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Batman & Robin: Year One #1-12
Batman & Robin: Year One
Billionaire Bruce Wayne is grappling with his new role as guardian to orphaned Dick Grayson, while Batman faces the challenge of unleashing Robin on Gotham's ruthless underworld!
Join superstars Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as they explore the earliest days of the Dynamic Duo!
The early years of Batman and Robin were anything but smooth sailing. Join fan-favorite creative duo Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as they explore the first year of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson’s partnership, both as a newly minted father and son in the eyes of the public and as the crime-fighting Batman and Robin to the criminal underworld of Gotham City! Dick may be capable and enthusiastic, but does he have what it takes to stand up against the deadliest costumed villains the city has to offer? And Batman may be prepared for anything—but is he prepared to be responsible for the life and safety of a teenage sidekick?
Collecting Batman & Robin: Year One #1-12
Join superstars Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as they explore the earliest days of the Dynamic Duo!
The early years of Batman and Robin were anything but smooth sailing. Join fan-favorite creative duo Mark Waid and Chris Samnee as they explore the first year of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson’s partnership, both as a newly minted father and son in the eyes of the public and as the crime-fighting Batman and Robin to the criminal underworld of Gotham City! Dick may be capable and enthusiastic, but does he have what it takes to stand up against the deadliest costumed villains the city has to offer? And Batman may be prepared for anything—but is he prepared to be responsible for the life and safety of a teenage sidekick?
Collecting Batman & Robin: Year One #1-12
340 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2025
61 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Mark Waid
3,193 books1,289 followersMark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 19, 2025
95% of everything is crap, as a wise man once said. However, when I heard the creative team for my favorite Daredevil run in recent memory was doing a Batman& Robin book, I jumped on it. Was it was good as I thought it would be? No, it was better. Waid and Samnee tell a fun story about the early days of Batman and Robin taking on Two Face and a new crime lord, General Grimaldi. Samnee's art is top notch and Waid took his game to a high level. Realistically, the only gripe I have is that it's "only" twelve issues.
November 8, 2025
An early Bruce and Dick adventure that sees the iconic duo take on Grimaldi, a new player on the board, who aims to disrupt the Gotham crime families in a bid for power. Batman and Robin must also attempt to hide their identities both from the criminal underground and social services. Waid and Samnee have teamed up and proved, once again, that they are a creative force to be reckoned with. There's a lot of heart that pours from the writing and the art, and the tone and style lend itself well to the time period that is being explored. A colourful journey that makes really good use of its twelve issues, this is definitely worth a read.
October 31, 2025
This book is honestly fine, but it sure doesn't tell us anything special, which is a real letdown for a "Year One" story.
Let's talk about the good stuff. The art is fantastic. It's just so fun with great coloring, and the style absolutely fits this kind of origin tale. It’s simple at times, but it stands out and is incredibly energetic. Waid also really nailed the characters. His writing for Bruce and Dick is stellar, the dynamic feels incredibly well done and is easily the best part of the whole book.
Now for the bad. The plot feels completely lifeless. I seriously dislike the Two-Face storyline they went with, it just wasn't compelling. The biggest killer is the pacing, which is unbelievably dragged on. It feels like this entire story could (and should) have been a tighter six-issue arc, and it would have been way better for it. As it stands, it's a decent addition, but it's nothing to write home about. A solid 3 out of 5.
Let's talk about the good stuff. The art is fantastic. It's just so fun with great coloring, and the style absolutely fits this kind of origin tale. It’s simple at times, but it stands out and is incredibly energetic. Waid also really nailed the characters. His writing for Bruce and Dick is stellar, the dynamic feels incredibly well done and is easily the best part of the whole book.
Now for the bad. The plot feels completely lifeless. I seriously dislike the Two-Face storyline they went with, it just wasn't compelling. The biggest killer is the pacing, which is unbelievably dragged on. It feels like this entire story could (and should) have been a tighter six-issue arc, and it would have been way better for it. As it stands, it's a decent addition, but it's nothing to write home about. A solid 3 out of 5.
October 30, 2025
(read it as it was released)
Absolutely perfect from beginning to end. I'm so sad it's over but so glad I got to read such a beautiful comic featuring my favorite characters!!!! The dynamic duo!!!! And what a duo they make. Batman and Robin are such iconic characters and have so many comics retelling this first few years of Bruce and Dick's partnership, but I think I can say this one is a worth reading one for everyone trying to get into these characters and their stories (I know for sure I'm going to recommend it to all my friends! very beginner friendly hehe).
It feels so fresh and really fleshed out for only 12 issues. It doesn't shy away from showing the early conflict between Bruce and Dick and just how different they are despite sharing their trauma and grief. And it also shows, in such a beautiful and tender way, how important they are to each other, how much they care and how much they need each other. And you are shown this all throughout the 12 issues! Bruce protects Dick and Dick protects Bruce. They learn from each other. They learn to communicate and find common ground. And it's so so beautiful.
