Anarky!
Going into this issue, I was really excited. Issue #15 had Tim Drake faking a paralyzing injury to stop Vicki Vale's prying into the identities of the Bat Family. Unfortunately, this issue doesn't quite have the same momentum as the last issue.
Brief Summary:
In the beginning of the issue we get some background on Anarky, his history with Red Robin(the death of his brother and Sister in an explosion), and details about his own hit-list. Later on, there is a press conference where Tim announces that the Neon Knights program is going global. Unfortunately, the the press seems interested only in his injury and engagement to Tamara. Speaking of Tamara, she and Tim have lunch together in the Gotham University Diner. In regard to his relationship with Tamara, whether or not the lunch is a date, has Tim confused. During lunch, there's some back and forth between Tim and Tamara, capped off by Tim asking Tamara on a date. Unfortunately, before the specific can be hammered out, Tim is texted by Lonnie Machin, the old Anarky, about Anarky's next target. It turns out that Anarky suspects a member of the Gotham University lacrosse team as being Red Robin. Tim arrives just in time to save the lacrosse player. Tim is able to subdue Anarky, but before he can deliver him to the police, Anarky activates the explosives in his penthouse, where Lonnie Marchin is in a coma. Tim has a mere 60 seconds to travel 14 blocks, but makes it just in the nick of time to save Lonnie from the explosion. With Lonnie in his arms, Tim swings over to Leslie Thompson's clinic, where is hooked up to life support. After some self introspection about the limited level of control Tim can exert on every situation, he confronts Captain Boomerang, vowing to deliver vengeance upon him once he is released.
Good:
Once again, the art for this title is superb. There's great coloring, an amazingly precise attention to detail, and very realistic proportions. Kudos to Marcus To and Ray McCarthy for another fantastic job. The story is also very good, especially the scene between Tamara and Tim. The issue starts off a bit slow, but ramps up during the fight with Anarky.
Bad:
This wasn't a bad issue by any means. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only knock is that it didn't live up to my high expectations for this series. After the last issue, I was expecting more.
Conclusion:
4 out of 5
Under normal standards, I'd give this issue a 4.5 or 5. Sadly, my high expectations for this title won't allow me to do so. Regardless, if you're a fan of Batman, or Bat-Family titles, pick this one up.
Next Issue:
The teaser for issue 17, raises the prospect of Tim breaking Lynx(who he himself captured) out of prison.
Brief Summary:
In the beginning of the issue we get some background on Anarky, his history with Red Robin(the death of his brother and Sister in an explosion), and details about his own hit-list. Later on, there is a press conference where Tim announces that the Neon Knights program is going global. Unfortunately, the the press seems interested only in his injury and engagement to Tamara. Speaking of Tamara, she and Tim have lunch together in the Gotham University Diner. In regard to his relationship with Tamara, whether or not the lunch is a date, has Tim confused. During lunch, there's some back and forth between Tim and Tamara, capped off by Tim asking Tamara on a date. Unfortunately, before the specific can be hammered out, Tim is texted by Lonnie Machin, the old Anarky, about Anarky's next target. It turns out that Anarky suspects a member of the Gotham University lacrosse team as being Red Robin. Tim arrives just in time to save the lacrosse player. Tim is able to subdue Anarky, but before he can deliver him to the police, Anarky activates the explosives in his penthouse, where Lonnie Marchin is in a coma. Tim has a mere 60 seconds to travel 14 blocks, but makes it just in the nick of time to save Lonnie from the explosion. With Lonnie in his arms, Tim swings over to Leslie Thompson's clinic, where is hooked up to life support. After some self introspection about the limited level of control Tim can exert on every situation, he confronts Captain Boomerang, vowing to deliver vengeance upon him once he is released.
Good:
Once again, the art for this title is superb. There's great coloring, an amazingly precise attention to detail, and very realistic proportions. Kudos to Marcus To and Ray McCarthy for another fantastic job. The story is also very good, especially the scene between Tamara and Tim. The issue starts off a bit slow, but ramps up during the fight with Anarky.
Bad:
This wasn't a bad issue by any means. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only knock is that it didn't live up to my high expectations for this series. After the last issue, I was expecting more.
Conclusion:
4 out of 5
Under normal standards, I'd give this issue a 4.5 or 5. Sadly, my high expectations for this title won't allow me to do so. Regardless, if you're a fan of Batman, or Bat-Family titles, pick this one up.
Next Issue:
The teaser for issue 17, raises the prospect of Tim breaking Lynx(who he himself captured) out of prison.
