What's that lurking in the shadows? A caped crusader? A boy wonder? How about a review of a comic featuring both of them! I must apologise for my absence, unfortunately, it couldn't be helped, but fear not! I'm back to give you all the down low on the newest issue of B&R: Y1 and let you know whether it's worth your time.

Teenage Dirtbag

One of the complaints I see most about comic books is that you buy one, only to get a small part of the story. While you can't really do anything about that without shortening arcs, there is a way to make it not a problem: if you're only giving a little bit, give a little bit of everything you could possibly want to see. If you haven't guessed by now, this issue certainly delivers on that part.

You start off with some more family drama. While it isn't to everyone's tastes, I love seeing Dick and Bruce interact at this point in their lives. While Bruce still hasn't completely figured out how to be a father, he is slowly, maybe even subconsciously, speaking more like a dad. You can see it on the first page. Bruce scolded him in a very stereotypical parental manner, even down to his body language. Even then, you get subtle lines from Dick like "Says the man who never lived in one". There is still a difference, a rift between them. He's not his dad, just a man.

If family drama isn't what you're looking for, then don't fret! We've got some socialite Bruce Wayne action, as well as some more literal action against enemies both regular and superhuman. And why not sprinkle just a bit more drama in there, just to spice things up?

I have noted before that I was worried about this series introducing too many characters. However, Waid has since shown restraint and we now seem to have locked in our cast of heroes and rogues for this tale, and they've all been great! Harvey's had some good appearances, Clayface makes a really nice "first" appearance in this issue, and General Grimaldi is shaping up to be a very compelling villain. The scene with his father on the roof in the last book gave some nice insight into the guy, which I hope to see develop.

All the colours of the rainbow

I can go on for ages about how much I like the story. This should be fairly obvious by now. I'm a prime suspect in the enjoyment category because I really like Mark Waid's early days stories. I would be a fool to not acknowledge that this isn't something that doesn't work for everyone. However, I think I'm right in saying that Samnee's art will make this book enjoyable for anyone who picks it up.

As this story goes into a dual narrative at the end, we get between what Batman and Robin are doing. The art is fantastic as always, but this passage in particular helps you see the absolutely fantastic colour work done by Matheus Lopes. Going from the very cool blues of Batman's tussle with Clayface to the bright, vibrant yellows of Dick's big fight. It truly is a treat for the eyes.

 Recommended If

• A mix of normal and superpowered villains seems interesting
• You want to have your eyes blessed by Samnee and Lopes
• The story has you hooked (I know it's certainly got me!)

Overall

Well, almost halfway through the series and I must say, I'm cautiously optimistic. A nice balance of characters, the dynamics between the cast are well-written and the pacing is very good considering how much is going on. And that's without talking about the stunning visuals. I will keep my caution up regarding the number of characters though. I think I may have seen a certain feline fiend skulking around a panel or two...

Score: 9/10

DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.