where should I start with Robin?

[Tanjint]

I like Nicieza and his ideas for Robin sound cool.

Then, Dixon's run sounds cool too though.

Who wrote the title in the late 90s with the initial spoiler stuff? I remember that stuff being acclaimed too.

I love the character and have read him in Teen Titans and tons of Batman stuff....(Tim and Dick really. Are there any Jason Todd stories that are must read?) but his publication history is so vast I really don't know where to start.

I'm a trade kind of guy so any recommendations towards easy to find trades would be greatly appreciated.

-T

[AlistairCrane]

It depends on how far back you want to go. The series started in 1993, so that's 15 years worth of material to cover.

You could jump on with this past January's issue, #170, which saw the return of Chuck Dixon and kicked off the return of Spoiler. That's being collected in a nice trade later this year. If you want to get the floppies, you may as well start with Fabian's first issue, #175, and go from there.

[WorstThingUS]

I like Nicieza and his ideas for Robin sound cool.

Then, Dixon's run sounds cool too though.

Who wrote the title in the late 90s with the initial spoiler stuff? I remember that stuff being acclaimed too.

I love the character and have read him in Teen Titans and tons of Batman stuff....(Tim and Dick really. Are there any Jason Todd stories that are must read?) but his publication history is so vast I really don't know where to start.

I'm a trade kind of guy so any recommendations towards easy to find trades would be greatly appreciated.

-T

The very first mini that launched the series remains one of its best stories, so start at the beginning, young jedi. It's collected in trade.

[Seraku]

I'd start from the WIllingham run (121)

[hichaec]

If you don't want to read the whole thing, you might try starting after the OYL jump (beginning with 148). Beechen's first arc was a bit shakey, but otherwise I very much enjoyed his run, an Dixon's subsequent return was also a good read.

Otherwise, start at the beginning. I've been reading Robin since before Dixon left the first time, and in general it's a very solid, entertaining title. I am going to have to side against Seraku, though, in that I would recommend you read everything except Willingham's run (121-147). ;)

[earl]

"Are there any Jason Todd stories that are must read?"

I'd say the small run in the late 80s on Detective (569-574) by Mike Barr and Alan Davis are worth tracking down. Issue 574 in particular in which Batman takes an injured Jason Todd to Leslie Thompkins for care even could tie in well to some current continuity.

[AlistairCrane]

If you don't want to read the whole thing, you might try starting after the OYL jump (beginning with 148). Beechen's first arc was a bit shakey, but otherwise I very much enjoyed his run, an Dixon's subsequent return was also a good read.

Otherwise, start at the beginning. I've been reading Robin since before Dixon left the first time, and in general it's a very solid, entertaining title. I am going to have to side against Seraku, though, in that I would recommend you read everything except Willingham's run (121-147). ;)

No. At least get the three issues of Willingham's run where Spoiler becomes Robin.

[hichaec]

No. At least get the three issues of Willingham's run where Spoiler becomes Robin.

Oh, his run did have a few good issues. Those three, plus the one when Superboy guests were all decent. (Actually, that Superboy issue is one of my favorite issues of Robin, period.) In general, though, I still don't recommend the run as a whole, especially since I think the Steph-as-Robin thing was handled much better in other books. :)

[Tanjint]

what is that first chuck dixon mini called in tpb?

as far as floppies, I'm down eventually but I'll start with easy to find trades.

Really appreciate the help.

-T

[hichaec]

I believe the first mini is in the Robin: A Hero Reborn (http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Hero-Reborn-Alan-Grant/dp/1563890291/ref=pd_sim_b_2) trade. There are some other issues in there, too (from Batman, I think). It's a great story and an excellent place to start.

Not sure if it's still in print, but you should be able to find it somewhere regardless.

[stealthwise]

If you're lucky enough to be able to find copies, you should get Robin II: the Joker's Wild.

[The Xenos]

Did they ever collect any of the early issues of the Robin series? Chuck Dixon wrote some amazing comics there. Plus that was back when O'Neil was heading the Bat-office.

Also, if you can find anything, Young Justice by Peter David was a fun read.

I believe the first mini is in the Robin: A Hero Reborn (http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Hero-Reborn-Alan-Grant/dp/1563890291/ref=pd_sim_b_2) trade. There are some other issues in there, too (from Batman, I think). It's a great story and an excellent place to start.

Not sure if it's still in print, but you should be able to find it somewhere regardless.