I love that it is such a human story in that sense. This is not just Batman and Robin fighting Two-Face and Clayface to protect Gotham. This is Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson getting visits from Child Protective Services; fighting to stay together; becoming something better because they have the other. There are many beautiful conversations throughout all the issues (with each other, with Alfred, even with Gordon!) that highlight this beautiful relationship and that go into both characters' feelings with each other and parenthood. Parenthood is treated in such a beautiful way. This comic both honors Dick's parents and how much they loved him and he loves them and also Bruce's struggles with raising a son. I really loved the involvement of CPS because I haven't seen it a lot in other comics I've read -I'm sure it's there and I just haven't read that much yet- but always wondered how that whole process was, so it was sooo interesting and gratifying to see it! Especially in the last issue (spoiler warning here until the end of this paragraph) with Bruce mentioning he actually wants to adopt Dick instead of "just" being his legal guardian. As I said, so so tender and sweet.
Alfred was great as well, especially that lovely scene he shares with Dick during Dick's mother's birthday. A beautiful highlight of how Dick processes and expresses his feelings and a scene I've found myself rereading quite a bunch of times!
Another thing I loved (this is just a list of that at this point): the constant mentions of Dick's circus upbringing! THANK YOU, MARK WAID!!!!! He walks a tightrope, he juggles 7 tennis balls, he trained with Dibny the Contortionist, he uses circus slang that no one else understands!!! There are soooo many details that paint the picture of who Dick Grayson is! You can't take the circus out of him and have the same character, and this comic paid respect to that in such a beautiful and constant way. He's a performer, he's a traumatized ten year old fighting crime, he's the light to Batman darkness (yes, he's also my favorite Robin, but what can I say? This duo is so iconic).
Now, villains. They were really good and compelling and made the story great! I was kinda skeptical about having three main villains for a 12 issues long story but found no big problem with the execution (some small ones but this is mostly about Bruce and Dick so I'm focusing on that). Also I may be biased because Two-Face is my favorite rogue and I LOOOOVED him in this.
To end this (frankly very long) review I am going to (once again) name something that I've loved about this comic. The art. The art is P.E.R.F.E.C.T. The art is so good that after reading a bunch of issues it made * me* feel like drawing for the first time in MONTHS. It's so expressive. The movement, the facial expressions (extra kudos cause Dick Grayson actually looks like a 10 year old and Bruce Wayne looks the most Bruce Wayne any Bruce Wayne has ever looked). The use of shadow and the contrast is so perfectly done. And the colors are so evocative and just work perfectly. I just feel like I could learn so much just by analyzing and looking at every single illustration in this comic. Chris Samnee and Matheus Lopes MY GOATS
Anyway. Loved this comic. Will 100% reread. Will 100% recommend it to anyone. Loved it.
Absolutely perfect from beginning to end. I'm so sad it's over but so glad I got to read such a beautiful comic featuring my favorite characters!!!! The dynamic duo!!!! And what a duo they make. Batman and Robin are such iconic characters and have so many comics retelling this first few years of Bruce and Dick's partnership, but I think I can say this one is a worth reading one for everyone trying to get into these characters and their stories (I know for sure I'm going to recommend it to all my friends! very beginner friendly hehe).
It feels so fresh and really fleshed out for only 12 issues. It doesn't shy away from showing the early conflict between Bruce and Dick and just how different they are despite sharing their trauma and grief. And it also shows, in such a beautiful and tender way, how important they are to each other, how much they care and how much they need each other. And you are shown this all throughout the 12 issues! Bruce protects Dick and Dick protects Bruce. They learn from each other. They learn to communicate and find common ground. And it's so so beautiful.
I love that it is such a human story in that sense. This is not just Batman and Robin fighting Two-Face and Clayface to protect Gotham. This is Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson getting visits from Child Protective Services; fighting to stay together; becoming something better because they have the other. There are many beautiful conversations throughout all the issues (with each other, with Alfred, even with Gordon!) that highlight this beautiful relationship and that go into both characters' feelings with each other and parenthood. Parenthood is treated in such a beautiful way. This comic both honors Dick's parents and how much they loved him and he loves them and also Bruce's struggles with raising a son. I really loved the involvement of CPS because I haven't seen it a lot in other comics I've read -I'm sure it's there and I just haven't read that much yet- but always wondered how that whole process was, so it was sooo interesting and gratifying to see it! Especially in the last issue (spoiler warning here until the end of this paragraph) with Bruce mentioning he actually wants to adopt Dick instead of "just" being his legal guardian. As I said, so so tender and sweet.
Alfred was great as well, especially that lovely scene he shares with Dick during Dick's mother's birthday. A beautiful highlight of how Dick processes and expresses his feelings and a scene I've found myself rereading quite a bunch of times!
