Derailments of Thought

This trade collects Batman #455-457, Detective Comics #618-621, and Robin (first mini-series) #1-5.

As Nightwing, Dick Grayson is perhaps my favorite character in the DC Universe (or at least tied with Batman). But surprisingly enough he’s not actually my favorite Robin. By a small margin, that honor goes to Tim Drake. A detective in his own right, a proficient computer hacker, and level headed enough to be aware of the weight of the legacy he wishes to have passed to him, Drake was embraced as a successor to Grayson by fans in a way Jason Todd never was.

This collection contains three multi-part stories that cover his training pre-Robin and his first steps once he’s become the new boy wonder.

Rite of Passage is a four-issue story that ran in Detective Comics and was done by one of my favorite creative teams, Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle. Grant is a fantastic writer that wrote dark stories, sometimes with mystical elements, that still felt grounded, always had a point to them, and were appropriate additions to the Batman mythos. Breyfolge’s art was always dynamic and captivating.

Here they present an important chapter in Tim’s journey to becoming Robin. He’s already being trained by Batman and Nightwing, having previously proved his potential by deducing their identities. But after what happened with Jason Todd Batman is taking it slow, trying to be sure Tim is ready before allowing him in the field. Fate has an even tougher trial in mind however, as Tim’s parents are abducted. Powerful story with themes of voodoo, fate, and responsibility.

Batman #455-457 is another arc by the same creative duo, seeing Batman investigating a string of odd murders committed by civilians in masks. Meanwhile the weight of being the next Robin hangs heavily over Tim’s shoulders. These stories are wonderfully character driven, with a Batman who’s not infallible and tough events and decisions for our heroes to contend with.

Finally we have the five issues first Robin mini-series. Tim has become Robin, but has some soul searching to do as to what that really means for him. Chuck Dixon and Tom Lyle provide this nice globe spanning tale that sees Tim trying to continue his training only to be swept up in dangerous schemes that will cross his path with an old Batman foe as well as a dangerous new villain. Like the previous two arcs this focuses on character development and what makes Tim unique, to great effect.

I’m thrilled they rereleased these early stories of Tim’s career. Hope to see more.

This trade collects Secret Six (II) issues #1-6 and DC Sneak Peek: Secret Six #1.

I enjoyed Simone’s entire run of Secret Six comics pre-New 52, so was quite excited to check out the recent re-imagining of the title. It’s different, but retains enough of the original’s DNA to feel right. These issues cover the team being forced together by the machinations of a much different Mockingbird and for different reasons than we’ve previously seen. I think more could have been done with the opening arc, but I won’t complain too much about moving things along at a nice clip.

Familiar faces are mixed with new additions. Catman and Black Alice were two of my favorites from the original run, so I’m thrilled to see them anchoring the book as part of the core team. There are also some nice cameos. I’m split on the new crew. Strix and Porcelain are quite interesting and unique. Adoring them both so far. Not feeling Big Shot and I’ve never been a fan of this version of The Ventriloquist. Simone uses them all well though, and as usual the character interactions are a key part of her stories.

It’s not the Secret Six we know, but honestly it shouldn’t be (not to mention the previous version went through numerous shakeups during its run). Strong start here and it’s great to see my favorite dysfunctional team of not-heroes return to action.

This trade collects Batman #550 (Chase’s first appearance), Chase #1-9, and 1,000,000, and material from a variety of Secret Files issues.

Chase is a short lived comic from the 90s that has become somewhat of a cult classic, and I personally see why. Cameron Chase is an intriguing lead, and a former private detective working for an agency that exclusively deals with those she hates (meta-humans) is a strong premise with tons of potential.

Of course lasting only 9 issues her ongoing series didn’t have nearly enough time to fully explore that potential, but it hit some of the high notes by filling in her background and taking some unexpected turns along the way. The biggest disappointment here is one of the most unique aspects of her character, her ability to momentarily dampen superpowers, is essentially forgotten halfway though. And the comic meanders a bit as it focuses on various other DCU characters guest starring (likely in an attempt to improve sales).

Still I enjoyed the main series and Chase’s adventures contained within, particularly a two issue arc where she tries to outmaneuver the Batman.

While opinions on issue #1,000,000 will vary wildly, I’ve read numerous DC 1,000,000 issues previously and generally enjoy their imaginative take on established characters. This one was no exception, as Johnson provided just enough context to get into the nice little thought-provoking story he was telling.

The extra excerpts were a mixed bag, but generally decent. A couple odd choice though. For example, my favorite of the bunch is “The Evil That We Do,” in which Vandal Savage hires The Word (an amusing character who sadly never appears anywhere again) to research potential allies in his battles against the Justice League. The Word of course runs into Chase at one point, with a footnote that says “See this confrontation from Chase’s point of view in DCU Heroes Secret Files #1.” With 8 different excerpts chosen from Secret Files comics, I find it mind boggling that the companion piece referred to was left out.

A note on style: this is a product of its time and is vastly different in approach than today’s comics. For one thing it’s much more wordy, including long thought blocks and excerpts from written reports Chase turns in. It’s done well and suits the story, but is worth mentioning. The art is also darker and not as “polished” looking as many of today’s comics (although that’s starting to change again). I personally think the art is perfect for the stories being told and the atmosphere needed, but again just something worth mentioning.

Overall while not perfect Chase is a very good read and I’m likely to look up some of the comics where she later appeared as a guest star.