Red Robin #12 – Review

By Chris Yost (writer), Marcus To (pencils), Ray McCarthy (inks), Guy Major (colors) and Sal Cipriano (letters)

The Story The epic “Collisions” storyline comes to a conclusion as the League of Shadows threatens everything and everyone Bruce Wayne holds dear. As time begins to run out, Red Robin finally comes face to face with Ra’s al Ghul.

What’s Good: Red Robin has been a fantastic book since issue #1, but the whole creative team really pulls out all the stops for the conclusion of this first arc. In addition to being an absolutely excellent and suspenseful story as a whole, Tim Drake himself gets some wonderful character moments. The way he relies on his brain even more than his (not insignificant) fighting skill during his confrontation with al Ghul cements this Red Robin’s place as a worthy addition to the Bat-family, while the courage and character he exhibits earns him the title of ‘hero’ in his own right as well. This book has allowed Tim to mature in the best way, both as a person and a character, and the payoff we witness in this issue is a wholly satisfying pleasure to see. The actual conclusion—both to the issue and the storyline as a whole—is…not what I expected at all, but it works very well and is actually quite heartwarming to watch, after everything Tim has been through and sacrificed in the last year.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: X-Force #26 – this whole Second Coming arc is firing on all cylinders and I think Marvel’s got a classic on its hands if they can keep this level of control and discipline on the story.

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #1 – What!? Like it could be anything else? Johns, Tomasi, and Reis are starting the new Green Lantern epic!

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #12, JSA All-Stars #6, Red Robin #12, Superman: War of the Supermen #1, Spider-Man: Fever #2, Uncanny X-Men #524.

Alex’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Scalped #37 -A really fantastic issue and a perfect conclusion to what could’ve been just another filler arc.  Brave, gritty stuff all around, Scalped continues to be one of the best books around.

Most Anticipated: iZombie #1 – A new Vertigo ongoing is always something to check out and with Mike Allred behind the art that becomes doubly so.  My curiosity is piqued and I hope that Vertigo continues it’s current hot streak.

Other Picks: Hellboy in Mexico (Or, a Drunken Blur), Sweet Tooth #9, Brightest Day #1, Batman & Robin #12, Secret Six #21

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Week: X-Force #26 – Kyle and Yost back to form on the title they made a great read and the death of a major  X-character all wrapped up in beautiful artwork by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback?  ‘Nuff said.

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #1 – The zero issue was a pleasant surprise and, well, hello?!  White ring to finish my collection?  Yes please.

Other picks: Uncanny X-Men #523, X-Men – Second Coming Revelations – Hellbound #1, Red Robin #12, Secret Six #21, Demo 2 #4, Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #1

Dean’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Incorruptible #5 – None of the “big” titles really blew my socks off last week and I smile because that allows Incorruptible #5 to steal the cheese.  This was the best issue yet of this series.  You should definitely be reading this and its sister title, Irredeemable.

Most Anticipated: Orc Stain #3 – The first two issues of this series from Image have been trippy, vulgar fun.  Can’t wait to see what happens in this issue!

Other Picks: I, Zombie #1, Uncanny X-Men #524, Amazing Spider-Man #630, Secret Six #21, Batman & Robin #12