Batman and Robin: Year One #12 Review

 

Plot: Mark Waid & Chris Samnee

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Chris Samnee

Colorist: Matheus Lopes

Letterers: Clayton Cowles with Chris Samnee

Cover Artists: Chris Samnee & Matheus Lopes; Jamal Campbell; Ryan Sook; Joe Quinones

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 29, 2025

 

Batman watched his trusted friend transform into a misshapen monster. When Commissioner Gordon turned the police force against them, Batman realized that General Grimaldi had successfully replicated Clayface’s abilities. The beautiful Ms Lyn believed the lies spread by Grimaldi’s clay-faced agents. Police officers imprisoned Bruce Wayne, while Laura Lyn placed Dick Grayson with foster parents.

 

After the Feds forced the police and the Attorney General's office to release him, Bruce vowed to resume crime-fighting as a solo act. But when he got in over his head, Robin came to his aid. Can Batman set Gotham to rights? And who can best care for Dick Grayson? Let’s leap into Batman and Robin: Year One #12 and see!

 

Story

Batman's recent battle left him weak and wounded. His ego has also taken a hit. Batman didn't realize that General Grimaldi was dead, and Two-Face and Clayface had taken over his army of infiltrating lookalikes. Dick Grayson grew up in a circus. He's well-versed in attending to sports-related injuries. So, after he gets Batman on his feet, Robin helps his mentor return to the scene of Batman’s failure.

 

 

While Mark Waid primarily focuses on the heroes in Batman and Robin: Year One #12, he also shines a light on Clayface's relationship with Two-Face. While one ruthless partner adheres to their plan, the other hesitates to initiate the final stage.

 

Alfred Pennyworth doubted Bruce's decision to bring Dick Grayson into Wayne Manor. Bruce saw himself in the boy and assumed that Dick would be similarly self-sufficient. Alfred knew better and worked hard to help Bruce meet Dick's needs.

 

After their adventures together, Bruce finally recognizes the differences between them. This time, he wonders if he has what it takes to be a good single parent to Dick. Bruce also contemplates his relationship with Gotham's legal system. Despite working outside it, Bruce makes every effort to uphold the law in Batman and Robin: Year One #12. In doing so, Bruce Wayne forges a better relationship with someone he previously disregarded and the public he works so hard to protect.

 

Art

As Two-Face observes the city from an upper-story office, he treats suffering people like pests. Beside him, Matt Hagen transforms from a misshapen monster into a masked man. Yet while the two men converse, Clayface never looks at his partner. Chris Samnee shows Robin helping Batman into a sling. When his grapnel gun sputters, Batman throws a batarang tethered to a rope. Both caped crusaders ascend the building like their personas in the beloved 1960s TV series. As Batman pulls himself up with his uninjured arm, Robin remains at his side.

 

Matheus Lopes paints the evening orange, pink, and purple. Robin shines red, yellow, and green against Batman's black and gray in Batman and Robin: Year One #12. Clayface and Two-Face race through the night amid green, orange, and brown. While Two-Face's purple shines amid the surrounding colors, Clayface’s brown mask links him with the brown in their two-color getaway vehicle. Shadows fall on Batman as he and Robin part ways amid dark green and blue. Yet when they reunite, the yellow clouds glow in a radiant green sky.

 

Clayton Cowles and Chris Samnee fill white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes with uppercase letters. Broken dialogue balloon borders and small dialogue indicate whispers. Clayface speaks larger words into balloons with squiggly arrows, while tiny comments reveal what Two-Face thinks of his partner. Sound effects accompany the tools of the bat trade, speeding vehicles, and Commissioner Gordon playing peacemaker. Thanks to DC Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Becoming Dick's guardian has helped Bruce Wayne realize how most people in Gotham regard him. After the accident that disfigured him, becoming Two-Face helped Harvey Dent remake his life. While their public personas have helped them flourish, heroes and villains compare their façades with who they wish to be in Batman and Robin: Year One #12.

 

Rating 9.8/10