Written by Kelley Puckett
Penciled by Mike Parobeck
Inked by Rick Burchett
Colored by Rick Taylor
So, what’s the story?
While Batman is gallivanting around the globe with Talia, Robin fills in during time off from college. The Ventriloquist and Scarface break out of Arkham, and immediately rob a bank, posing as terrorists to throw off the cops. As Robin peruses Bruce’s recent files, he tells Alfred he’s considering dropping out of college to be Robin full time. He gets the call about the bank robbery, and runs to help. Once there, he quickly takes down Scarface’s goons and defuses all but one bomb. He’s forced to leave, and convinces Ventriloquist to leave Scarface behind. Back at Wayne Manor, Dick brings Bruce up to speed on recent events. Dick and Alfred share a look as Dick decides to return to school.
This isn’t the best issue, but it’s not the worst either. The story is very simple, even for this title. The panels tend to be three to four to a page, which tells the reader there wasn’t enough story to fill 22 pages. “Spread it out!” The moments between Dick and Alfred are nice. And convincing Ventriloquist to leave behind Scarface is a solid touch, though it could have been built up more. Much of this story centers around Scarface substituting “G” for “B.” That, of course, comes from the mainstream DC universe comics at the time. But of course, that aspect of Ventriloquist and Scarface didn’t make it into the animated series. So why explore it here?
How’s the Art?
Parobeck may have been told “fill the page, stretch out the story,” but that just means more room for him to shine!
Any continuity issues?
I don’t think so. This would fit just about anywhere in BTAS after the introduction of the Ventriloquist and Scarface.
Anything of interest to customizers or cosplayers?
No
Is this issue worth my precious time?
Eh, only if you’re already comfortably seated reading another issue. But it’s not worth getting up from the couch.
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