Robin #181 - DC

What a fantastic book. Yes Anarky is back . . although he's not the same character. He's now Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong. And yes the whole Batman family is dealing, and reeling, from Batman's recent disappearance, but . . . this book is truly, and solely, all about Tim. Everyone else in this book, including Dick and Alfred, are really just back-up characters to his lead. This book is all about him dealing with what's going on with Bruce . . dealing with what's going on with Gotham . . and making the decisions to do and become what is necessary to take care of all of that, and more. It really comes down to the heart of the matter when he's talking to Dick. Dick's worried about him, not just because he almost got the back of his head blown off, but also because he's attempting to juggle so much. He also wants Tim to know that he's always there for him. However, Tim thinks, "Dick Grayson is my brother. My best friend. But he doesn't get it. Doesn't get that with Batman gone, the 'old rules' went with him. And there are no 'new rules' yet . . . because we have to write them first . . ." The first thing he's done is program the bat-computer with a chaos-program. "The goal is to determine the end result of every-one's actions so that I can prevent them or . . . or manipulate them. Control them so that the results work for us . . for a change! So that this doesn't happen to us anymore!" And with the sternness of his voice, and the passion on his face, it really looks as if Tim is channeling Bruce. At the end of the issue, it appears that Tim has everyone in place. Anarky is outside of a pizza place where the gang-leaders are talking about a purposed truce. Lynx is causing problems so Spoiler gets involved. Harper is on her way, as is the rest of the GCPD. Anarky thinks he's got things right where he wants them, and then . . . . Tim shows up wearing the Red-Robin costume. "Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong . . . you are done hurting my city!" But we aren't going to know what Robin does . . until next issue. Fabian Nicieza is really doing a phenomenal job with this book. He's only been on the book a short time, but he's really shaken things up. And for the better, I think. I'm also very impressed with Freddie Williams II artwork. He's given this book a great feel and I think he's really in touch with Tim's character. I know this title is going to end also, but . . I think it'll be back. Tim, Dick, the Robin character . . . they're all just to strong to let them die here. I know they're not actually dying. I meant as a book . . a story-line. Things may be revamped, or adjusted, but . . I think they'll all be back.