Throwback Review: Batman and Robin Annual #2 (2014)

Ghosts of the Past

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Doug Mahnke
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 29, 2014


This week is annual heavy in the DC Universe.  I have stated that I enjoy Annuals when they tell little one-shot stories that don't necessarily tie into the main story of the book, but flesh out the world and characters in general.  This book does just that and as an added bonus I get to see my two favorite Robins, Dick and Damian.  Poor little Damian, it's so bittersweet seeing the little pumpkin head again. With the way things are going for Dick in Forever Evil (and Nightwing being canceled), this could be his last hurrah as well.  Time will tell.


Dick tells Damian about his first night as Robin to help the little guy out. Let's just say, things didn't go great.   Later, when Bruce finds a package Damian hid for Dick, he again tells the tale to Bruce and Alfred.

The story itself involves a young, cocky Dick, an overly cautious and callous Bruce and a villain named Tusk.  As I said, things don't go great for Dick and he is fired as Robin.  When he decides to fight crime on his own, Batman proves he plans for everything and knows all.  In the end, Dick gets to become Robin and Tusk becomes his first recurring villain. He mentioned to Damian that Tusk reappeared for a time, but he hadn't seen him in a bit.

When Dick opens the box left for him, the reader sees why Damian was such a great Robin, friend and brother.  The little bugger died a hero and he shows again what he's made of.  

Peter J. Tomasi gives fans of Batman and Robin a love letter this month. We get to see Dick as Robin, something lacking with the New 52 overhaul.  We get to see Damian again ,something I will never complain about.  Seriously, Dick and Damian are my favorite Robins so I was in Heaven.  However, the best part for me is seeing a younger Batman letting his guard down a bit and allowing a partner into the fold.  Yes, it's his way or the highway, but it's a huge step for him to allow it in the first place.

Doug Mahnke's art is so good in this issue.  The action flows so well and seeing the old Robin outfit always makes me smile. 

Bits and Pieces:

Batman and Robin Annual #2 is Peter J. Tomasi's love letter to Robin fans.  Seeing Dick Grayson as Robin is a scarce site in the New 52 and any Damian is welcome.  If stories like these could continue in the regular Batman and Robin, I'd be a very happy man.

9.0/10