SYNOPSIS: While Batman foils the plans of The Mad Hatter, Robin has been sent in undercover to infiltrate the Wolf Pack and figure out who’s pulling their strings!
Waid and Samnee kick things off with a strong opening, showcasing Batman caught in the psychedelic clutches of The Mad Hatter. Samnee provides some lush, fantastical visuals, making you question how much real and how much is is illusion. The image of Batman versus a gryphon is certainly unexpected, but no less impressive.
As the first half of the issue reaches his climax, Waid slips in some insightful characterization, not only highlighting the dangerous reality Tetch has imposed, but the impact Robin’s presence has on The Dark Knight. Seems the Caped Crusader has more of an edge when he’s solo and Gordon is a shade pessimistic as well. I really appreciate the dichotomy Waid highlights, especially with Samnee capping it off with a stunning splash page of The Batman leaping away from his most recent rooftop battlefield.
I was so swept up with it that I forgot the cliffhanger from last issue! As the story turns back to it, I appreciated the dilemma Waid and Samnee left Dick in and the way it was resolved. It was definitely tense, albeit short lived. However, as this is a “Year One” story and we both know Dick and Selena are alive and well in the present, how stretched out could you really make it?
Back in the Batcave, Waid sets up another plot thread, only to leave it hanging till next time. While not a cliffhanger, I am intrigued and seeing Batman brush it aside to race to help his young ward spoke volumes about his headspace.
This was another great comic, although it felt far too short to me. The interactions were spot on, the art continues to be a breathtaking highlight, walking the tightrope of feeling both nostalgic and fresh, but I wish it felt like it had just a little more meat on the bone this month. – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: B
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