I got that and it was a neat read. Haven't read it in a while, not sure how it's aged, but it's definitely a good start for the character.
I'd start from the WIllingham run (121)

:mad:

[Paul Dee]

If you're lucky enough to be able to find copies, you should get Robin II: the Joker's Wild.


I remember picking these up in a sale last year very cheaply (with the silver foil stickers still attached no less). It's a really enjoyable story of Robin having to deal with looking after Gotham in Batman's absence

[hichaec]

Did they ever collect any of the early issues of the Robin series? Chuck Dixon wrote some amazing comics there. Plus that was back when O'Neil was heading the Bat-office.

The only thing I can think of is the Flying Solo trade, which has the first couple issues of the ongoing in it. Not sure if that's still in print, either.

Tanjint, I said earlier that starting after the OYL jump (starting with #148) might not be a bad idea; if you're looking for trades above all else, then you'd have an easy time of it if you chose to start there. All of that stuff has been pretty regularly put out in trades. Unfortunately, the early stuff, not so much. :frown:

I got that and it was a neat read. Haven't read it in a while, not sure how it's aged, but it's definitely a good start for the character.

I flipped through it before posting to confirm that it was the correct book, and while the story probably hasn't aged much, the art and coloring are...less than stellar (by today's standards, anyway). It did make me nostalgic for Tim's previous costume, though, as the book has that awesome schematic for the old suit in the back.

[Seraku]

I brought up the willingham run mainly because that's where the trades begin (honestly I have never been able to find any trades, minus the very first one, for preBW Robin) plus I am a fan of his writting style so his run was kinda fun for me.

[Chad]

A Lonely Place of Dying introduces the character and has been collected.

I'm not sure if it's in the Hero Reborn tpb, but Batman 455-457 have him officially becoming Robin.

[hichaec]

I'm not sure if it's in the Hero Reborn tpb, but Batman 455-457 have him officially becoming Robin.

Just checked, and yes, those issues are in the Hero Reborn trade. :smile:

[Tanjint]

i have lonely place of dying. it's pretty cool.

i will look for joker's wild and a hero reborn.

i also LOVE fables and am definitely willing to give willingham's run a chance in the near future.


-T

[LEADER DESSLOK]

Are there any Jason Todd stories that are must read?)

I highly recommend JIM STARLIN's entire run as the writer on the BATMAN flagship title. (Or is DETECTIVE COMICS considered the flagship book?)

I can't remember the numbers identifying his issues so you'll have to get an index or check on the web. His interpretation of Jason was very intense, especially in the issues leading up to the DEATH IN THE FAMILY storyline. That story in particular should be available as a graphic novel.

If you like the original Robin, Dick Grayson, you might want to check out back issues of BATMAN FAMILY, specifically issues 6-9. I forget the name of the writer but he wrote a suspenseful and fun mystery called "The Joker's Daughter".
It was really shocking when we learned who she was, although, with current "continuity" theatrics, I don't know if it's still considered "valid".
They should be cheap depending on where you shop.

[hichaec]

i also LOVE fables and am definitely willing to give willingham's run a chance in the near future.

So do I. I actually think Willingham is an excellent writer, in general. And if you read his run without knowing that much about Tim, Steph, and various other members of Batman's supporting cast, it might not actually be that bad. So if you're going to read it at all, it probably would be wise to read it first. :tongue:

[Tanjint]

well I wouldn't say I'm unfamiliar with Tim. I have tons of Batman collections, and am almost done reading Johns Titans run but I have very little stuff titled "Robin", ya know?

LEADER DESSLOK: so you're saying Starlin's intense portrayal of Todd is evident in the death in the family the trade? if so, the art already looks cool and that one's at damn near every shop, so....what do you guys say, death in the family a great read?

I know it's an important piece of 'recent' batman history, but is the quality of that particular arc real good?

thanks

-T

[Captain Jim]

I highly recommend JIM STARLIN's entire run as the writer on the BATMAN flagship title. (Or is DETECTIVE COMICS considered the flagship book?)

I can't remember the numbers identifying his issues so you'll have to get an index or check on the web. His interpretation of Jason was very intense, especially in the issues leading up to the DEATH IN THE FAMILY storyline. That story in particular should be available as a graphic novel.

We seem to have very different tastes. I have a very high regard for Starlin in general, but didn't care much for his Batman work.

[Tanjint]

how about the quality of death in the family in particular?

-T