The latest (and next to last) issue of
ROBIN concludes the six part “Search for a Hero” storyline. I’ve really been looking forward to this; the arc has had its ups and downs, “Batman R.I.P.” and “Battle for the Cowl” references, silly Batmobile modifications, and some interesting villains (and some not so interesting).
This final installment begins with an poignant (but short) flashback of Tim’s early days on patrol with Batman. Sadly, this memory is cut short as Robin realizes that times like that are a thing of the past. As Red Robin (I guess), Tim is approaching the end of his struggle with the new Anarky. Spoiler and Gordon (in a cool but brief moment) work together with what’s left of the gangs to help clear the streets from Anarky’s destructive blasts. And finally, in a moment that Batman himself would be proud of, Robin turns his own enemy’s plan against him, showing him that all of the chaos he caused only brought the city closer together. However, Anarky attempts to detonate his final charge as a final blow against Robin, but he ends up slaughtering two of his family members in the process.
In the aftermath of these events, Robin has to deal with the fact that he was partly responsible for the presence of Anarky’s family in the area; when confronted by Gordon, Robin remains strong and shows even more of his mentor’s influence. Following this is a confrontation with Spoiler, regarding her invlovement in the whole ordeal. The rest of the issue presents some interesting developments, with Tim covering for Bruce in his absence, paying Jason Todd a visit in jail (who Tim is giving a final shot at redemption), the promotion of Harper, and a Robin signal in the sky.
So, did it end with a bang? Well, yes and no.
Unfortunately, it’s always hard to judge a story like this when it’s so intertwined with everything else going on around it, leading up to something intentionally bigger. However, the story has provided some well-crafted character development for Robin, the resurrection of one of his nastier villains, and some very interesting nods to the future. Pretty much everything a ROBIN fan could ask for. I’d definitely suggest this for anyone that’s curious about some themes that I’m sure will translate into “Battle for the Cowl.” And even though it’s a solid Robin story, I’m left wondering if it will all hold up in a few years, after all of this mess is sorted out. Hopefully, this series will end on a high note and the future of Robin (and the Bat-universe) will work itself out for the better.
