As with Batgirls Tim Drake: Robin is coming to a close sooner than expected; and in part I assume it's down to the book having a poorer reception that people were hoping for. The first arc of Batgirls was something of a misstep, but the series improved and is very enjoyable; and the same seems to be true for this series too, as the first issue of the final arc of the book seems to be really good, and is my favourite one so far. Sadly, this series is going to have even less of a chance than the Batgirls were given, and we will only have two issues after this to enjoy Tim's adventures.
The issue opens with Tim on his boat, working on the engine as Bernard and Darcy watch on, asking him why he'd choose to live on a boat in Gotham marina, when as a Wayne he could be staying in much better, drier, accommodations. Their activities are disrupted, however, when Batwoman comes crashing down onto the deck, unconscious and covered in blood. Whilst Darcy gets Bernard away (neither she nor Tim knowing that he knows they're vigilantes) Tim gets the uncoscious vigilante below decks to help her recover.
When Kate comes to she reveals that she has no memory of the last few months, even the times she spent with Tim celebrating his coming out, or helping him move into the Marina. Tim tries to analyse the blood that was covering Kate's gloves, but doesn't get any matches for them. It's at this point that Kate being Kate, assumes that she's killed someone, and tries to go it alone. Thankfully, Tim isn't the kind of guy to let that happen, and convinces Kate to let him help.
So, a lot happens in this issue to set up for the new story; but with only three issues in which to tell it's tale things have to move pretty quickly from here on out. But, it never feels like the book is skipping out on stuff, or glossing over things, and it's easy to follow everything that's happening, and to keep up with the story. What it does mean is that we get to skip a lot of stuff that would feel like padding. Tim hears Kate's protests that she has to go it alone and tells her to knock it off because the story doesn't have time to be dealing with that; but it also feels like something that the character would do. Tim's smart, he knows that Kate is going to do that, and knows that they don't have time for it. The story having to move quickly works for the characters and the situation, and I really enjoyed it.
The inclusion of Batwoman is really enjoyable too. Kate is a fun character to have around, especially when she's interacting with others. She injects a lot of fun energy into books, and putting her at the centre of this mystery is a great choice. It's also nice to have one of the older members of the Bat Family appear in this series too, as it's very much been focused on the younger characters up to this point. She's also something of a loose canon at times, and her not listening to Tim, which results in Darcy getting seriously hurt, feels like it's something that she could do; especially if she's had her head messed with like this.
Speaking of Darcy, the issue ends with her being cradled in the arms of Detective Williams, who says that she's not going to make it. Comics will fake-out and tease character deaths a lot, and it's normally a given that when a big character, especially one whose book it is, is dying that it's not actually going to happen. However, Sparrow is a very minor character, she's not really been in much other than this series, and I could see the book killing her off. Is it likely? Probably not, but could it happen for dramatic effect? Sure, I could see it.
The art on this issue, by Nikola Čižmešija and Lee Loughridge, looks really nice here. The book feels very similar to the art on the first arc, yet is very distinctly different from it. The characters are all nice and clear, and look really good. I love the way Kate looks when she's got the mask and wig off, and the scene when she's inside Tim's boat recovering and telling him what happened she comes across as tired and vulnerable, two things you tend not to see with her character.
I've not been the biggest fan of this series, the first arc was one I struggled to enjoy, but this issue was really enjoyable, to the point where I'm disappointed that we only have two left. It's a shame that DC seems to struggle to give its titles much of a chance anymore. How many amazing books from the past would modern DC end early because they have shaky beginnings? Sadly, Tim Drake: Robin is the latest casualty to this new system, which seems to be a bit of a shame.
No comments:
Post a Comment