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Robin (1991, 1993-2009) #11
Robin: Teenage Wasteland
Robin, the Boy Wonder, contends with the appearance of the rookie crimefighter Dodge, finds himself attracted to his tutor Zoanne, and has an unusual visit from Klarion, the Witch Boy.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2007
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About the author
Adam Beechen
322 books10 followersFor more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Bee...
Writer Adam Beechen is the author of several comic books, including Robin and Justice League Unlimited . Adam also writes for tv on such shows as Teen Titans, The Batman and is the story editor on HiHi Puffy Ami Yumi for Cartoon Network.
Writer Adam Beechen is the author of several comic books, including Robin and Justice League Unlimited . Adam also writes for tv on such shows as Teen Titans, The Batman and is the story editor on HiHi Puffy Ami Yumi for Cartoon Network.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2021
"Memo to self: Never get a sidekick of my own." -- frustrated Tim 'Robin' Drake, on page 38
Robin, junior half of that famous crime-fighting 'Dynamic Duo,' is arguably the most famous acolyte in the world of comic books, but Teenage Wasteland seems like sort of an anomaly: there have been books featuring the Dick Grayson and/or Jason Todd incarnations of the character, but here young Tim Drake gets his very own moment in the Bat-signal spotlight, doing mostly solo work in three brief adventures. (Of course mentor Batman will make a well-timed appearance or two, because . . . well, that's just Batman.) While the middle story - featuring guest star Klarion the Witch Boy - is a boring supernatural misfire, the bookending segments are much more nimble. Probably the best segment is when Robin interrupts a would-be suicidal jumper, a fellow teen, on a skyscraper ledge and they then have a productive and sincere discussion - because it doesn't proceed in an entirely predictable path, with preaching from our young hero - hashing out the stressors in their lives.
Robin, junior half of that famous crime-fighting 'Dynamic Duo,' is arguably the most famous acolyte in the world of comic books, but Teenage Wasteland seems like sort of an anomaly: there have been books featuring the Dick Grayson and/or Jason Todd incarnations of the character, but here young Tim Drake gets his very own moment in the Bat-signal spotlight, doing mostly solo work in three brief adventures. (Of course mentor Batman will make a well-timed appearance or two, because . . . well, that's just Batman.) While the middle story - featuring guest star Klarion the Witch Boy - is a boring supernatural misfire, the bookending segments are much more nimble. Probably the best segment is when Robin interrupts a would-be suicidal jumper, a fellow teen, on a skyscraper ledge and they then have a productive and sincere discussion - because it doesn't proceed in an entirely predictable path, with preaching from our young hero - hashing out the stressors in their lives.
February 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, particularly getting to spend more time with Tim Drake, who is my least-read Robin. I also liked that this story had some nice paternal moments between Tim and Bruce. Obviously, the focus was more on Tim, but so many Batman stories only paint Bruce Wayne as this dark, tortured soul, and they forget he is a father figure to all the Robins. He may not always be great at it (you know... dark, tortured soul), but there are definitely moments when you can tell how much he cares for his boys. This book had some nice panels showcasing just that.
February 4, 2026
The plot started good but I can’t get over evil-Cass… they butchered my girl for no reason.
April 14, 2020
Robin: Teenage Wasteland is a trade paperback that collects nine issues (Robin #154–162) of the 1993 series and covers nine one-issue stories some of them interconnected.
The two main storylines here deal with Robin offering up himself as a decoy to stop a group of kidnappers as Tim Drake, and Robin tracking down a drug-ridden young street gang trying to kill a reporter. Both of these stories are gritty and down-to-earth, and Robin's role in them is clear, as opposed to Robin simply acting as a stand-in for Batman or Nightwing. The second story ties into Robin's dating life, as Zoanne's father works for the company making the gang's drugs. Additionally, there is a two-issue story (Robin #157–158) has Tim Drake as Robin teaming up with Klarion, the Witch Boy.
Adam Beechen penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written moderately well. Beechen writes a somewhat grim Robin. After the death or injury of Robin's parents, Superboy, Spoiler, Batgirl, and others in this trade paperback, Robin drives himself with a "no one else dies" mania. Despite this new attitude, there are humor and spots of levity in some issues like his first date with his tutor. Beechen strikes a nice balance between playing to Robin's youth and at the same time acknowledging his vigilantism.
Freddie E. Williams II (Robin #154–156, 159–162) and Frazer Irving (Robin #157–158) penciled the trade paperback. For the most part, the pencilers complement with each other rather well, while remains distinct, which makes a rather artistic flow somewhat seamless. It helps that the interruption is between storylines, which makes the change more manageable. Furthermore, I rather like their depiction of Tim Drake as Robin.
