4 Great Moments from Robin: Son of Batman #6

[zapbiffpow]

This issue was really good! Lots of moving pieces that turn out to be functional to the story (and arc) as a whole, and a credit to everybody involved, fictional and otherwise. 

 

Let's look at the 4 best moments from this surprisingly contemplative issue about Damian Wayne, what Robin means to him, and the nature of forgiveness.

4. "Gee, Damey..." - How Damian Met Goliath

We begin with a flashback to Robin's Year of Blood campaign, where he slaughters Goliath's family:

It's implied that he projected his situation into Goliath, hence the breakdown. And this isn't just a thrown-in, cutesy Pet The Dog moment: it's important to the story later on.


3. The Redemption of Talia Al Ghul

Someone finally retcons Batman, Inc. Talia! She remains the take-charge warrior her LoA days made her, but seems remorseful of her actions during Batman, Inc. Here, after a mother-son reunion, Damian asks the question, "Why did you kill me?"

 

The pearl macguffin containing Talia's 'insanity' is kinduvva ludicrous plot point, but I appreciate/roll with the attempt. It also raises the question: if whatever that is worked on Talia, would it work for the other Bat-villains? Would it work for Joker?


2. Damian Reflects on His Atonement Project

It has not gone well, but Maya Ducard makes him realize that it has not been for nothing:

 

She's talking about the imperfect Damian-clones Robin freed (during the Superpower arc) and placed on his Christmas-gift private island (first referenced in Streets of Gotham). Those clones died saving him and Maya last issue.










"You have gained a sister. I forgive you, Damian Wayne."

I wouldn't say 'sister', but I loved this scene for many reasons, most of which was because it's purposeful.

Using what he learned here (and from Goliath, and from his clones, and from everything built up since issue #1), Damian decides to give Talia his forgiveness.


1. What That Last Sentence Said





Damian encourages her to make the most of her second chance. Which she does (I think), rallying Bialya to prepare for Den Darga's attack, as Robin finds a new meaning for the 'R' in his chest:





It can also mean 'Raisins'.

Anyway, top-notch job, creative team! Hasn't gone unnoticed. Next stop: Robin War!

Comments

[akodo_rokku]

I love this book.

[zapbiffpow]

Right?

I wasn't sold on the first two issues, but the one where he visits his 'brothers' really got to me. Serious turnaround.

[mrstatham]

I'm still not sold on Damian as a character and wouldn't really have been fussed if he stayed dead, if I'm being entirely honest (but then in contrast with this I thought it was utterly awful that Morrison, seemingly upon being told his changes couldn't stick, decided to piss on everything he'd built starting with killing Damian), but this doesn't look bad. Granted, I'm more interested in Maya as a character, but it wouldn't be the first time I've bought a book for a secondary character.

[zapbiffpow]

Ah, I take no offense from it, buddy: the 'Damian is a little sh*t' is a tough rep to climb out of, and as a Robin, I think he's kinda flawed since Dick/Damian works better than Bruce/Damian. But I'm proud of what he's accomplished here and hope this characterization sticks.

EDIT: What was that about Morrison and the higher-ups? Was that why he killed off Damian?

[mrstatham]

There were a few interview pieces here and there while Incorporated Vol 2 was coming to a close suggesting Morrison was pretty embittered about being told that what he'd built wouldn't stick - DC eventually wanting to return Batman to what he was prior, seemingly, although this hasn't happened even under Snyder - so he did the work pulling it down himself.

[zapbiffpow]

Ohhh. Thanks for clarifying. I guess that explains the bizarre turn between Pre-and New 52 Batman, Inc. Still entertaining, but Part 1 built up so much potential.

[icon_uk]

You beat me to it on this one! Great issue. The scene where he first meets baby Goliath is sad, and horrible AND adorable at the same time.

[zapbiffpow]

It'd be the first I'd have committed such a travesty, sir. Also, I agree, that Goliath scene was powerful.

[punisher007]

-Damian being awesome and heartfelt, check.
-Cool new characters like Maya and Goliath, check.
-The seeming redemption of Talia after Morrison did his best to ruin her character, double check.
-Adorable/heartfelt scenes, check.

I love this book. I'm kind of losing interest in Robin War if it means interrupting the flow of good books like this or Grayson, honestly.

[informationgeek]

Well, Tom King (co-writer of Grayson and writer of Vision & Omega Men) is lead writer on the book. I'm sure it'll turn out just fine.

[zapbiffpow]

Yeah, the event is going to derail this and Grayson, although I hope the hit's going to hurt less.

[janegray]

Who is Goliath? Is he that bat-kitten cub? Is he grown up now?

[zapbiffpow]

Yes, the Appa-like red bat thing.