criminals only to see them released back onto the streets. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to Jason's evolution and hints at the darker path he may ultimately choose. The first two issues of Robin & Batman: Jason Todd deliver a interesting dive into Jason's tumultuous past and the resulting mental health struggles. This complexity renders him one of the most intriguing Robins in the DC universe. Through Jason's story arc, readers are reminded that despite Batman's power, technology, and wealth, he cannot control everything—a humbling realization for the hero. Jeff Lemire's script is simple but skillfully dives into Jason's past without becoming preachy. At times, the boy’s trauma is simply conveyed through Nguyen’s often wordless illustrations. While Nguyen's watercolor style might not be everyone's preference (mine included), it complements the "dreamy" quality of Jason's flashbacks and adds depth and emotion to the storytelling.
It’s also nice to see Dick Grayson depicted as a positive male role model for Jason, reminiscent of the original 1980s comics when Dick overcame his dismay at being "replaced" to try and help Jason adapt to his new life. (Dick’s patient, non-judgmental handling of Jason shows he was more ultimately more influenced by Alfred than by Bruce when he was a similar age.) The cliffhanger at the end of issue two will leave readers eagerly anticipating the final installment, wondering whether Wraith will successfully steer Jason toward his future as Red Hood — or if Jason has a trick up his sleeve. The third and final issue will release at the end of August. RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection | Batman Collection | Nightwing Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Review: Red Hood & the Outlaws, Vol. 1 The animated shows of the 1980s were memorable... but not always for the best reasons. Whether they were part of early morning Saturday television — a veritable "prime time" for viewing for millions of American children — or syndicated shows that aired after school, animated television was a pop culture staple throughout the decade. The animation was hand-produced, making it appear primitive by today’s standards, but also giving it a charmingly crude aesthetic. Often shows served as marketing tie-ins to toy lines, with Transformers and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe being prime examples. As such, storylines were as much about selling action figures as they were about entertaining young audiences and unfolded with simple, formulaic plots that were both familiar and comforting. And perhaps their simplicity was part of their appeal? After all, it didn't take much effort to follow your favorite shows each week — and there was never any ambiguity as to who was going to come out on top. No matter what dastardly scheme Mumm-ra came up with, we always knew Lion-O and the other ThunderCats were going to save the day. Invariably, the heroes of 80s animation were children, teenagers or very young adults and were usually pitted against adult villains. With a heavy emphasis on action, adventure, and fantasy, these shows left an indelible mark on an entire generation, shaping childhoods with their imaginative worlds and ultimately influencing movies, television, comics and books up to the present day. In fact, of all the ridiculousness that came out of the 80s, these franchises had remarkable staying power. (Consider the live-action Masters of the Universe movie currently under production and starring Nicholas Galitzine!) This is even more remarkable if you consider that most of these shows were only on the air for a few years! Yet today, I can't walk into a bookstore or comic book store without easily finding some rehash of a show I first watched 40+ years ago. As such, I thought it would be fun to collect some of the more current book and graphic novel titles together. RELATED FEATURES: Pop Culture Contributions of the 1990s | The Golden Age of Movie Novelizations | Writing the 1980s Arcade Experience | The Timelessness of Serial Storytelling | Gatchaman Returns... Again |
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