All in all, Robin: Teenage Wasteland is a mediocre continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
The two main storylines here deal with Robin offering up himself as a decoy to stop a group of kidnappers as Tim Drake, and Robin tracking down a drug-ridden young street gang trying to kill a reporter. Both of these stories are gritty and down-to-earth, and Robin's role in them is clear, as opposed to Robin simply acting as a stand-in for Batman or Nightwing. The second story ties into Robin's dating life, as Zoanne's father works for the company making the gang's drugs. Additionally, there is a two-issue story (Robin #157–158) has Tim Drake as Robin teaming up with Klarion, the Witch Boy.
Adam Beechen penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written moderately well. Beechen writes a somewhat grim Robin. After the death or injury of Robin's parents, Superboy, Spoiler, Batgirl, and others in this trade paperback, Robin drives himself with a "no one else dies" mania. Despite this new attitude, there are humor and spots of levity in some issues like his first date with his tutor. Beechen strikes a nice balance between playing to Robin's youth and at the same time acknowledging his vigilantism.
Freddie E. Williams II (Robin #154–156, 159–162) and Frazer Irving (Robin #157–158) penciled the trade paperback. For the most part, the pencilers complement with each other rather well, while remains distinct, which makes a rather artistic flow somewhat seamless. It helps that the interruption is between storylines, which makes the change more manageable. Furthermore, I rather like their depiction of Tim Drake as Robin.
All in all, Robin: Teenage Wasteland is a mediocre continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
January 27, 2020
Robin #154-162.
This was as great as I expected. Just as with the final two issues of the last collection, this is exactly what I want from a Robin comic. Short 1-3 issue stories, some subplots, strong characterization, and a nice variety of stories.
The highlights were easily the two single-issue stories, one where Tim talks a teen off a ledge while dealing with his own grief, and one where Tim goes on a date. The former was great for tying Tim's current situation into the Very Special plotline, making the story more resonant than it may have been otherwise. The latter especially surprised me because of how it humanized Bruce. He came off as a father curious about his son's life and wanting to connect with him, which is a fully in-character thing we don't see too often. Plus, I absolutely love Tim and Zoanne together, two overachievers who can't get their personal lives sorted out. Really, the whole supporting cast is a joy, all unique and full of personality. Who could ever forget Killa Nilla, the white wannabe-gangster who is all bravado and serves as Robin's snitch?
Freddie Williams II is the perfect artist for this title. There's a strong sense of realism in terms of anatomy and architecture, but it's mixed with a fluid, expressive style that makes every punch, every face, even every location shot, a joy to look at. He's mastered Robin's grimace vs Tim's looks of confusion and innocence, and his action beats are delightfully fluid.
The only things I didn't love were the recurring Cassandra bits and the resolution of the final story, but even those are easily overlooked in the face of the quality storytelling in the rest of this volume.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to try out some Robin comics. Easily the best this title has been for about 50 issues.
This was as great as I expected. Just as with the final two issues of the last collection, this is exactly what I want from a Robin comic. Short 1-3 issue stories, some subplots, strong characterization, and a nice variety of stories.
The highlights were easily the two single-issue stories, one where Tim talks a teen off a ledge while dealing with his own grief, and one where Tim goes on a date. The former was great for tying Tim's current situation into the Very Special plotline, making the story more resonant than it may have been otherwise. The latter especially surprised me because of how it humanized Bruce. He came off as a father curious about his son's life and wanting to connect with him, which is a fully in-character thing we don't see too often. Plus, I absolutely love Tim and Zoanne together, two overachievers who can't get their personal lives sorted out. Really, the whole supporting cast is a joy, all unique and full of personality. Who could ever forget Killa Nilla, the white wannabe-gangster who is all bravado and serves as Robin's snitch?
Freddie Williams II is the perfect artist for this title. There's a strong sense of realism in terms of anatomy and architecture, but it's mixed with a fluid, expressive style that makes every punch, every face, even every location shot, a joy to look at. He's mastered Robin's grimace vs Tim's looks of confusion and innocence, and his action beats are delightfully fluid.
The only things I didn't love were the recurring Cassandra bits and the resolution of the final story, but even those are easily overlooked in the face of the quality storytelling in the rest of this volume.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to try out some Robin comics. Easily the best this title has been for about 50 issues.
May 29, 2020
4.5
The only issue I really have with this is the continued butchering of Cass, hence the .5 star, but I've been spoiled for future comics with her, so I'm choosing to overlook it more than I normally would.