Another thing I loved (this is just a list of that at this point): the constant mentions of Dick's circus upbringing! THANK YOU, MARK WAID!!!!! He walks a tightrope, he juggles 7 tennis balls, he trained with Dibny the Contortionist, he uses circus slang that no one else understands!!! There are soooo many details that paint the picture of who Dick Grayson is! You can't take the circus out of him and have the same character, and this comic paid respect to that in such a beautiful and constant way. He's a performer, he's a traumatized ten year old fighting crime, he's the light to Batman darkness (yes, he's also my favorite Robin, but what can I say? This duo is so iconic).
Now, villains. They were really good and compelling and made the story great! I was kinda skeptical about having three main villains for a 12 issues long story but found no big problem with the execution (some small ones but this is mostly about Bruce and Dick so I'm focusing on that). Also I may be biased because Two-Face is my favorite rogue and I LOOOOVED him in this.
To end this (frankly very long) review I am going to (once again) name something that I've loved about this comic. The art. The art is P.E.R.F.E.C.T. The art is so good that after reading a bunch of issues it made * me* feel like drawing for the first time in MONTHS. It's so expressive. The movement, the facial expressions (extra kudos cause Dick Grayson actually looks like a 10 year old and Bruce Wayne looks the most Bruce Wayne any Bruce Wayne has ever looked). The use of shadow and the contrast is so perfectly done. And the colors are so evocative and just work perfectly. I just feel like I could learn so much just by analyzing and looking at every single illustration in this comic. Chris Samnee and Matheus Lopes MY GOATS
Anyway. Loved this comic. Will 100% reread. Will 100% recommend it to anyone. Loved it.
January 25, 2026
Batman & Robin: Year One is everything I want from a Batman story: confident, joyful, character-driven, and absolutely gorgeous to look at. Mark Waid nails the tone, capturing the early dynamic between Bruce and Dick as they learn how to operate as a team, balancing mentorship, trust, and the sheer thrill of being out in the city together. It feels timeless without leaning on nostalgia, classic without being stiff.
What truly elevates this book, though, is the art. Chris Samnee is operating at the top of his craft here. His storytelling is crystal clear, kinetic, and expressive — every page flows effortlessly, with action that feels dynamic but never chaotic. Samnee’s Bruce and Dick are instantly readable emotionally, whether it’s mid-fight or in quieter character moments, and his Gotham feels alive without being overcrowded.
Matheus Lopes’ colors are the perfect complement, adding warmth, depth, and mood without overpowering Samnee’s linework. The palette gives the book a classic sensibility while still feeling modern, using light and shadow to guide the eye and reinforce tone. Together, Samnee and Lopes create pages that are not just beautiful, but a masterclass in visual storytelling.
This is a book that understands Batman and Robin as a partnership built on trust, momentum, and shared purpose — and it delivers that understanding with clarity, heart, and style. An instant favorite and an easy recommendation.
What truly elevates this book, though, is the art. Chris Samnee is operating at the top of his craft here. His storytelling is crystal clear, kinetic, and expressive — every page flows effortlessly, with action that feels dynamic but never chaotic. Samnee’s Bruce and Dick are instantly readable emotionally, whether it’s mid-fight or in quieter character moments, and his Gotham feels alive without being overcrowded.
Matheus Lopes’ colors are the perfect complement, adding warmth, depth, and mood without overpowering Samnee’s linework. The palette gives the book a classic sensibility while still feeling modern, using light and shadow to guide the eye and reinforce tone. Together, Samnee and Lopes create pages that are not just beautiful, but a masterclass in visual storytelling.
This is a book that understands Batman and Robin as a partnership built on trust, momentum, and shared purpose — and it delivers that understanding with clarity, heart, and style. An instant favorite and an easy recommendation.
January 15, 2026
What an absolutely pleasant tale ! Mark Waid and Chris Samnee deliver a very authentic relationship-in-the-making between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson through this Year One story, as they both try to figure out how they can work together in their nocturnal activities. While the pacing could've benefited from a slightly shorter comic book run, the characterization and the artwork make this so lively and gripping to get through !
November 19, 2025
No puedo describir lo feliz que me hizo este cómic.
Es muy tierno, me hizo reír y es el ejemplo perfecto de como debería ser una historia de Batman y Robin: profundiza en su relación y lo importantes que son el uno para el otro, al mismo tiempo que los vemos como iguales al momento de luchar.
Ahora me va a costar leer una historia de Batman si no hay un Robin, porque amo muchísimo al dúo dinámico.
Es muy tierno, me hizo reír y es el ejemplo perfecto de como debería ser una historia de Batman y Robin: profundiza en su relación y lo importantes que son el uno para el otro, al mismo tiempo que los vemos como iguales al momento de luchar.
Ahora me va a costar leer una historia de Batman si no hay un Robin, porque amo muchísimo al dúo dinámico.
