All of Batman’s Robins team up in DC’s big, fun, messy Robins #1

Nightwing. Red Hood. Red Robin. Spoiler. Robin. Robin. As entertaining as the cast, the dysfunctional siblings of Robin are just as funny. Robins #1, but early stumbles drag down an otherwise delightful spotlight on one of superhero comics’ greatest families.

Robins is #1: Who are they?

Winner of the DC Round Robin Contest. RobinsThis is by Tim Seeley (Veteran).Suicide Squad: King Shark(drawn by Baldemar Rivas as a superhero, color by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and written by Steve Wands.

Seeley wrote the Bat-Family members numerous times, including lengthy stints. Nightwing, Batman Eternal, and various one-shot specials starring Gotham’s favorite bat-themed vigilantes.

Rivas has, however, only two anthology stories to his credit. Robins#1 seems very much like an open showcase for up-and-coming artists.

Robins #1 What does it all mean?

RobinsThis movie is about dysfunctional siblings who try to find common ground in spite of their differences.

While the extended Batman Family enjoys many reunions especially during modern times, it is rare for all five Robins to get together in one room without anyone else. If you add a new villain to the mix, it could cause a shakeup in the Robin heritage. The Robins of Gotham might not have enough resources to deal with the situation.

Robins #1: Why are they happening now?

It was the winner of a contest for popularity! The DC Round Robin contest was launched by DC Comics in March 2021. It is a bracket of miniseries that could be made, similar to March Madness. These were decided through public polls via social media. It was subject to a lot scrutiny due to the fact that both the original round left out all creative teams, and an additional seed meant that a number of marginalized characters and creators were up against well-known A-listers and established talents. Robins became something of the poster child for these complaints, given many of the Robins have their own active series, and Seeley’s established history with the Bat-Family.

Image: Tim Seeley, Baldemar Rivas/DC Comics

Contest aside, RobinsThe latest instance of a renewed push to the Bat-Family and the Robins, both as a group loving but also bickering siblings. This was evident in recent projects, such as Wayne Family AdventuresThe future and what’s next Gotham Knights game. After decades of a lonely, angst-fueled Batman dominating the public consciousness it’s a nice change of pace to see the whole family get some time in the spotlight.

Are there required readings?

Nope! RobinsThe #1 Robin gives a brief introduction to each Robin and offers enough context to anyone who wants it. You can find out more about Robin #1 here. Do want to read up a bit on the various Robins, you’re in luck! Each member has had at least one memorable run over the past few years.

Do you need Dick Grayson? Check out Seeley and Fernández’s Rebirth era run on Nightwing. Do you like Tim Drake? James Tynion IV’s classic run on Detective Comicsa part of its soul and heart. What is Damian’s name? This is the current RobinThe ongoing series from Melnikov and Williamson is an absolute delight. And if you’re like me and have a soft spot for the disaster trash prince of Gotham, Jason Todd, Chip Zdarsky, and Eddy Barrows’ 6-part feature in Batman: Urban LegendsJason’s best ever story

Robins is Robins’ #1 best seller?

Image: Tim Seeley, Baldemar Rivas/DC Comics

Well … it’s not Bad! This book’s opening section, which pits the Robins and a group of Anarky-loving devotees, is difficult. Seeley’s political jabs with the goons manage to be both muddled and about as subtle as a brick to the head. Sivas’ art has a raw, kinetic energy to it that helps drive the fight, but cluttered layouts clog up the flow. Each Robin is given a chance to shine, however the jokes and satire can make them feel a little less important.

This book’s second half, which is an extended discussion with friends over food in a hot, humid room, does better. The book is more cohesive when Seeley allows each character to shine, and then butt heads in a room with their adopted siblings. Jason revels in his black sheep status, intentionally picking fights with Dick — while Damian is more concerned with finding chocolate milk for his cereal than the weight of the Robin legacy. It’s every bit the barely controlled chaos I expect from these dummies. Once the Robins start taking verbal swings at each other and whining about the lack of air conditioning in Nightwing’s loft, Rivas’ art, similarly, becomes a delight. Stephanie is a sweaty mess and trying discreetly to fan her pits, it’s the most humane thing I have ever seen.

This hook has potential and is interesting. It is the threat in the last pages that emerges. They will hopefully fare well than the villainous cannon fodder at the beginning, and the situation improves going forward.

One panel that pops

Image: Tim Seeley, Baldemar Rivas/DC Comics

The Robins are a group of quirky little brothers and sisters that sum up both the story and their charm in one picture. It is the towering smile of comic legend, Dick, who shines brightly over the realities of twenty-somethings and tired teens complaining about the cereal Dick ate on his way to school. If that’s not what being a Robin is all about, I don’t know what is.