Robin III Part 33: Batman #467 (Late August, 1991)

Tim’s past adventure returns to the present and onto Gotham’s streets.

I have this issue.

Batman and Robin break up a warehouse robbery and find Ghost Dragons attempting to take a large amount of high quality weapons. Tim suggests that King Snake survived the fall (from Robin Mini-Series #5) but Bruce dismisses the idea because Shiva was involved.

Commissioner Gordon tells the duo that the Ghost Dragons are moving into Chinatown with plans for expansion. They track down the previous Chinatown leader and learn that the Dragons are led by a blind white man. Tim brings up Dorrance again, and Bruce tells him that no matter who’s leading the Dragons, they’re not connected to the Triads…who are already in Gotham and will want to deal with this newcomer themselves…and innocent Gothamites would be caught in the crossfire.

Tim and Bruce learn that the Dragons plan to steal their weapons back, but arrive too late to prevent it. The gang drops a fire escape onto the Batmobile and get away. Tim tells Bruce he recognizes their leader – Lynx.

Back at the Manor, Tim talks with Alfred about how the accomplished butler manages to keep sane and persevere amidst all the madness and reveals that he’s convinced King Snake is alive. Alfred advises him to act on his instincts…but cautiously.

Notes of Interest:

1) It’s been at least a few months since the events of the Robin mini-series.

2) This is the first time Tim uses the ninja “disappearing trick” on Gordon.

WTF? Moment: Tim’s gotten more comfortable working side-by-side with the Dark Knight, and Bruce acknowledges this, but the teaching continues as the boy learns that sometimes it’s better to let someone go to spread the word.

WTF? Moment #2: The relationship between Tim and Alfred deepens, as we see their discussion about dealing with the constant insanity surrounding Batman. Tim shows some fear regarding Dorrance’s return, and Alfred gives him the confidence he needs…as Alfred often does…to persevere.

WTF? Moment #3: I liked Gordon’s comment regarding Tim’s “trick”.