Robin III Part 10: Batman #448 (Early June, 1990)

Tim assists with one of Batman’s oldest foes.

I have this issue.

Batman returns to the Batmobile and informs Tim that the Penguin was behind the recent avian attack at the Gotham Stock Exchange. Tim questions Penguin’s motives and Bruce explains that Oswald’s appearance works in his favor – hiding the brilliant mind behind his actions.

There’s news of a major accident in the Washington Tunnel…involving birds…and Batman and Tim investigate. Tim’s instructed to stay in the car, and he does, but when birds are sighted attacking the West Side Power Plant, Tim relays the message.

They arrive too late to stop the birds, and again Tim stays in the car as Batman talks with Commissioner Gordon – Penguin has made his affections known to Sherry West, a popular soap opera star.

Back at the Batcave, Alfred bickers to Bruce about computer games while Tim learns that sometimes the best way to problem solve is with a little distraction and downtime to gain a fresh perspective.

They’ve learned that Penguin has the ability to control birds, and used the Washington Tunnel and West Side Power Plant to let people know it. The next step is to figure out how he’s doing it, and who…if anyone…he’s considering selling the technology to.

Tim mentions the actress, but Batman dismisses it saying Tim’s too young to understand Penguins motives there. Tim stays with Alfred, and Batman drives off.

Notes of Interest:

1) This is the first time Tim faces the Penguin.

2) Tim learns two major things here: appearances can be misleading, and distraction can lead to insight.

3) We also see Tim continue to follow orders…even when it means staying in the car.

WTF? Moment: Penguin is a good choice among Batman’s older foes for Tim to face early in his training. He isn’t as crazy as Joker, as violent as Killer Croc or as “mature” as Catwoman.

WTF? Moment #2: Artist Jim Aparo better be careful – it took me a second to realize Tim was crossing his fingers instead of giving Batman “the bird” so to speak…