DC Comics reviews 3/12/24 – Green Lantern #9, Batman and Robin #7

Batman and Robin #7

Batman and Robin has emerged as a welcome Batman title for fans who just want to read a simple Batman story. It’s not playing out a two-year arc or retconning villains and having Batman face off against an unstoppable enemy.

It’s just as easy as the title implies. Batman and Robin being the Dynamic Duo and a beacon for the Batman-focused Bat titles.

This issue, Flatline arrives in Gotham seeking Robin’s aid in tracking down her sister. Writer Joshua Williamson has some fun with Batman watching Damian take up after him by crushing hard on a criminal. At least he’s not hypocritical about it.

And the odds of a Robin vs Flatline: Gotham City War seem unlikely, this is still one pairing that fans can still enjoy. The Robin/Flatline dynamic proved very fun in Robin’s last solo arc so it’s nice to see Williamson continuing it here.

Batman is seeking leads on Man-Bat’s formula, which is converting people into members of his cult. Man-Bat’s characterization in Task Force Z (available now on Amazon) was more interesting than this role, but Williamson convincingly reverts him back to his old Batman adversary days.

Artist Simone Di Meo continues to create some highly unique visuals for this title. Di Meo avoids giving the book a full-on manga-style visual, but it’s a very different style from most Batman titles. While low in action this issue, Di Meo is able to craft some strong sequences with dramatic perspectives. Colorist Giovanna Niro adds some welcome ambiance with the color choices of largely purple, blues and reds. Letterer Steve Wands adds just the right mix of basic text and creative, smartly arranged sound effects.

Batman and Robin continues to be the most consistent title in the Batman-focused line of books. Williamson takes a steady approach to the story while the art team delivers strong work on their end. The Man-Bat arc remains interesting, and it’ll be fun to see where Shush and Flatline fall in line as the story continues.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.