Robin III Part 43: Robin II #1 (of 4) (October, 1991)

Tim’s on his own to face jerks at school, thugs in Gotham…and Batman’s greatest adversary on the loose.

I have this issue in the Robin: Tragedy & Triumph Trade Paperback.

Tim takes his first solo patrol of Gotham when he learns of Joker’s escape from Arkham Asylum. He tells Alfred on the drive home, and struggles to come to terms with the danger.

After checking through Joker’s cell at Arkham, Tim learns that he’s been reading up on a Dr. Osgood Pellinger who’s been writing articles on the danger of society’s over-reliance on computers. Tim stakes out Pellinger’s home when Joker shows up. Tim tries to stop the Clown Prince from taking the doctor, but fails.

Back at the cave, Tim and Alfred work on a plan to convince everyone that Batman’s still in Gotham.

Notes of Interest:

1) Bruce is in Rio De Janeiro working on the Idiot Root case going on in Batman and Detective Comics.

2) Tim meets Joker for the first time in this issue.

3) We learn that it’s another two years before Tim can get his driver’s license.

4) Tim’s a high school student now, and as far as I know this is the first time we see him at Gotham Heights.

5) The relationship between Tim and Alfred grows here, with the butler acting not just as chauffeur but mentor as well.

WTF? Moment: At one point, Tim confides in Alfred that “I haven’t been at this long enough to go against a heavy like that on my own.” WTF? This is the same guy who survived several fights against Lady Shiva, dealt with Ra’s al Ghul and fought Two-Face before he even got the gig. Okay – he helped Bruce with Ra’s and Alfred saved him against Two-Face, but Tim’s more than proven he has the stones for the job. Plus, he’s not alone…Alfred, Gordon and the entire GCPD are with him.

WTF? Moment #2: If ever there was a connection between writer and subject, it’s here. Writer Chuck Dixon really has a handle on Tim, and I really wanted him to stay with this character forever.

WTF? Moment #3: I have to say I never pegged Tim for a Dung…I mean Warlocks and Warriors player.

WTF? Moment #4: I’m also impressed with Tim’s musical knowledge…but is he quoting Fred Astaire or Peter Allen?