Damian Wayne’s Robin origin story gets a fantastical retelling from The Boy Wonder himself in Juni Ba’s new Black Label series. With the recent release of the inaugural issue, it’s already evident that this run is set to become a character-defining series, leaving a lasting impression on fans well beyond its final chapter.
Writer and artist Juni Ba’s The Boy Wonder #1 masterfully sets the tone for this fairytale-inspired, Robin-centric story right from the start with its narration. By ingeniously using Damian’s childlike perspective, the narration captures the charm of a bedtime story and infuses it with a captivating dreamlike quality that immediately draws readers into its narrative.
Within the tale, Damian introduces his brothers—Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, and Robin—as the sons of the King of Gotham, with “king” referencing Batman, despite the story being set in modern-day Gotham. Hence, Damian tells the story through a fantasy lens, resulting in a brilliant fusion of genres.
Ba’s retelling of Damian’s origin story is undoubtedly poised to become a staple in the character’s discography, as he stays true to the original canon material but flips it on its head by presenting it from Damian’s point of view. By doing so, he offers a deep dive into the emotional psyche of the fifth Robin, portraying Damian’s wants, inner thoughts, and deepest insecurities. The depth of emotional exploration showcased in The Boy Wonder is unparalleled, surpassing any previous attempts by other writers to delve into the character’s psyche.
Based on the storytelling thus far, it’s evident that this run will be the ultimate love letter to Damian Wayne’s character, making it a must-read for fans of the fifth Robin. However, Damian isn’t the sole attraction of this series. With all three other major Robins playing significant roles, this series becomes a draw for all Robin fans. This first issue features a poignant interaction between Robin and Nightwing, beautifully establishing Dick’s positive influence on Damian and their budding relationship. Fans can anticipate a Red Hood-centric storyline in issue #2 and a Red Robin-centric story in issue #3.
Ba’s artwork, combined with Chris O’Halloran’s coloring, alone makes this series worth a read. The artwork is exceptionally distinctive, incorporating bold lines, vivid colors, and a unique art style that perfectly complements Damian’s fantastical perspective. This art style immerses the reader in the story, allowing them to see events as Damian himself sees them. Ba’s ingenious use of art elevates the story to a new level in the realm of comics and strengthens the connection between reader and character. Hence, there is no doubt that The Boy Wonder is poised to become one of the best Robin-centric titles of the last decade.
The Boy Wonder #1 is available now from DC Comics!