***Contains Spoilers***
Robin I: Reborn takes us on Tim Drake’s first solo journey as Robin, where he travels to Europe to train and prove himself worthy of the mantle. Along the way, he faces off against new foes like the ruthless King Snake and his protege, Lynx, while under the mentorship of the deadly Lady Shiva. This story is a mix of self-discovery, intense training, and action, as Tim learns to wield his signature bo staff and establish himself as a Robin very different from Dick Grayson and Jason Todd.
What I liked about this story is how it emphasizes Tim’s unique traits. He isn’t the naturally acrobatic performer that Dick was, nor does he share Jason’s reckless aggression. Instead, Tim is cautious, analytical, and very much a thinker—a trait that shines through in his fight scenes and decision-making. His journey to gain confidence is a relatable arc, and his struggles with self-doubt make him feel grounded. I also appreciated the significance of his bo staff being introduced here, which would go on to become a defining element of his character.
Lady Shiva’s role is another high point, showcasing her as both a brutal mentor and a formidable force. Watching her train Tim in the art of combat—contrasting her deadly methods with his more restrained approach—added depth to the story. The same can be said for King Snake as a villain; while not as iconic as Gotham’s rogues, his no-nonsense brutality made him a fitting challenge for a rookie like Tim.
Unfortunately, the pacing and narrative flow leave much to be desired. The story feels rushed, darting from Tim’s training in Tibetan martial arts to street fighting, and then to his sessions with Shiva, without giving any of these moments the depth or time they deserve. It’s as if the story is more interested in checking boxes than truly developing Tim’s growth.
Another issue I had was with the Lynx subplot. Tim’s initial attempts to protect her, only to discover her allegiance to King Snake, felt repetitive—almost like a precursor to a pattern in his stories. While it adds some moral complexity, the execution lacked nuance, leaving their dynamic feeling underdeveloped and forgettable.
By the time Tim faces King Snake, the conclusion feels anticlimactic. Despite being set up as a cerebral Robin, Tim doesn’t seem to apply much strategy here, making the final confrontation feel more like an obligatory fight than a meaningful culmination of his growth.
In conclusion, Robin I: Reborn does an admirable job of highlighting Tim Drake’s differences from his predecessors and lays some solid groundwork for his character. However, its rushed pacing, lack of narrative focus, and forgettable side characters keep it from being a truly compelling story. It’s worth a read for Tim Drake fans, but it’s not something I’d revisit anytime soon. 2 Stars
Feature Image Robin #4 art by Tom Lyle and Bob Smith