Heroic out of his tights: Robin #129

You can take the hero out of the costume, but you can't take the hero out of the guy. That is the main lesson learned from this week's Book of the Week, Robin #129 by Bill Willingham and Guiseppe Camuncoli.

Don't be frightened by the fact that the cover to this book confusingly claims to be Act One, Part 5 of 8. (I was both confused and frightened, until Kathy explained it to me! Then I was just confused.) This is a story that stands completely on its own despite being part of a larger event.

Tim Drake has given up being Robin. He has promised his parents that he will not put on the tights and mask under any circumstances. Unfortunately for Tim, a huge Gang War has erupted in Gotham City. (Though it seems a bit short-sighted for regular old criminals to try this sort of thing in the city where Batman lives.) A normal trip to school becomes fraught with peril for Tim and his friends. Circumstances beyond his control force Tim into action, and he clearly demonstrates that tights do not make the hero.

Willingham handles these characters with style. His scripting really gives some depth to young Tim Drake. Even the incidental cast are very three-dimensional, despite their brief time "on-screen." An appearance by Scarface is both kinda funny and kinda creepy, which is just about right for his character.

This book has great characters, tense action sequences, and an ending that will really leave you on the edge of your seat. The only thing it doesn't have is orange tights, and that isn't such a bad thing. Give Robin #129 a try. You can't lose because it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!