Batman and Robin and Howard is low stakes, but the story has plenty of heart and humor for the whole Bat-family.
Batman is one of the most iconic heroes in pop culture, thus leading to countless iterations of the character. This has also led to Batman developing an ever-growing Bat-family, with the list of Robins standing out in particular. From Dick Grayson to Jason Todd, each sidekick who has taken on the mantle brings something new to the role, and in the case of Batman and Robin and Howard, all eyes are on Damian Wayne as he adjusts to his new middle school.
Created Jeffrey Brown, Batman and Robin and Howard is a non-canonical middle grade graphic novel, so it is perfect for young readers wanting to pick up their first comic book fix. Meanwhile, longtime fans will still appreciate this adorable read, as it captures the more campy side of Batman and company, which is often overlooked, while still paying homage in small ways to the lore around Bruce and Damian Wayne.
The stakes are very low, as a mysterious villain is occupying Batman’s attention, so he has little-to-no time for Damian’s school adventures, which is the heart of the book. Focusing on how Damian adjusts to this new environment and his classmates puts the message about making friends and being cautious of jealousy up front, and it’s a message that young and old readers can take a page from.
Unfortunately, due to the focus being primarily on Damian and Howard, Robin’s relationship with his father is not explored as much as it could’ve been. As seen with Webtoon’s Batman: Wayne Family Adventures, there is a place for slice-of-life Bat-family antics, and the sweeter side of Damian and Bruce’s relationship seen in Batman and Robin and Howard deserves a book on its own.
That being said, this is not a Batman comic. It’s a Robin and Howard comic, and Howard is a welcomed addition into the DC world. Giving Robin an everyday kid as a rival and friend is a brilliant choice, because it gives Brown a chance to explore the more relatable side of Damian. Furthermore, Howard is a great example of how someone outside the superhero world can be a role model, or in the case of Batman and Robin and Howard, someone even Damian can grow jealous of.
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While a short read, the book manages to clearly establish this version of Robin and Howard, including their likes and insecurities. Along with that, the development of their relationship feels very organic and realistic, despite the more comedic and cartoony tone of the book.
This humor is also a plus because, despite the target audience, the jokes are never dumbed down for younger readers. Both heart and humor are meant to appeal to readers of all ages, so this book is a fun read for the family. Very much in the vein of Brown’s work on Darth Vader and Son, Batman and Robin and Howard plays with the characters of DC in a way we often do not get to see, and while stakes are low, the story is sweet.
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