That being said, I can't even begin to express how much I enjoyed this. Adam Beechen's characterisation of Alfred, Bruce, and Tim, and the depiction of the bond between them, is the best I've read of any writer of Tim's thus far. The stories here had a lighter tone than a lot of Tim's recent comics, which was a really nice respite, and Beechen actually letting Bruce be something other than stoic and mysterious made everything so much more enjoyable. Bruce in this is allowed to care for Tim and take genuine interest in Tim's life and wellbeing, and it's nice to see that for once.
The only issue I really have with this is the continued butchering of Cass, hence the .5 star, but I've been spoiled for future comics with her, so I'm choosing to overlook it more than I normally would.
That being said, I can't even begin to express how much I enjoyed this. Adam Beechen's characterisation of Alfred, Bruce, and Tim, and the depiction of the bond between them, is the best I've read of any writer of Tim's thus far. The stories here had a lighter tone than a lot of Tim's recent comics, which was a really nice respite, and Beechen actually letting Bruce be something other than stoic and mysterious made everything so much more enjoyable. Bruce in this is allowed to care for Tim and take genuine interest in Tim's life and wellbeing, and it's nice to see that for once.
September 9, 2020
Adam Beechen's second volume is a step backwards but its still good. Robin's battle with some meta street gang was not up to par and any appearance by Klarion is a down for me. Williams' art continues to impress. I really like how Tim continues to think back to his training with Bruce. The stand alone suicide issue was powerful and hopefully helpful. Overall, a decent but unspectacular read.
July 3, 2017
Tim Drake couldn't be any cooler. He takes down kidnapping rings from the inside. He dates a gorgeous young girl. He's Batman's adoptive son. Life couldn't be any more hectic.
March 27, 2018
3.5 Stars
March 8, 2021
10 out of 5 one of my fav's. Love my boy Tim.
March 3, 2022
154-155, Ransom Demands, ☆☆☆
156, The High Dive, ☆☆☆☆
157-158, Things That Go Bump in the Night, ☆☆☆☆☆
159, First Date, ☆☆☆
160-162, Freedom of the Press, ☆☆☆
156, The High Dive, ☆☆☆☆
157-158, Things That Go Bump in the Night, ☆☆☆☆☆
159, First Date, ☆☆☆
160-162, Freedom of the Press, ☆☆☆
December 16, 2025
How does he do it? How does he keep dating baddies?
January 8, 2010
It is an unwritten law that all teen comics must navigate the Scylla and Charybdis of Suicide and Drug Use. This collection has both of Robin's issues with these issues, which are surprisingly well done.
The suicide story is--perhaps unintentionally--hilarious with a teenage jumper asking a member of the Bat Family if things get bad for him too. The answering art in the next panel sort of breaks your soul a little bit--the blue ghosts of five of Tim's best reasons to jump arranged neatly with Kon standing front and center like the hero he is. I'm surprised a little that Steph is depicted as Spoiler, but I suppose it makes sense given the way she fell that he remember her as her hero self. So, typical, but well done, and ending with Tim calling Dick to talk things out is somewhat perfect.
The Don't Do Drugs issue is even better, because it is more about an evil pharmaceutical company and an actual mystery. The gang hooked on the meta-making steroids gets awesome sepia-toned history as well. Very tastefully done.
In addition to these, there are other, equally good single issue Robin adventures including: a team-up with an interesting magic user, a first date, and a team up with a really terrible gadgeteer while he busts a kidnapping ring. Tim Drake: what's not to love?
The suicide story is--perhaps unintentionally--hilarious with a teenage jumper asking a member of the Bat Family if things get bad for him too. The answering art in the next panel sort of breaks your soul a little bit--the blue ghosts of five of Tim's best reasons to jump arranged neatly with Kon standing front and center like the hero he is. I'm surprised a little that Steph is depicted as Spoiler, but I suppose it makes sense given the way she fell that he remember her as her hero self. So, typical, but well done, and ending with Tim calling Dick to talk things out is somewhat perfect.
The Don't Do Drugs issue is even better, because it is more about an evil pharmaceutical company and an actual mystery. The gang hooked on the meta-making steroids gets awesome sepia-toned history as well. Very tastefully done.
In addition to these, there are other, equally good single issue Robin adventures including: a team-up with an interesting magic user, a first date, and a team up with a really terrible gadgeteer while he busts a kidnapping ring. Tim Drake: what's not to love?
January 14, 2022
This volume starts off with some Tim action! Tim goes undercover (*ahem* is used as bait) to break up a rich kid kidnapping ring
Tim's on his own, and while it's generally bad form to revel in someone's emotional turmoil, I love my Batman a little vulnerable... so, Bruce worrying over Tim is: ( ♥ ◡ ♥ ).
