Teen Titans #0
This is the first Teen Titans issue that I bought, and with the new Death of the Family arc coming in a few months, this is surely not the last one I will buy. I have always wanted to get an issue from this series and the 0 issue seemed like the right one to check out. I've seen Lobdell's work before and I have read issues of this before, but what excites me is that we get to see Tim Drake's new origin. This is the Robin i saw in my childhood, but word says that he isnt a Robin anymore, does it matter, or does Drake forging his own identity mean more, but on to the review.
THE GOOD:
Right off the bat, we see Drake's abilities. He is a gymnastic protege and a hacker genius. Even Batman said that Tim Drake has come to the closest out of anyone to figure out his identity. We see that Tim is very close with his family and the fact that he has a family to begin with separates him from both Robins before him. It's nice to have Lobdell tell this story since he has written Jason Todd's story, and Tim is the next Robin to take up the mantle. Batman is clearly still shaken up by Jason's death and doesnt want to bring Tim in the world he lives in. Ultimately, Bruce decides not to bring in Tim. Tim on the other hand wants to make his parents proud and wants to do something more with his life. He has a nice moment with his father, telling him that he should want more, that he should crave something more than this life. Tim appreciates his father's sentiment and the next day goes out looking for Batman's headquarters. The fact that Tim was able to decifer what clues Batman left him shows how high his detective skills are. Unfortunately, Batman predicted Tim's own predictions, and meets Tim to tell him that even though he is impressed with his skills, he never figured out that the clues left behind were meant to be found. Tim still wants to convince Batman that he could be Robin and better yet that he needs a Robin, but in Batman style he disappears. Tim cant take no for answer because the next we see Alfred is running to Bruce saying that the 100 million dollars of Oswald Cobblepot's stash has been stolen and distributed to the poor. a regular "Robin Hood". Batman races to find Drake, but he isnt able to prevent Cobblepot's men shooting up the Drake household. Fortunately, no one was harmed, but on the down side Tim's parents are going into Witness Protection, while an agreement was made between Batman and the Drakes, to take in Tim as his protege. Tim although incredibly saddened by this and the fact he wont see his parents for a long time. But the saddness is short lived when Tim enters the Batcave for the first time. Out of respect for Jason, Tim says he wont take Jason's costume and instead customizes his own. When Batman says "welcome aboard Robin" Tim replies "it's Red Robin" partner. Usually Brett Booth draws, but this guy has some great skill. We need something like this over in RHTO, so im really impressed.
THE BAD:
I didnt see many problems with this issue but there were quite alot of nitpicks. First off, why is Bruce changing into the Batman gear, in a car, in the middle of public. Maybe the windows are tinted but i doubt that is the smartest move. Although i liked the art, there were a couple panels and certain peoples faces that i didnt care for. But the biggest flaw that this issue has is that it is kind of dull. There wasnt much action, besides the shoot out, and i would love to see more than the snapshot of Tim in his "Red" Robin suit. Lastly, this isnt a complaint but it is worth mentioning due to the flak this issue got before it even came out. Was making Tim "Red" Robin necessary? Ultimately no. But on the other hand, it doesnt take away from his origin at all. I respect that he took up a new name in regards to Jason, but in the long run it doesnt really matter.
OVERALL:
This was a solid issue and pretty entertaining, though i understand why people may not care for it. Although i liked this issue, i am not going to be picking up any newer issues until the upcoming Joker arc. I recommend this to Tim Drake fans as well as Bat-fans who want to know the origins of the one and only Red Robin
