Review: Red Robin #17, Guess Who's Back?

It was mentioned somewhere before that Tim knew where Cassandra was, so seeing her in this issue wasn't really out of nowhere.  Though I think it was mentioned in either last issue or the Road Home RR one shot, but it was mentioned before.  Tim has grown substantially as a crime fighter, he knows Cass and for him to be able to fool her by throwing his voice isn't that hard to believe, especially when she was just fighting a bunch of thugs.  Hopefully we see her in some kind of bat family costume, she did keep her old one that Tim gave her.  I loved the scenes between Bruce and Tim, and the last panel with them swinging off together was great.  Hopefully Tim will be joining Bruce on occasion, I'd love to see more of Bruce, Tim and Cass together.   With as much as Tim's grown the three of them would be the best Dynamic Trio ever, better then when Dick was Robin and Barbara was Batgirl.  Dick can have Damian and Stephanie, the rookie Batman with the rookie Robin and Batgirl. 

"I don't see why Tim needs a catwoman, that was Batman's thing, what's the point in showing the same stories with different masks?  "

" Lynx has always needed a better costume, and something besides gang affilliations.  There was clearly more to her than what was being shown (it was implied, anyway), in her original appearances.  She could easily be Tim's Catwoman.  She just needs the right writer. "

just because of this issue, i've started collecting the the other issues of red robin.. amazing.. this is like one of the best comics that is out now, i can't believe that i didnt pick this series up sooner..
 
cass looked amazing in this issue, i wonder if she'll get her own ongoing.. or perhaps she might end up as bat bruce's partner..

I'm disapointed to hear that Cassandra's first appearance in like forever isn't all we hoped it could have been, but I still can't wait to read this issue.  I've been without Cassie for to long, I need my fix! :D

Lynx has always needed a better costume, and something besides gang affilliations.  There was clearly more to her than what was being shown (it was implied, anyway), in her original appearances.  She could easily be Tim's Catwoman.  She just needs the right writer.

Cassandra And Tim setting in a tree, lol.

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @The Dark Huntress: Now you know how I feel about the Bat/Catman thing :P "

Pfft. Whatever. xP "

" @The Dark Huntress: Now you know how I feel about the Bat/Catman thing :P "

" @danhimself said:

" @Dipic:  I don't have a CBR membership and don't really feel like signing up there but without seeing that page I can say that anyone can get on the internet and say they're someone famous...I for instance could tell you that I'm Dan Slott...guess what I'm not but you have no way to prove that I am or that I'm not   

It doesn't matter whether it's really Fabien or not. The point is still valid. Criticism without any actual... well, critique, is pretty weak. And if we're going to hold others to higher standards, well, Sara is a professional and does this - critiquing comic books (among other things) - as a living so we could say "well, she should know better/be above that" as well, right?

No idea. That kinda confuses me as well. Was a nice surprise to see her for the first panels. Wish this issue would have been about her and Drake, then next issue be the return of Bruce. I have no idea. One of those weird decisions that makes you WTF?

" Probably not so simple but it is bringing her back into the fold. I would rather her get a solo and they explore her even more. I mean, look at how awesome X-23's solo is. And yeah, thinking Tim just threw his voice.  "

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs:@Gambler: Throwing his voice isn't too bad. Cassie, not to disparage her, is a combatant first and foremost, not so much a tricky type, so an unusual tactic like that might have thrown her. Especially since she was just taking on a bunch of dull goons, she probably figured it was just another one of them. I agree it wasn't too well done, but it could have been worse. Had he beaten her in H2H or something, I'd be up in arms. "

Wait, what? Ha.   Cassandra learned to listen, read lips, and pay close attention to movements. Body language and being one with the environment around her was her first language. THAT is why she is a skilled combatant.   Also, it's enough that they made a fool out of Lady Shiva in Red Robin. Now they try to school her daughter too? None of this makes Tim Drake seem cool. "

" @Babs:@Gambler: Throwing his voice isn't too bad. Cassie, not to disparage her, is a combatant first and foremost, not so much a tricky type, so an unusual tactic like that might have thrown her. Especially since she was just taking on a bunch of dull goons, she probably figured it was just another one of them. I agree it wasn't too well done, but it could have been worse. Had he beaten her in H2H or something, I'd be up in arms. "

Probably not so simple but it is bringing her back into the fold. I would rather her get a solo and they explore her even more. I mean, look at how awesome X-23's solo is. And yeah, thinking Tim just threw his voice. 

@Babs:    "Did I get faster or did you get slower? Or maybe I threw my voice..." easy b!tch, you're Tim  Drake not Batman.  
 
@FadeToBlackBolt: Thing is though, he either A: Did dodge her or B: Threw his voice and schooled her like a novice.

" Just a way to let people know that she will be involved soon. Wish she would have had more time to explore those issues you named but with what happened there is a chance of  her joining the current arc. Just wonder, what she will be called. "

" @Gambler said:

" @Babs said:

" Seemed it came out of nowhere.  She's my favorite character, and I guess I really would have appreciated in depth first appearance. "

Exxxxactly ;). Seemed thrown together at the least minute. "Oh by the way, Bruce and Cass had it all worked out before hand that she would leave the mantle, and oh, Tim's known her exact location all this time and they've been in constant communication." Surprise. Weak. "

That's pretty much how I felt too. And the bit about Tim getting faster or Cassie being slower? I don't think someone that has proven they can dodge bullets, would be slower than someone who has never demonstrated a similar feat.  
 