January 15, 2026
Baby Dick Grayson was such a menace, I love it
January 24, 2026
I loved this book. I did not particularly like the Batman Year One series, but this one was perfect.
Bruce Wayne had adopted young Dick Grayson. Joined by a familiar tragedy but these two could not be more different and the differences will force each of them to change.
A new player has entered Gotham. However an old player could be pulling the strings. Gotham is a city at war and Robin has been enlisted. Is Batman ready for the responsibility of not just a partner but a son?
I am so used to seeing Dick Graydon as the together hero he has become. It is interesting to look at the transition he has made from his circus to society. He is raw and hyperactive. He leaps before he looks and never worries about the fall.
This is a great book. Loved all twelve chapters/issues. Great artwork, great story and character development. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
Bruce Wayne had adopted young Dick Grayson. Joined by a familiar tragedy but these two could not be more different and the differences will force each of them to change.
A new player has entered Gotham. However an old player could be pulling the strings. Gotham is a city at war and Robin has been enlisted. Is Batman ready for the responsibility of not just a partner but a son?
I am so used to seeing Dick Graydon as the together hero he has become. It is interesting to look at the transition he has made from his circus to society. He is raw and hyperactive. He leaps before he looks and never worries about the fall.
This is a great book. Loved all twelve chapters/issues. Great artwork, great story and character development. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
December 11, 2025
«Бетмен і Робін: Рік перший» від Марка Вейда та Кріса Самні — це динамічне та глибоке переосмислення початкових кроків культового дуету. На перший погляд це класична історія походження одного з Робінів, але Вейд і Самні роблять акцент на тому, що за масками стоять двоє людей, кожен із яких проходить власний шлях трансформації. Брюс Вейн, звиклий до самотності та контролю, несподівано опиняється в ролі опікуна й наставника, тоді як юний Дік Ґрейсон намагається знайти своє місце в новому світі, де біль втрати стикається з можливістю знову відчути родину.
Сюжет розгортається жваво та гармонійно, підкреслюючи контраст між «Брюсом і Діком» та «Бетменом і Робіном». Удень це двоє людей, які вчаться довіряти один одному, долати власні страхи й будувати контакт, що нагадує батьківсько-синівський. Уночі партнери, які вимушені діяти в жорстоких умовах Ґотема, де ніхто не збирається поблажливо ставитися до підлітка в яскравому костюмі. Саме ця напруга між турботою й небезпекою формує емоційну основу історії. Ми бачимо, як Дік, сповнений енергії та природної харизми, прагне довести свою здатність бути героєм, тоді як Брюс, часто мов��азний і стриманий, вчиться приймати факт, що він відповідальна особа в житті хлопця.
Кріс Самні майстерно вибудовує візуальну мову коміксу, створюючи ефектний ритм кадрування, який підсилює як емоційні сцени, так і екшн-послідовності. Його лаконічний, але виразний стиль дозволяє легко відчитувати настрій персонажів, а обмежена, продумана палітра робить атмосферу більш глибокою.
Вейд і Самні пропонують історію, яка не лише розважає, а й дозволяє заново поглянути на становлення одного з найвідоміших героїчних дуетів у коміксах. Це оповідь про довіру, відповідальність, молодість і важкі уроки, які неминуче супроводжують дорослішання. І для юного акробата, і для закритого мільярдера. Комікс залишає яскраве враження й однозначно вартий того, щоб його прочитали як давні шанувальники Бетмена, так і нові читачі, які хочуть зануритись у витоки цих героїв.
Сюжет розгортається жваво та гармонійно, підкреслюючи контраст між «Брюсом і Діком» та «Бетменом і Робіном». Удень це двоє людей, які вчаться довіряти один одному, долати власні страхи й будувати контакт, що нагадує батьківсько-синівський. Уночі партнери, які вимушені діяти в жорстоких умовах Ґотема, де ніхто не збирається поблажливо ставитися до підлітка в яскравому костюмі. Саме ця напруга між турботою й небезпекою формує емоційну основу історії. Ми бачимо, як Дік, сповнений енергії та природної харизми, прагне довести свою здатність бути героєм, тоді як Брюс, часто мов��азний і стриманий, вчиться приймати факт, що він відповідальна особа в житті хлопця.
Кріс Самні майстерно вибудовує візуальну мову коміксу, створюючи ефектний ритм кадрування, який підсилює як емоційні сцени, так і екшн-послідовності. Його лаконічний, але виразний стиль дозволяє легко відчитувати настрій персонажів, а обмежена, продумана палітра робить атмосферу більш глибокою.
