Scan barcode
hinn_raven's review
2.0
The danger of a collection of stories like this is the possibility of the wide range of quality. From the height of “More Time” by Judd Winnick, stunningly illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, to the low of King's "Lesson Plan," the quality of the characterization, art, and storytelling varies so massively it feels impossible to pick a star rating for this collection as a whole. Wolfman, Dixon, Grayson, and Winnick are on the top of their games here, bringing an emotional resonance, love for the characters, and the relationships and worlds that surround them that reminds me why I love Gotham. Amy Wolfram had the inenviable job of having to write Stephanie Brown's Robin, a task made all the more difficult by her never having written the character before While she nailed the characterization and voice, the story stumbled over its own sense of humor in the first half of the 8 page issue, including uncomfortable commentary about the character's body that might read as sexualizing or sexist, despite Scott's art being overall a delight to look at. Meanwhile Beechen, Tynion, Tomasi, and Thomas produced middling content (with Thomas's contribution being further slighted by some of the ugliest art I've seen in modern comics). Agent 37 from Tom King's "Grayson" is here for some indescribable reason, instead of Dick Grayson's more interesting run as Batman under Grant Morrison's pen, and this entry into the series continues to fail to impress, interest, or even amuse me, just like the series.
The series is somewhat redeemed by an overall high quality of art, including several excellent pinups.
Fans of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd will probably find themselves satisfied, Tim Drake fans will find themselves disappointed unless they're particularly fond of Tynion's version of the character from Detective Comics, Stephanie Brown fans will probably be happy enough to see her wearing the Girl Wonder costume once again, and Damian fans will probably be the only ones who can understand what's going on in the final book of the story in particular, as it is bogged down in tie-ins in a way that the other stories aren't.
The series is somewhat redeemed by an overall high quality of art, including several excellent pinups.
Fans of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd will probably find themselves satisfied, Tim Drake fans will find themselves disappointed unless they're particularly fond of Tynion's version of the character from Detective Comics, Stephanie Brown fans will probably be happy enough to see her wearing the Girl Wonder costume once again, and Damian fans will probably be the only ones who can understand what's going on in the final book of the story in particular, as it is bogged down in tie-ins in a way that the other stories aren't.
verydazedragon's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It would’ve been an easy five stars if it wasn’t for the fact that Stephanie‘s story didn’t sit right with me. The story for the 80th anniversary is one about how the robin suits don’t fit her because she’s a girl, and has a different body type? That is the most significant of her defining qualities that it should be included in the 80th anniversary edition? I loved “My Best Friend”. I really miss super sons, and I hated the way they aged them apart. It was so unnecessary and really threw off their dynamic and way that didn’t add anything to the series. I really love seeing all of the differences between the robins, and the way that they contributed to Batman in their own unique way. I actually like the fact that the story ended on a bittersweet note, I was very drawn in by “Bat and Mouse”, and I wanted to continue reading. I didn’t want it to end.
aabaileyauthor's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
laheereads's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
littlecat's review
adventurous
1.0
The stories were mostly, okay, pretty medicore but damn that Stephanie story was really bad.
Like unnessary sexualised, fat shaming, and general sexist. None of the art was my thing.
Jasons story was a bit more then okay, it was kind of cute.
Like unnessary sexualised, fat shaming, and general sexist. None of the art was my thing.
Jasons story was a bit more then okay, it was kind of cute.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexism, and Violence
anthroxagorus's review
5.0
Robin is my favorite character. This has been my favorite of the 80th anniversary specials, with lots of heart, warmth, cheek.
birdmanseven's review
5.0
Truthfully, this is more a sentimental five stars than a deserved one. As with any anthology, it's a mixed bag. I particularly liked the Jason Todd and Stephanie Brown stories. Those stand out in part because you don't get a ton of those characters as Robin anymore, but that aside both stories are well structured and do a lot with the character in a little space. Overall, this is a must for Robin fans because it gives you a little window in to each era of the characters long history.
For more (much, much more) on Robin, tune in to a special spotlight over on the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-241-holy-robin-spotlight-batman
For more (much, much more) on Robin, tune in to a special spotlight over on the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-241-holy-robin-spotlight-batman