"

" @Babs said:

" Seemed it came out of nowhere.  She's my favorite character, and I guess I really would have appreciated in depth first appearance. "

Exxxxactly ;). Seemed thrown together at the least minute. "Oh by the way, Bruce and Cass had it all worked out before hand that she would leave the mantle, and oh, Tim's known her exact location all this time and they've been in constant communication." Surprise. Weak. "

Just a way to let people know that she will be involved soon. Wish she would have had more time to explore those issues you named but with what happened there is a chance of  her joining the current arc. Just wonder, what she will be called.

" Seemed it came out of nowhere.  She's my favorite character, and I guess I really would have appreciated in depth first appearance. "

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

" @Dipic:  I don't have a CBR membership and don't really feel like signing up there but without seeing that page I can say that anyone can get on the internet and say they're someone famous...I for instance could tell you that I'm Dan Slott...guess what I'm not but you have no way to prove that I am or that I'm not   

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Dipic said:

" @FabianNicieza said:

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

Oh snap. Now that was a burn... but seriously, a very valid statement. No offense, Babs, but I've gotta agree with the man... it's a big peeve of mine when someone slams something but doesn't provide any reasoning for it. I'm sure you have yours but it'd be nice to  hear them. 
 
@danhimself said:   

ummm we're going to need to see some credentials...because I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds it hard to believe that Fabian Nicienza joined Comic Vine today just to diss Babs " 

I wouldn't doubt it. I've seen Fabian post quite a few times on CBR's forums. Regardless, his point is valid. "

I think it's sad if it is the real deal, because a lot of people have posted how much they've enjoyed it, so no offence to Babs, but her opinion is in the minority, and hopefully wont attract as much attention. "

there are tons of people on the Vine who constantly bash things without giving a reason...maybe that was the only thing that upset her about the issue...maybe "Fabian" needs to realize that he can't please everyone and that some people's opinions are going to upset him and that he as the artist needs to take the higher road and not try to bad mouth people for not liking his work "

" @Dipic said:

" @FabianNicieza said:

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

Oh snap. Now that was a burn... but seriously, a very valid statement. No offense, Babs, but I've gotta agree with the man... it's a big peeve of mine when someone slams something but doesn't provide any reasoning for it. I'm sure you have yours but it'd be nice to  hear them. 
 
@danhimself said:   

ummm we're going to need to see some credentials...because I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds it hard to believe that Fabian Nicienza joined Comic Vine today just to diss Babs " 

I wouldn't doubt it. I've seen Fabian post quite a few times on CBR's forums. Regardless, his point is valid. "

I think it's sad if it is the real deal, because a lot of people have posted how much they've enjoyed it, so no offence to Babs, but her opinion is in the minority, and hopefully wont attract as much attention. "

" @FabianNicieza said:

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

Oh snap. Now that was a burn... but seriously, a very valid statement. No offense, Babs, but I've gotta agree with the man... it's a big peeve of mine when someone slams something but doesn't provide any reasoning for it. I'm sure you have yours but it'd be nice to  hear them. 
 
@danhimself said:   

ummm we're going to need to see some credentials...because I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds it hard to believe that Fabian Nicienza joined Comic Vine today just to diss Babs " 

I wouldn't doubt it. I've seen Fabian post quite a few times on CBR's forums. Regardless, his point is valid. "

While this was a weak reintroduction for one of my favorite characters, there was a glimmer of hope.  "Black Robin." I'm okay with this. 

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

ummm we're going to need to see some credentials...because I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds it hard to believe that Fabian Nicienza joined Comic Vine today just to diss Babs " 

" @FadeToBlackBolt said:

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

No, but I could use some ice for my Diet Coke. I've been doing this a very long time, so lazy slams that are tossed out with zero critical commentary, explanation or rationale slide by like water off a duck... -- fabian "

" @Babs said:

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Ouch, want some ice for that burn, Fabian? "

AMAZING ISSUE!  i think the Bruce and Tim interaction was well done. when I was reading some of the Road Home books i was wondering when Tim and Bruce would have this moment, since Bruce and Tim have more of these type of moments then Bruce and Dick.  
Can;t wait for Batman Inc. to start and Batman: the Return to come out. i can't wait to see Damian and Bruce together.

I thought the story was good. I'm a little behind on Red Robin, but I figured this would be a decent place to start reading monthly since it was an epilogue to the last story arc. I'm don't really know the Lynx character but I wasn't confused or anything. Also, having not having read any Cassandra Cain stuff, I'm interested to hear why Babs disapproved of this so much on the podcast.

"Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible. "

Haha omg I was just about to write 'Babs won't be happy with this'!!

This book was already sold out at my LCS when I went for my weekly lunch visit. Now I know why.

Um, this was a terrible first appearance for Cassie. Terrible.

Glad to hear Cassandra's back. 
Was really gutted when Yost left this book as he did a great job of making it stand out as not just another bat-book.  
I'm a little concerned that Nicieza's turning this into his old Robin book 2.0 with bringing it back to Gotham and reintroducing the old character's from his previous run. However, it has been fun so I'm enjoying the ride

Finally she's back!!!!!!

Betting Cassandra will join Tim in some arcs with her old costume under a new name.