Вейд і Самні пропонують історію, яка не лише розважає, а й дозволяє заново поглянути на становлення одного з найвідоміших героїчних дуетів у коміксах. Це оповідь про довіру, відповідальність, молодість і важкі уроки, які неминуче супроводжують дорослішання. І для юного акробата, і для закритого мільярдера. Комікс залишає яскраве враження й однозначно вартий того, щоб його прочитали як давні шанувальники Бетмена, так і нові читачі, які хочуть зануритись у витоки цих героїв.
January 16, 2026
Pretty fun! A lot lighter in tone than I was probably expecting from something deliberately using the "Year One" title/iconography but still a ton of fun. The villains could've probably been juggled a bit better. One kept hitting the same note over and over and then there was a bit of a cop out twist toward the end but Waid is one of the best writers in the business so he made it work. The real star here is Chris Samnee. For years we've all dreamed of him drawing a Batman book and he really brought his A-game for his first major chance. His takes on Batman, Gordon, Two-Face and the rest are phenomenal and his and Matheus Lopes' Gotham City feels instantly familiar. I only wish this team could draw a book like this on a more long-term ongoing basis. I didn't completely gel with some of the characterizations here but overall this is so up my alley it's insane. Here's hoping this team reunites sooner rather than later.
October 15, 2025
<3
(reading at its released)
(reading at its released)
December 19, 2025
This is an excellent year one story. It starts a little after Bruce has adopted Dick and shows the early stages of their relationship. Over the 12 issues a lot is covered and there’s a fair bit of nuance to how things are handled. Dick is never presented as overly bratty but instead shown to be struggling with grief and how Bruce sees himself in Dick. Their relationship isn’t wrought with arguments and you see how Batman often treats Robin with respect. Waists writing goes hand in hand with Samnee’s sublime art work that throughout. Samnee is able to convey so much emotion/ vibe with subtle facial expressions - it’s really enjoyable.
Waid and Samnee are very much their own dynamic duo yet again!
Waid and Samnee are very much their own dynamic duo yet again!
January 20, 2026
Incredibly fun book on Bruce and Dick’s bond. The crime story involving a new gangster trying to take over the Gotham crime world was fun (especially as Two-Face and Clayface get involved) but the true highlight is Bruce becoming a parent to Dick. And wouldn’t you know, they both have stuff to learn from each other. The Chris Samnee art is fantastic. Perfect for this book. Overall a must-read for Batman fans!
December 23, 2025
Although he has been around for almost as long as Batman, there have been times when his sidekick Robin has received backlashes. For a good section of the fandom, they prefer Batman as a lone, brooding vigilante who doesn’t hang out with a child whose brightly coloured costume resembles that of a circus performer. Considering that Batman as a comic book character was made for children from his 1939 inception, the creation of Robin was a way of maintaining that youthful audience. As the mantle of Robin would be passed down over the decades, Dick Grayson will always be the one that most would turn towards as the favourite, since he was the one that started it all.
From the creators of one of the best Daredevil runs in recent Marvel memory, writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee reunite for a twelve-issue limited series that puts its own spin on the Dynamic Duo’s first year. Usually when it comes to DC’s comics that are subtitled “Year One”, it is usually to tell an origin story of one of the publisher’s most iconic superheroes, starting with the seminal Batman: Year One. However, we’ve already had titles like Batman: Dark Victory and Robin: Year One, both of which are their own take of Grayson’s origins from an orphaned circus acrobat to the Boy Wonder.
While there are brief flashbacks to the tragedies that defined both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, from the first issue of Batman and Robin: Year One, Waid jumps right into the first night of the Dynamic Duo, which starts with Commissioner Gordon questioning why Batman has this kid sidekick, to then battling Two-Face, which doesn’t pan out well. As Bruce is learning to adapt with a young partner fighting crime alongside him, as well as becoming a legal guardian to a boy who went through the same tragedy as he did, there is also a new threat in the shape of the General who is planning to shake up Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Usually with Year One comics, they range from four to six issues that are structured into a narrative that spans across an entire year. But in the case of this twelve-issue series, you could argue that Waid is being loose with the one-year structure as by the time we are in issue #4, it is September, in which Dick reluctantly gets ready for his first day of school. That said, these twelve issues never lost interest in balancing a story that is both a crime epic that is appropriate for Gotham, as well as a character piece about family and grief.
If you know anything about Mark Waid, he is not a cynical writer, even when tackling a character like Batman as evidenced in his currently published series Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, which feels like a modern update to the Silver Age adventures of the two titular heroes. In the case of Year One, it owes a debt to DC’s Golden Age through the main narrative of Batman and Robin investigating General Grimaldi and the gang war he’s orchestrating in Gotham.
As a new creation, Waid does a great job in establishing Grimaldi’s presence as an outsider who went from a dishonourable discharged soldier to a crime boss doing a power play on all the city’s mob bosses, all of which seems driven by a hatred towards his own father who is left in a frail state on a wheelchair. That said, Waid makes a strange decision later in the series to sideline the character in favour of more appearances of classic villains who are used well but does suffer from a lack of ambition that really challenges the dynamic duo on a personal level.
