Tim Drake: Robin #10 is published by DC Comics and written by Meghan Fitzmartin. Artwork is by Nikola Čižmešija, colours by Lee Loughridge and letters by Josh Reed. Main cover art (left) is by Nikola Čižmešija.
Tim Drake: Robin #10 is available from today in stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
Robin and Batwoman are trapped in the lair of the Chaos Monsters! Will they be able to escape with their sanity intact?
Review
Journey’s end has arrived. The final issue of Tim Drake: Robin hit stores today and brings to an end a wonderful journey of self discovery for the legendary Robin. Over the course of 10 issues Meghan Fitzmartin has shepherded the character through two excellent arcs. But with one issue to go, can the series stick the landing?
Of course it can. The final issues neatly ties up all of the lingering plot threads. Fitzmartin is able to pack in plenty of action alongside satisfying character development which rounds out the Tim Drake: Robin ethos. To its credit, even in the final throws of the finale Tim Drake: Robin doesn’t cave to classic predictable tropes. Instead creating a unique, hopeful ending which paves the way for a bright future for the character.
The final issue picks up with Batwoman missing-in-action and Tim now also in the clutches of the Chaos Monsters. Tim awakens in their labyrinthian lair, something akin to the maze Batman once found himself in when first confronting the Court of Owls. Faced with a grim representation of his long-dead dad, Tim is forced – one final time – to confront this personal demons when all hope appears lost.
Running in conjunction Bernard, now on his own journey of discovery. I’ve touched on this a few times whilst reviewing Tim Drake: Robin and I can’t thank Fitzmartin enough for not simply having Tim out himself to Bernard as Robin. Instead the book takes the reveal in a new direction, firstly by confronting Bernard with this misrepresentation that Tim may be cheating on him with Robin. Of course the reader know this can’t be the case. But it makes for incredibly interesting reading to see Bernard never falter in his belief of Tim.
Isuse #10 splits itself between Tim and Bernard equally. We see Tim trying to rescue Batwoman, offering himself in her place as a sacrifice. Whilst Bernard searches for his friend, approaching each of the Bat-Family in and out of costume. Both are unwavering and steadfast isn their mission to save the ones they love. On one hand it makes for an action-packed finale, on the other it’s a wonderful and touching emotional tribute to these two characters.
No spoilers from me for how the series comes to an end. But in its final beats Tim Drake: Robin coalesces the stories between Bernard and Tim beautifully. The actions of the characters becomes a touching analogy for the fans dedication to the character of Tim and their defence of him despite all his incredibly human flaws and foibles. It’s a beautiful ending to a series which has been underestimated in its grasp on character development and plotting.
Čižmešija, Loughridge and Reed are with Fitzmartin until the bitter end. Though Riley Rossmo originated the style of Tim Drake: Robin it has arguably really hit its stride with Čižmešija behind the pencil. The final issue maintains the series unique styling until the bitter end. With a huge guest cast this issue the team has a lot of handle visually and plenty of dialogue of Reed to letter. It all, of course, looks great and I’m pleased to see that even with its dying breath the series hasn’t compromised on its creativity.
Verdict
A note-perfect ending to the series. Tim Drake: Robin goes out on a high with a fist-bumping injection of hope and hype for the future of one of DC’s best and brightest Robins. I’m going to miss this series but I’m so grateful for the last ten months of excellent storytelling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