Tim survives the kidnapping (duh), but his relationship with Zoanne suffers. He can't juggle it all, and drops the ball on his relationship, poor guy (Batman crashing his date sure didn't seem to help him prioritize in the moment either).
I liked the issues with Klarion (though Tim acts a little out of character with Zoanne & the art was a little rough around their faces...) and where Robin talks a kid off a ledge (ending with Tim calling Dick to talk & the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number printed on the page).
It was rough to see Tim choose an invite to Strader over Zoanne, but Tim is only trying to do the right thing by Robin and make the right choices as Robin.
My predictions: Dodge is gonna be an annoying problem in the next volume, + whoever that was on the rooftop (is that supposed to be Cas?)...
Tim's on his own, and while it's generally bad form to revel in someone's emotional turmoil, I love my Batman a little vulnerable... so, Bruce worrying over Tim is: ( ♥ ◡ ♥ ).
Tim survives the kidnapping (duh), but his relationship with Zoanne suffers. He can't juggle it all, and drops the ball on his relationship, poor guy (Batman crashing his date sure didn't seem to help him prioritize in the moment either).
I liked the issues with Klarion (though Tim acts a little out of character with Zoanne & the art was a little rough around their faces...) and where Robin talks a kid off a ledge (ending with Tim calling Dick to talk & the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number printed on the page).
It was rough to see Tim choose an invite to Strader over Zoanne, but Tim is only trying to do the right thing by Robin and make the right choices as Robin.
My predictions: Dodge is gonna be an annoying problem in the next volume, + whoever that was on the rooftop (is that supposed to be Cas?)...
March 28, 2008
I'm sad to see the partnership of Beechen/Williams end this year, so I'm putting off reading 'The Big Leagues'. ^_- I think these two men make a great team. Beechen's strength is his ability to write fluid scenes [likely due to his turn as an animation writer]; and Williams depiction Robin is excellent.
In this graphic novel, collecting Robins 155-162, we get a glimpse at Robin's high school life--which he desperately tries to balance with his crime-fighting career. It's not easy--with thugs walking around pumped on a drug that gives them meta-human powers [metahuman is what superheroes with powers are called in the DCU]; and an overzealous young man named Dodge [he desperately wants to be Robin's sidekick] getting in the way...it's no wonder Cassandra Cain [in her evil form here] had to rid Robin of the bad guy at the end of this one.
Many readers despise Beechen's take on Batgirl--but don't let it keep you from catching his turn as Robin's writer. It's getting only 4 stars from me, because illustrated by Frazer Irving story bogged the GN down overall, and just didn't fit.
In this graphic novel, collecting Robins 155-162, we get a glimpse at Robin's high school life--which he desperately tries to balance with his crime-fighting career. It's not easy--with thugs walking around pumped on a drug that gives them meta-human powers [metahuman is what superheroes with powers are called in the DCU]; and an overzealous young man named Dodge [he desperately wants to be Robin's sidekick] getting in the way...it's no wonder Cassandra Cain [in her evil form here] had to rid Robin of the bad guy at the end of this one.
Many readers despise Beechen's take on Batgirl--but don't let it keep you from catching his turn as Robin's writer. It's getting only 4 stars from me, because illustrated by Frazer Irving story bogged the GN down overall, and just didn't fit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2011
The self-consciously teen tone of this compilation of Robin comics is both a strength and a flaw. It's a welcome respite from the grimness of some of the Batman stuff and has a welcome sense of fun; it'a also fun to see Robin dealing with actual teen experiences mixed in with the usual superhero stuff. I wish it didn't veer into the territory of after school special at times, however; the issues are important, but the treatment is not very subtle.
February 15, 2008
An enjoyable set of teen-on-teen superhero stories. Robin faces off with Klarion the Witchboy, some goons kidnapping teens, and constantly has to deal with Dash, a budding superhero that wants to be Robin's sidekick.
At times, the narration gets a little bland by being too "Detective work for Dummies."
At times, the narration gets a little bland by being too "Detective work for Dummies."
March 18, 2016
A brilliant fleshing-out of what I had always considered to be a sidekick into a full-fledged headliner.
Update - accidentally reread.
Update - accidentally reread.
August 1, 2011
This was better than I expected. Some of it was corny, but for the most part I was pretty entertained.
October 2, 2012
4 stars for all comics not involving Klarion in this collection. The comics with him? 1.5 stars
January 6, 2015
Pity about the Klarion story. Would've been a 4/5 without it.
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