Category Archives: Comic Books
We Are Robin #2 Review from Kim Gaines
They started this one with a bang.
The story picks up right where we left off, smack in the middle of a fight between Duke and the Robins, against a bunch of creeper sewer warriors. And the banter between the Robin team is great. It’s so fun and witty, and has the whole teenager feel about it, without being annoying or feeling too rehearsed.
Those first six pages are an awesome ride. Tons of action and every panel delivers. The whole scene is one you won’t forget quickly, and you get lost in the chaos of it all. One of the best parts about finally seeing the Robins in action, is equally awesome in both art and writing. The unique signatures of each uniform is great, and they speak to the differences of each character. There’s an attitude about each funky belt buckle, a story behind every hood. The little quirks of each costume are so much fun, and set each character apart.
The attitude of the Robins comes in the dialogue. They feel like kids you want to know. Like you want to play video games with them on a Saturday night, but you would totally go fight bad guys with them too. They take shots at each other, laugh about funny stuff, drop pop culture references, all of that good stuff, and it makes them feel real and concrete.
In this issue we also got a glimpse of the man who might be behind this whole operation, which helped open up a lot of interesting questions about what’s really going on. Who is this guy? Why are Duke’s parents so important? Can he be trusted? I mean, we didn’t really get any answers, but it’s important that the questions were put out there. It solidified that fact that there’s something bigger going on here.
And I for one, want to find out exactly what that is.
These guys are laying groundwork, and I’m looking forward to see what comes up.
We Are Robin Issue #1 Review by Kim Gaines
Raise your hand if you had a few doubts about We Are Robin.
Hand in the air, like I just don’t care.
I take my Batfam seriously. Casual associates included,. And I wasn’t sure I could get behind what appeared to be a bunch of street kids, running around repping the most important ‘R’ I can imagine, after a long, honorable, and in many cases, tragic legacy that had come before them. Who are these kids? Who said they could do this? Can they fight? Do they realize how important this is? Are they ready for the weight of the this?
Aside from that, it seemed a little cliche. The adoption into this vigilante life, has been done a million times before, half of them occurring in the Bat universe alone. I felt like it might be a story we’ve seen already.
Lee Bermejo and Jorge Corona promptly shut me and my whole life up.
This story is wonderful.
For starters, Corona’s art is bomb. It’s funky and weird, and a little bit twisted. The amount of attitude and emotion he can carry through the lips of his characters alone, is unbelievable. Curvy side smirks, annoyed pouts, wicked grins, it’s all there. And it gives a life to his faces. The angles of his scenes are awesome and every new page jumps out at you.
Lee Bermejo’s throws out words like weapons. I was in love with Duke Thomas before I knew his name.
“Someone told me that the problem with youth is the inability to accept your own morality. I wouldn’t consider this one of my problems.”
Oh, come on. Don’t you want to see where this is going?
Bermejo jumps in and out of Duke’s consciousness flawlessly, and no matter how interesting it gets outside, you keep wanting back in Duke’s head. His entire narrative is snarky, funny, intelligent, and if you listen hard enough, vulnerable. The entire story is action packed from beginning to end, and it doesn’t take from the story at all. The characters are solid and engaging, and the art just takes it to another level entirely.
I will spoil nothing about this series so far, because I want you get the same rush I did. This whole issue was just fun. The characters are easy to get behind, the humor keeps it interesting, even the references to pop culture make it feel like a universe you’re a part of. The bigger mystery at play makes it all the more enticing, as you’re eager to discover what really going on in Gotham right now, and who’s really holding all the strings.
I really hope youguys give this one a shot. It’s so worth it. Some people worry about messing with the Batfam legacy and all its twisted glory. I wouldn’t consider this one of my problems.
Well. Not anymore.
We. Are. ROBIN.
Shanlian On Batman Episode 39 feat Kim Gaines
Today on Shanlian on Batman they guys invite their new Comics Corespondent to come on the show to share with us a few things about herself. Then Kim gives a quick run through on her 3 favorite Comics/Graphic Novels followed by the Hosts, Justin, Kyle, & Tom doing the same. Lets welcome Ms Kim Gaines to the show and enjoy another great episode of Shanlian on Batman!
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Shanlian On Batman Episode 38 wsg Lee Bermejo
On today’s episode the guys talk to Legendary comic book artist/writer Lee Bermejo! We talk about his career all the way from his beginnings at Wildstorm to working on his most recent We Are Robin. Sit down and enjoy this Great episode with Shanlian on Batman and Lee Bermejo!
Shanlian On Batman Episode 34 wsg Brett Culp
A lot going down in the Podcast Cave this week! First we have a short intro that is going to break everything down and go over some current news, second we have Rodrigo Parga join us to explain the new 52s kinda tricky read of convergence, And last but not least guys, we have Brett Culp the director of Legends of the Knight coming on and talking with us about his movie and how Batman has influenced his life. Enjoy this information packed episode of Shanlian on Batman!