However, the family soap opera is simply wonderful in exploring how the relationship between Bruce and Dick changes throughout and how they influence one another, both with and without the mask. Whilst you have supporting characters like Alfred serving as a witty but touching third wheel and Laura Lyn from Child Protective Services who refreshingly doesn’t become a love interest for Bruce, it is that dynamic (no pun intended) between the two leads that is the heart of the story. Waid elegantly examines important questions like whether or not Bruce is actually a responsible adult by mentoring Dick as a crimefighter, whilst Dick himself learns what it means to be a crimefighter who never loses sight what is at stake but never loses his playful side.
Even with the dark crime stuff sprinkled here and there, Waid and Samnee never forgets the absurdist fun that reminds you Batman can be a character of superheroic theatrics. Samnee’s art, in particular, brings a refreshing visual style that fits well with the story’s noir aesthetic with a strong emphasis on black ink, although Matheus Lopes’ colouring pops out in spectacular ways. In fact, that visual contrast is also apparent in both Batman and Robin themselves, with the former presented almost entirely in a black silhouette with white slits for eyes, whilst the latter whose costume pops with colour and you can see his eyes through the domino mask.
As well as touching upon Golden Age lore, Batman & Robin: Year One is a tribute to the eighty-year-plus history of the two characters through comics and other media, from the aforementioned Batman: Year One to the 60s Adam West TV series, though its references never feel like empty fan service. It may not be perfect, but Mark Waid and Chris Samnee put their own singular spin on Batman and his world that is fun and moving, without having to go down the typical route of dark and gritty.
From the creators of one of the best Daredevil runs in recent Marvel memory, writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee reunite for a twelve-issue limited series that puts its own spin on the Dynamic Duo’s first year. Usually when it comes to DC’s comics that are subtitled “Year One”, it is usually to tell an origin story of one of the publisher’s most iconic superheroes, starting with the seminal Batman: Year One. However, we’ve already had titles like Batman: Dark Victory and Robin: Year One, both of which are their own take of Grayson’s origins from an orphaned circus acrobat to the Boy Wonder.
While there are brief flashbacks to the tragedies that defined both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, from the first issue of Batman and Robin: Year One, Waid jumps right into the first night of the Dynamic Duo, which starts with Commissioner Gordon questioning why Batman has this kid sidekick, to then battling Two-Face, which doesn’t pan out well. As Bruce is learning to adapt with a young partner fighting crime alongside him, as well as becoming a legal guardian to a boy who went through the same tragedy as he did, there is also a new threat in the shape of the General who is planning to shake up Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Usually with Year One comics, they range from four to six issues that are structured into a narrative that spans across an entire year. But in the case of this twelve-issue series, you could argue that Waid is being loose with the one-year structure as by the time we are in issue #4, it is September, in which Dick reluctantly gets ready for his first day of school. That said, these twelve issues never lost interest in balancing a story that is both a crime epic that is appropriate for Gotham, as well as a character piece about family and grief.
If you know anything about Mark Waid, he is not a cynical writer, even when tackling a character like Batman as evidenced in his currently published series Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, which feels like a modern update to the Silver Age adventures of the two titular heroes. In the case of Year One, it owes a debt to DC’s Golden Age through the main narrative of Batman and Robin investigating General Grimaldi and the gang war he’s orchestrating in Gotham.
As a new creation, Waid does a great job in establishing Grimaldi’s presence as an outsider who went from a dishonourable discharged soldier to a crime boss doing a power play on all the city’s mob bosses, all of which seems driven by a hatred towards his own father who is left in a frail state on a wheelchair. That said, Waid makes a strange decision later in the series to sideline the character in favour of more appearances of classic villains who are used well but does suffer from a lack of ambition that really challenges the dynamic duo on a personal level.
However, the family soap opera is simply wonderful in exploring how the relationship between Bruce and Dick changes throughout and how they influence one another, both with and without the mask. Whilst you have supporting characters like Alfred serving as a witty but touching third wheel and Laura Lyn from Child Protective Services who refreshingly doesn’t become a love interest for Bruce, it is that dynamic (no pun intended) between the two leads that is the heart of the story. Waid elegantly examines important questions like whether or not Bruce is actually a responsible adult by mentoring Dick as a crimefighter, whilst Dick himself learns what it means to be a crimefighter who never loses sight what is at stake but never loses his playful side.
Even with the dark crime stuff sprinkled here and there, Waid and Samnee never forgets the absurdist fun that reminds you Batman can be a character of superheroic theatrics. Samnee’s art, in particular, brings a refreshing visual style that fits well with the story’s noir aesthetic with a strong emphasis on black ink, although Matheus Lopes’ colouring pops out in spectacular ways. In fact, that visual contrast is also apparent in both Batman and Robin themselves, with the former presented almost entirely in a black silhouette with white slits for eyes, whilst the latter whose costume pops with colour and you can see his eyes through the domino mask.
