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Review: Red Robin #14

The best Bat-book, bar none.

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It turns out that Red Robin's got some more names on his "hit list" that don't please Robin one bit, and Damian's going to let him know how he upset it is with a good old fashioned slugfest.
 

The Good

Wow... Nicieza has never really let me down on a book. I'm really impressed by how deftly this title manages to balance some legitimate character drama in the sibling rivalry of these "Bat brothers" while still delivering the goods of action, humor and suspense you want out of a superhero title. Tim's "hit list" is a killer idea for a story arc, but the twist in this issue makes it all the more killer for drawing links to Batman's infamous secret files from Tower of Babel and Identity Crisis. Heroes fighting and then making nice is a comics standard, but this is one of the few times where it's actually made sense, where all the characters have legitimate grievances without any cop-outs being pulled after the fight. Damian, Tim and Dick are all acting as they should reasonably be expected to, and having the fight spill into Crime Alley in the end was a great reminder of how Bruce's shadow looms all of them. And that's all without even mentioning the great intrigue going on with Vicki Vale, the Fox sisters and the mysterious villain ( Scarab?) gunning for Tim in response. And let me say that Marcus To's art is perfectly tuned for this book - - I especially loved his double splash in the casino.

The Bad

I don't know who designed Brutale's costume, but those strips connecting his forearms to his calves just don't look right!

The Verdict - 4.5/5

Out of all the "Bat family" books I've been reading, Red Robin has consistently been the best. It's actually one of the best books I've been reading from DC lately. Nicieza hasn't missed a beat transition from Yost's run. I'm really almost sad to see Bruce Wayne coming back, because watching his successors pick up the pieces and try to make their own way has been a lot more interesting than the status quo ever was. I hope they'll continue to keep these characters in these identities for a long time.

18 Comments

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Euler

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Edited By Euler

i love red robin, and this review sold me- i have to go buy it now.

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danhimself

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Edited By danhimself

Red Robin has been an awesome book since issue 1....they are making such a solid case as to why Tim should have taken over as Batman instead of Dick...even if that's not their intention

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Decept-O

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Edited By Decept-O

THANK YOU for saying what I've also been saying all along.  Glad to know things are still going in the right direction.  I've missed the last 3 issues but THAT will be corrected tomorrow!
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The Cyan Lantern

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Edited By The Cyan Lantern

Best bat-book to me is Streets of Gotham. It has been practically consistent it's whole run so far. 

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Abs

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Edited By Abs

Yeah, Red Robin is awesome. I wonder what'll happen to him when Bruce comes back. I bet Bruce himself will don a new costume at first, letting Dick go on being Batman.

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Comiclove5

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Edited By Comiclove5
@danhimself said:
"Red Robin has been an awesome book since issue 1....they are making such a solid case as to why Tim should have taken over as Batman instead of Dick...even if that's not their intention "

Dude marry me, lol. 
You said excatly what I've been saying about this book since it started.
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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Damn Damian got schooled! I'm BIG Tim Drake fan and this issue only backs up why. I've gotta' agree this is the reigning champ of Bat-books!
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Phantim555

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Edited By Phantim555

I love this series myself I've never been dissappointed. Well in the beginning the art kinda sucked but Marcus To came along and fixed that little issue and since I LOVE Tim Drake's character as much as I do I really feel that this book is perfect for him. I only miss one thing, his awesome black and yellow robin cape. Oh well I hope he does become Batman some day even tho Damian was cool as bats (I still wanna mini series of that), Tim's better :)
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doordoor123

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Edited By doordoor123
@danhimself said:
" Red Robin has been an awesome book since issue 1....they are making such a solid case as to why Tim should have taken over as Batman instead of Dick...even if that's not their intention "
well i dont think so. I think that Tim is much more like Bruce than Dick is but Dick has more experience.
And i also feel like theyre three brothers. The middle child is left out, the eldest is the most responsible and the youngest is the most immature. I really like how things are going with out bruce.
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Theodore

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Edited By Theodore

great book

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goatman2112

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Edited By goatman2112

Amazing book. I want Tim back on the titans to make the young justice reunion complete!

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buns134

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Edited By buns134
@Comiclove5:
you know i love it
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Timm

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Edited By Timm

i only collect four books now and this is a solid number 2.

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Captain13

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Edited By Captain13

Great review. Great issue. Great series from issue 1-present. I have nothing bad to say. 
Can I just say that this issue has the first good Brady Bunch reference I have ever seen?
Jason Todd = Jan = LOLS

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Benzo

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Edited By Benzo

I adore this title! :D ,Tim Drake is a bad ass!

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BrianDusel

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Edited By BrianDusel

I honestly dont think I've ever agreed with a review more.  You nailed it.  Tim Drake as Red Robin has quickly turned into my favorite title period. 
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roxamilli

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Edited By roxamilli

Red Robin was the first monthly i ever bought and i've never been dissapointed. the art is amazing, and it's written a talented team that handles one of my favorite characters very well. It's one of the best books ou there

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Yung ANcient One

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Edited By Yung ANcient One

............ WHYYYYYYYY