Some thoughts about Robin 80th Anniversary Super Spectacular #1

Robin's history retold.

There have been many incarnations of the Boy Wonder during multiple timelines and now is time to revisit all of them.

It seems like there are quite a few anniversary issues recently and just like The Flash #750, DC decided to reunite many famous creators who have worked on the Boy Wonder over the course of the years and as a whole, I think that makes it one of the most successful specials yet.

We start with no other than Marv Wolfman writing a story about how Dick Grayson decided to get out of Batman's shadow to be his own man and this makes a lot of sense considering that Wolfman was the one who made Dick take the identity of Nightwing for the same reasons, is a well-done flashback to that era. Tom Grummett's artwork feels pretty nostalgic and fitting for the time.

Then Chuck Dixon of all people arrives with yet another Nightwing story and I must say that I was missing him in current DC books, his participation here makes sense considering how much he contributed to the character and the Batfamily as a whole, the tale is about Dick trying to save a woman who is in labor and is short and sweet. Scott McDaniel handles the art and yes, his art is not as polished as I wished and it looks a bit too 90s plastic for my taste but on the other hand, he marked an era on the character as well and so his contribution is appreciated.

Devin Grayson also gets on board with a story about how good of a leader Nightwing is for the Titans (especifically the incarnation of the team that Grayson wrote of course) which is especially obvious when he's compared to the leader of the H.I.V.E. and their inclusion is also logical considering how prominent they were during Grayson's Titans. Dan Jurgens' artwork is classic in all ways and it makes me wish that he revisited his time on the Teen Titans.

Yet another Grayson receives the spotlight with a story written by Tim Seeley and Tom King about his time as an agent focusing on how different he is from Batman but at the same time, how much he appreciates Bruce as a mentor. Mikel Janin handles the art and this wouldn't be complete without his beautiful pencils.

Jason Todd also gets a segment not written by Scott Lobdell but by Judd Winick instead and this is another author I've been missing, his contribution is fitting considering he was the one who revived Jason and it seems like he's taking notes from Lobdell's work since his Jason seems more understanding compared to how he used to write him. Dustin Nguyen's art nails every scene from the past and present.

Probably the person people wanted to see again the least was Adam Beechen since his time on Robin ruined the character of Cassandra Cain, then again, this story about Tim Drake trying to plan his future without people realizing his secret identity is fine enough. Freddie Williams II handles the art and his work is pretty expressive and detailed.

Beechen is not the one who writes the worst story about Tim here believe it or not, no, that honor goes to James Tynion IV who still has an obsession with the character despite of not writing him particularly well, in fact this little story works as a prelude to his Detective Comics run (and we all know how well that ended) and this story is just as overwritten and unnecessary as that work. At least Javier Fernandez' pencils are decent.

Fortunately, Tynion doesn't write Stephanie Brown here since Amy Wolfram handles a story about her time as Robin and she does a solid job at getting her voice. Damion Scott is on art duties and the work is semi-cartoony and fitting.

Peter Tomasi returns to write the Super Sons and, while his last book about them was not the best, he still demonstrates he understands the dynamic between Damian and Jon. Jorge Jimenez is also back and he's wonderful on pencils.

Finally Robbie Thompson offers another story about Damian and how difficult his relationship is with his father, is decently done and apparently ties-in with a future story in Teen Titans. Ramon Villalobos handles the art and is really reminiscent of Frank Quitely and Chris Burham's styles and thus, appropriate for the character.

Overall, a pretty damn strong anniversary issue aside from a mediocre story. Worth the money.