Red Robin #19

Title: Red Robin #19
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer(s): Fabian Nicieza
Artist(s): Marcus To
Inker(s): Ray McCarthy
Colorist(s): Guy Major
Letterer(s): Sal Cipriano
Cover Artist: Marcus To

Story/Concept: (6.5/10) This story is the final part in a two-part story arc call “Caught In the Untertow”. Though slightly confusing at first the writer brings all the story elements into focus by the end so you could understand what happened the issue before and enjoy the story as a whole.

Writing: (7/10) Fabian Nicieza has always been a solid writer to me and I have experienced him on a lot of different books and enjoy most of them and Red Robin is no exception. He has seemed to nail the characterization of Tim Drake down solid and I look forward to what comes next on his run on this book. I think it takes great craftsmanship as a writer to successfully have a new reader to a book your writing drop in on the middle of a muiti-part story and still get the same level of enjoyment out of it that someone that has read through the whole thing would get. That doesn’t happen in comics that much anymore and I must say it is refreshing and has me looking forward to the next issue.

Art: (8/10) Let me say I’m not familiar with Marcus To’s work but I must say it is a perfect fit for this book. As I pour over the artwork in the book I can immediately see influences of John Bryne, Tom Grummett, and Mike McKone all over this talented artist. Just smooth clean line work, good story telling, and action scenes I can’t say one bad thing about this artist at all and hope to see him continue on this book for the foreseeable future.

Cover: (7/10) This issue fell into the white background cover treatment DC Comics did for the March 2011 on all there books. Though it is a simple design I do like To’s selection of pose for our hero and it is drawn wonderfully.

Overall: (7/10) This was a solid issue from top to bottom, the writing and art were great! The team really seems to have a handle on the character and the direction they’re taking him and they now have me along for the ride. Just a vibe of old school good comics from this team, I hope they keep up the good work.

Bottom Line: Even if your not a Robin, Tim Drake, or Batman book fan I believe you can still pick up read and enjoy this title. Just good fun and accessible to new readers, which is a plus if your picking up the book for the first time. Give Red Robin a try I think you might like it.

Comic Book Savant