As well as touching upon Golden Age lore, Batman & Robin: Year One is a tribute to the eighty-year-plus history of the two characters through comics and other media, from the aforementioned Batman: Year One to the 60s Adam West TV series, though its references never feel like empty fan service. It may not be perfect, but Mark Waid and Chris Samnee put their own singular spin on Batman and his world that is fun and moving, without having to go down the typical route of dark and gritty.
January 1, 2026
A welcome addition to "The Essential Batman" reading list. Waid and Samnee have created a timeless story that could exist in just about any era of the caped crusader. Something I don't think has been nailed since Loeb and Sale created The Long Halloween.
The introduction of General Grimaldi as a new batman villain is seemless, where other creators ham-fist their OCs into the plot without grace, Waid created a villain so fitting I had to double check he wasn't a reinvention from a previous era. The only other great example that comes to mind is Mime and Marionette is Geoff John's (terrible) Doomsday Clock.
The style of Samnee's art means the Batman, Gotham and, it's citizens have a style out of time. It doesn't evoke the 40s, 70s, or the 00s, but it does evoke Gotham as a unique modern gothic entity. Something that is often forgotten is that Gotham is part of the insanity, its layered, modern on old, supervillains layered over the mafia layered over lunacy.
It's impossible to not compare this story to Dark Victory which was previously the defacto Robin origin story, and while I don't think it's as iconic as that story, it does a much better job exploring the intricacies of Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne's relationship. It wasn't an overnight change, introducing Dick to a life of crime fighting, especially when inheriting the Wayne family's unresolved trauma.
This goes on the shelf with Batman Year One, Long Halloween, Knightfall, Killing Joke, etc. A very welcome addition to Batman history.
The introduction of General Grimaldi as a new batman villain is seemless, where other creators ham-fist their OCs into the plot without grace, Waid created a villain so fitting I had to double check he wasn't a reinvention from a previous era. The only other great example that comes to mind is Mime and Marionette is Geoff John's (terrible) Doomsday Clock.
The style of Samnee's art means the Batman, Gotham and, it's citizens have a style out of time. It doesn't evoke the 40s, 70s, or the 00s, but it does evoke Gotham as a unique modern gothic entity. Something that is often forgotten is that Gotham is part of the insanity, its layered, modern on old, supervillains layered over the mafia layered over lunacy.
It's impossible to not compare this story to Dark Victory which was previously the defacto Robin origin story, and while I don't think it's as iconic as that story, it does a much better job exploring the intricacies of Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne's relationship. It wasn't an overnight change, introducing Dick to a life of crime fighting, especially when inheriting the Wayne family's unresolved trauma.
This goes on the shelf with Batman Year One, Long Halloween, Knightfall, Killing Joke, etc. A very welcome addition to Batman history.
December 26, 2025
What a joy it is to finally see Chris Samnee draw a Batman book, at least for an entire year. Samnee regularly picked Batman as his go-to character for his Inktober sketches each October, so to finally see him unleashed on the Caped Crusader—and with his old Daredevil partner, Mark Waid, doing the scripts—resulted in one of my favorite series of 2025. The storyline takes place right after Dick Grayson—Robin—joins Batman in his crusade against crime in Gotham City, and includes Two-Face, Clayface, and a new villain, The General, who tries to take over Gothem. I think this is Samnee’s best art in years, too, since his long stint on Daredevil a decade ago. His lean, graphic style is totally suited for the Dark Knight and his and Waid’s story collaboration is one of the better Bat-stories of the past decade. Totally worth picking up in the TPB version, but I’m hoping for a deluxe hardbound volume further down the line. In the meantime, this'll do nicely, thanks.
January 16, 2026
Really solid book, but did disappoint me a bit. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, it was just SUPER hyped up and it’s by a creative team I really like - Waid and Samnee.
The story was good, but standard. Nothing that hasn’t been done before, it was just done well. The dialogue itself was a bit bland. Handful of funny moments, and emotional moments, which I wish they included more of to show more character progression. Felt like they more or less started and ended in the same spot emotionally/as a team.
The artwork was very good throughout. Only thing that bugged me was sometimes the panelling was a bit small and hard to understand what exactly was happening. Was never crucial moments, but did disrupt the flow occasionally.
If you’re a fan of Dick and/or reading Batman chronologically, I’d recommend this book very much, as I understand this is the new canon for Dick���s inclusion in the BatFam.
The story was good, but standard. Nothing that hasn’t been done before, it was just done well. The dialogue itself was a bit bland. Handful of funny moments, and emotional moments, which I wish they included more of to show more character progression. Felt like they more or less started and ended in the same spot emotionally/as a team.
