By: Fabian Nicieza (writer), Marcus To (penciller), Ray McCarthy (inker)
The Story: The Man with the Plan is in Moscow, checking out a lead on his latest quarry. Problem is, this lead is very well connected, so much so that Russia’s premier meta doesn’t want Red Robin on this case. Tread lightly, Tim…
What’s Good: Everything I love about Tim Drake (Wayne) is on the first page. He’s careful, meticulous, goal-driven, thinking three steps ahead of any of the competition. Everything I love about Red Robin is also in the rest of the pages. He’s the superhero incarnation of the trickster god. He’s got the cunning of a fox, and although he gets himself into some tight places, he knows what he’s doing. Except when he doesn’t, like in this issue. Total fun. I love Red Robin.
To and McCarthy on art chores were also pretty flawless. Red Star looked like a bad ass you don’t want to be messing with unless you happen to have Superman behind you, which Tim didn’t. The nighttime sky of Moscow, green against starlight, was totally cool, as were the fight scenes. The action punched and pulsed along, with quick, varying camera angles and shifting panel sizes, making the action appear quick and dynamic. The scene with Tim sliding the chair into the fight was well drawn. On draftsmanship, To and McCarthy can draw anything I buy.
What’s Not So Good: While I wholeheartedly give my endorsement to To and McCarthy, I’m not going to say there aren’t a few little quibbles. We’ve all got quibbles, right? Their superheroes, high tech equipment and environments are beautifully textured and evocative. Tim and Tam (I’m never going to get used to that) in civilian clothes always seem to fall flat for me. I don’t buy the look Tim has going on, or Tam for that matter, and it bugs me. Oh well, one readers taste, I suppose. Don’t let it get in the way.
Conclusion: You want international superhero suspense? You want the hero going after the bad guys (and ruining their operations and turning them in)? You want great art and mysterious villains? You have to check out Red Robin. I really enjoyed this one.
Grade: A-
-DS Arsenault
Filed under: DC Comics Tagged: Batman, comic book babes, Comic Book Reviews, comic reviews, DC, DC Comics, DS Arsenault, Fabian Nicieza, Marcus To, Ray McCarthy, Red Robin #18, Red Robin #18 review, Red Star, Reviews, Russia, Tim Drake, Tim Wayne, Weekly Comic Book Review
