I must say, I've found myself looking forward to today. Why you may ask? Well, today I get to take a look at Batman & Robin: Year One #2! Last month's issue set up some plot points with Two-Face and the mysterious General Grimaldi, all set upon a backdrop of newfound fatherhood by Bruce Wayne. Combined with some stellar art, I absolutely adored it. Let's see if I can say the same this time around...

A boy and his bat

This issue has seen no drop in quality by this reviewer's standards. There's a lot of really great moments in here that should have something for everyone. It's really nice to get a look at the wider world's view of a playboy adopting a young boy. There's a fun yet sad little moment where the people over at Child Protective Services place bets to see how long it will be until Bruce gives up on Dick. As one character puts it, it's definitely "interesting but cynical".

We get to see some more of the Dynamic Duo's home relationship. Dick finds being Robin a fun escape whereas Bruce is as brooding and stoic as ever. It's a compelling point of friction that we saw hints of in the first issue but is nicely expanded upon here.

Of course, what would a Bat book be without some rogues? We get to see a bit more of Harvey and Grimaldi. Dent is a good source of exposition that doesn't come off too heavy-handed and lets us know a bit more about our enigmatic newcomer. I'm intrigued to learn more about Grimaldi. He's still more secretive than he is intimidating, so I'm anxious to see how Waid makes him out to be more of a threat. Little side note, Harvey's speech bubbles are more angular than everyone else's. It's the little details that make me happy.

The pace of the issue is pretty fantastic as well. I never felt as if the book was bogged down at any moment or ever skipping past anything to quickly. Each moment lasts as long as it needs and never overstays its welcome. The dialogue-heavy scenes like with Bruce and the inspection officer brek themselves up with some word-free panels that really help the book along.

Having said that, there is a point of concern for me. We appear to be introducing another player to the mix towards the end of the book. Having just wrapped up a series that was filled with way too many plot points, I'm a little bit on edge. I trust Waid is experienced enough not to fall into that trap, but the worry is always there.

Shapes and colours

The book is a great read all in all. Although honestly, as well written as it is, I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy the art more. Samnee is one of my favourite artists going right now. His style is wonderful and his panel placement is some other best I see. I would of course be doing a discredit to the whole book not to mention to mention the magnificent colours by Giovanna Niro. Her colours take the art to a whole other level.

There's some really good shadow work in the scenes with Harvey. The way he sticks out or blends in. The focus on his eyes. Chef's kiss. As I've said, small details like with the speech bubbles, or even how his two pupils or drawn in two distinctive ways. It's a great take on an iconic design. It goes without saying that the rest of the issue is full of incredible art that I would absolutely recommend taking a look at for yourself. No amount of description on my part could do them justice.

Recommended If...

• The awesome team of Chris Samnee and Giovanna Niro is compelling to you as it is me
• Mark Waid's tales of the past are something you've dug
• You're a fan of the first issue or stories set at this point in time.

Overall

Honestly, I absolutely adored it. I'm still waiting for a big reveal or wow moment, but until then, I'm more than happy to keep reading.  Another really solid issue and I cannot wait to see the next one. The noir edition of the first issue released as well, which is well worth seeing if you love Samnee's art as much as I do.

Score: 9/10