Recent Reads: Batman and Robin and Howard by Jeffrey Brown

Source: From DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. This in now way alters my opinion or reivew.

Batman and Robin and Howard by Jeffrey Brown 
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:   November 9, 2021

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sidelined by a crime-fighting field trip gone wrong, Damian Wayne must refocus his attention on his life as an average student and learning how to be a team player--especially when he meets his match in his new rival, Howard.

To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what's more, Damian's dad, Bruce Wayne--a.k.a. Batman--decides that starting over in a new school will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine.

Certain that Gotham Metro Academy has nothing to teach him, Damian is completely unprepared for the challenge he finds in Howard--the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys' rivalry is instantaneous and fierce...and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class.

What follows is a funny story of rivalry, friendship, and mystery from bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown. 

 

Batman and Robin and Howard is a graphic novel themed for a younger audience. It follows Damian Wayne, who is told that he needs to take a break from being Batman's sidekick. He is moved to a new school and must make new friends in this new enviornment all while in a mood from being told that he couldn't crime-fight right now.

The book was illustrated very well, lots of details, with nice colors and I think that younger readers will like that aspect. However, because it is for a younger audience, I found it to be too wordy. There was a lot of writing and dialogue here and it was hard to stay focused. Graphic novels should use the illustration just as much as the writing to tell the story. I understand that not many young readers understand imagery as story but they aren't so far from picture books to try. 

While I think that this was a good story about overcoming feelings of lonliness and abandonment in some ways, I found Damian to be a brat. He was a snob, rude, and selfish, making it very irritating to read about him and care about him as a character. It was like reading a book about a bully, i found myself cringing a bit. 

Howard was a much nicer characters and sadly Damian's rudeness initially rubs off on him. Even weirder was that Batman seemed like an idiot. He was not a ruthless, dark knight fighting crime, he was a slow, stubborn, and a little dumb. It was sad and I think young readers that follow Batman will also be a bit disappointed. 

Overall, this was an ok book. I think that a lot of young readers will probably really enjoy it, but Damian's behavior, all the writing, and a lack-luster Batman just didn't do it for me for this time.