We Are Robin Vol. 1

One of the taglines used in advertisements for We Are Robin is ‘We're not sidekicks. We're an army!” which is one of the first things I found intriguing about this comic. It takes an idea and a character that we've seen multiple times before and completely flips it on its head to create a tale of teenagers being recruited into the vigilante business.

We Are Robin ties into other previously released graphic novels within the DC Universe such as Batman: Endgame and Batman: Zero Year, however editors notes point out anything that you may not understand, whilst also forming a fully complete story that can be read whilst having no comprehension of these references. It gives a bit of fun for experienced readers but also welcomes newcomers which is a nice accommodating touch. We Are Robin also draws on other pop culture references to help shape their characters, such as Lord Of The Rings, Quentin Tarantino, and Harry Potter.

We Are Robin centers on African-American foster child Duke Thomas, who since the disappearance of his parents has seen his life spiral out of control, with his mortality repeatedly coming into question as he searches for his parents. One of the things I love about We Are Robin is that there are multiple POC protagonists, and the end of the first issue which suggests that the future is a ‘place of color' referencing both the Robin outfits and the children who are Robin is a lovely testament to important representation.

We Are Robin: The Vigilante Business collects issues #1-#6, and gives us the adventures of six teenagers who have been recruited onto Team Robin, and each identify as being Robin, who receive messages from a mysterious source known as ‘The Nest' that send them on missions. A main character death in just the second issue reinforces the idea of mortality that is mentioned at the start of Volume 1, and shows us that these kids aren't indispensable as many heroes seem to be.

The first few issues dealt with bomb threats in Gotham City, as well as a look at the homeless epidemic and a crossover with Batgirl, however later issues seemed to drift away from this and towards the ideas of choice and perception of the Robins, leaving the overall arc and message a bit lost. I think more time should have been focused on both the plot and the characters, as we were only given glimpses of who they are as people and of their home lives.

The concept is solid and could definitely be an enjoyable tale, however the execution does leave a little bit to be desired personally.