The artwork was very good throughout. Only thing that bugged me was sometimes the panelling was a bit small and hard to understand what exactly was happening. Was never crucial moments, but did disrupt the flow occasionally.
If you’re a fan of Dick and/or reading Batman chronologically, I’d recommend this book very much, as I understand this is the new canon for Dick���s inclusion in the BatFam.
January 9, 2026
The art style is SO CUTE I get cuteness aggression every time I look at Robin.
I love how the relationship between Bruce and Dick is written here, with tired parent Bruce who doesn’t know wtf he’s doing, and hyperactive child Dick who rushes into danger without a second thought and drives Bruce crazy. Perfect.
“Look out, Gotham! Here comes the dynamic duo!”
The ending got me smiling so wide my cheeks hurt!! I love Batman and Robin so much. This comic did them justice and has become one of my favs!
I love how the relationship between Bruce and Dick is written here, with tired parent Bruce who doesn’t know wtf he’s doing, and hyperactive child Dick who rushes into danger without a second thought and drives Bruce crazy. Perfect.
“Look out, Gotham! Here comes the dynamic duo!”
The ending got me smiling so wide my cheeks hurt!! I love Batman and Robin so much. This comic did them justice and has become one of my favs!
January 11, 2026
I had my doubts about this because the comic book industry has been on the ropes for several years now, but it caught my interest as soon as it was announced, so I waited until it was fully released to read it.
So?
What a great story! Batman works better when he is facing simple crime and not hyper super humans, besides, I'm tired of the Joker. Also, it was excellent to see him acting like a human and father figure to Dick, instead of just "Batman". Again, Batman works better when he is Bruce Wayne in a mask and not the contrary.
So?
What a great story! Batman works better when he is facing simple crime and not hyper super humans, besides, I'm tired of the Joker. Also, it was excellent to see him acting like a human and father figure to Dick, instead of just "Batman". Again, Batman works better when he is Bruce Wayne in a mask and not the contrary.
January 24, 2026
While I’d never call myself the biggest Batman fan, this wonderful homage to both the Golden and Silver Age is note perfect in every panel.
Balancing nostalgia for both the comic book and the iconic tv show, with a fitting noir sensibility (brilliantly realised by the books’ stunning artwork), the story is underpinned by the dynamic (no pun intended) relationship between Batman and Robin, and more poignantly, that of two trauma survivors Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
Honestly one of the best titles I’ve read in a good long while and highly recommended.
Balancing nostalgia for both the comic book and the iconic tv show, with a fitting noir sensibility (brilliantly realised by the books’ stunning artwork), the story is underpinned by the dynamic (no pun intended) relationship between Batman and Robin, and more poignantly, that of two trauma survivors Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
Honestly one of the best titles I’ve read in a good long while and highly recommended.
December 23, 2025
Waid I wasn’t familiar with your game, it’s time to read your classics sooner than later 🙏
November 1, 2025
I think this didn't need to be 12 issues long but, damn, who am I to complain about getting more pages of Samnee's gorgeous art?
December 19, 2025
Full of small cute little moments but overall the plot is very forgettable. Mid af.
January 12, 2026
I’m having a tough time envisioning any other book topping one this year.
Waid and Samnee created an instant classic. When Waid writes nostalgia well, it's a home run.
Waid and Samnee created an instant classic. When Waid writes nostalgia well, it's a home run.
January 2, 2026
Best Batman story I've read in a long time. Reminds me of late bronze age Batman and the Barr/Davis stories from Detective Comics, the highest compliment I can give.
January 13, 2026
The artwork is great but Mark Waid is dangerously close to his expiration date on DC.
January 7, 2026
This is why Mark Waid is my favorite comic book writer.
He can be awesome, but also tender.
I loved the exploration of trauma bonding.
I loved the scope of the action.
I loved that it doesn't have joker.
I loved that it has Two Face without resorting to showing the acid thrown on his face.
I loved that Bruce felt somewhat both experienced and a novice.
I loved the references to Batman and Robin's legacy.
I loved how it felt both noir and fantastical at once.
I loved it's humor.
I loved it's drama.
I loved Samnee's art
I'll always love Mark Waid's writing.
I'll always love Batman AND Robin.
He can be awesome, but also tender.
I loved the exploration of trauma bonding.
I loved the scope of the action.
I loved that it doesn't have joker.
I loved that it has Two Face without resorting to showing the acid thrown on his face.
I loved that Bruce felt somewhat both experienced and a novice.
I loved the references to Batman and Robin's legacy.
I loved how it felt both noir and fantastical at once.
I loved it's humor.
I loved it's drama.
I loved Samnee's art
I'll always love Mark Waid's writing.
I'll always love Batman AND Robin.
November 11, 2025
I think this was my favorite comic this year - good story, great art. An excellent Batman book. 🙌
🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
November 4, 2025
This was so cuteee I love baby grayson and how soft Batman is with him
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