The Boy Wonder #2 is written and drawn by Juni Ba and published by DC. Colours are by Chris O’Halloran and letters by Aditya Bidikar. Main cover art (left) is also by Juni Ba.
The Boy Wonder #2 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon ComiXology UK right here.
Synopsis
Jason Todd is the exile prince of Batman’s kingdom, stalking Gotham’s darkest alleys and eternally turning his face from the light of day—all because he cannot quench the burning flame of anger and retribution that consumes his heart. Can Damian learn from Jason’s mistakes? Or is the reflective mask of the Red Hood doomed to be a mirror held up to his own future?
Review
Juni Ba’s incredible The Boy Wonder is back today with book two. As the gothic fairytale around the youngest Robin shifts focus to Red Hood, Ba’s incredible style continues to be a huge selling point. Leaning in more to its Black Label roots, The Boy Wonder book two shows the versatility of both story and creator.
Whist book one focussed on Damian introducing himself we got to see some of his interactions with Dick and Barbara. This issue is more of a two-hander as the young Robin turns to the black sheep of the family, Jason Todd’s Red Hood, for help with his investigations. Ba’s somewhat playful style takes on new meaning as Red Hood mercilessly dispatches goons. There’s an incredible juxtaposition between the almost childlike characters being surrounded by blood and violence. It only serves to make The Boy Wonder even more compelling to read. Ba does a wonderful job of retelling Jason’s origin story. Knowing the audience is likely already clued in it’s a breezy retelling which allows for some further awesome imagery. Paired with the devastating dialogue around his death and rebirth it’s a tough read.
Through their investigations the pair come up against Ruk, the so-called demon who has been snatching people from the streets of Gotham. It gives Ba – and the book – time to step away from the heartbreak for a moment and gives the Robins time to team up. It brings The Boy Wonder closer to classic comic book action. Ruk presents the chance for something visually engaging which stands in contrast with the rest of the book. Their confrontation is some of the most vibrant and colourful work in the book. Providing just a short respite from the psychological exploration of these two complex and damaged young men.
Whilst Damian might be the one leading the narrative, book two is absolutely Jason’s story. His emotional breakdown after their confrontation with Ruk is a real testament to Ba’s rich storytelling. Recounting more of his origin and Batman’s role in it is devastating. We often witness these events in the third person. But hearing it from Jason’s perspective is heartbreaking and leaves book two on a mournful note. Ba’s writing is thriving on the nuance between the Robins. With Dick there’s the big brother relationship, here with Jason it’s anguished and forlorn. Next issue Damian will be teaming with Red Robin aka Tim Drake which is sure to shift the book’s tone once again.
Verdict
Book two of The Boy Wonder is a prime example of writer/artist Juni Ba comfortably slipping in to each of the series’ characters to explore their inner demons. A gothic fairytale worthy of the streets of Gotham.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
