Robin War

The Gotham universe has now spiraled far enough from its dark star Batman that an entire series can be built around not just one of his sidekicks but a sidekick’s followers. At the start of this jumbled series, Gotham, beset with a swarm of youthful vigilantes having their Spartacus moment (“I am Robin”), enacts sweeping Patriot Act-like laws to round them up. This doesn’t sit well with actual Robins like Dick Grayson or erstwhile allies such as Commissioner Gordon (now the acting Batman while Bruce Wayne is otherwise occupied), who get tangled up in the struggle against a city that once again is acting against its own best interests. Meanwhile, the ever-scheming villainous Court of Owls doesn’t mind at all. The mix of writing and artistic styles from the various single issues that comprise the collection isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but the over-plotted book’s inability to get a grip on where the Robins fit into Gotham’s urban template or to tease out some dramatically meaningful relationships most certainly is. (Apr.)