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Originally published as a well-received graphic novel, Batman and Robin and Howard gets reimagined as a four-part series. It is written and drawn by New York Times bestselling author, Jeffrey Brown, and colored by Silvana Brys. For those unfamiliar with the original, the story revolves around Damian Wayne while he transfers to a new school and meets a fellow student named Howard. They start to develop a friendly rivalry, and Damian adjusts to this new life change. Having not read the graphic novel myself when it was first released, here are my thoughts on part one of the series.
The issue begins with Batman and Robin going on patrol, and Damian mistakenly attacks an innocent bystander and causes some property damage. This causes his father to take him off crime fighting for a night, and Damian has his first day at his new school, Gotham Metro Academy, the following morning. Then Howard is introduced at the school, as he is around Damian’s age and they have class together. Howard initially wants to become friends with Damian, but those feelings start to wane and they both start a competitive relationship with one another. The story then ensues, and I really enjoyed my read.
Obviously, as a 31-year-old man, I’m not the target/intended audience for Batman and Robin and Howard, but Brown’s story and art were delightfully charming and were further elevated by Brys’ color palette. I found the homage to the 1960s Batman television series that starred Adam West in the artwork and logo of this comic nostalgic, in a good way. Brown nails Damian’s arrogant and narcissistic personality traits and even though Batman is not really involved in this first part, the story is intriguing enough for me to want to continue to read and finish the remaining story. I can understand why it has received so much praise. The illustrations reminded me of Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series from the late 1990s and early 2000s, so this would definitely be a recommendation for those who want to introduce their children or younger family members to a Batman story. Brown probably did not have that in mind when creating the artwork, but you never know.
Anyway, Batman and Robin and Howard is just pure fun. I honestly don’t have any critiques.
Recommended if…
- You want to introduce a younger demographic to the Batman lore.
- You want a story that even adults can enjoy.
- You want to see Damian Wayne try to do his best Lionel Messi impression.
OVERALL
Jeffrey Brown, Silvana Brys, and the whole creative team behind this produced a really enjoyable story that anyone at any age can appreciate. I have to admit that I was smiling the whole time while I was reading the issue, and I definitely want to read the next part. Even though I missed the initial launch of the graphic novel back in 2021, I am glad to able to read it now on this re-release. Whether you read the original or read this retelling of the same story essentially, I highly recommend you check out Batman and Robin and Howard. If it doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what to tell you.
SCORE: 9/10
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