We Are Robin #12 – Comic Review and Breakdown
Genre
Superhero, Teen Drama, Urban Vigilantism
Main Characters
- Duke
Thomas – The de facto leader of the Robins, known for his bravery,
strategic mind, and personal connection to Batman.
- Riko
Sheridan – A fierce and loyal fighter with a strong sense of justice.
- Izzy
Ortiz – The voice of reason in the group, with a grounded attitude and
tactical sharpness.
- Dax
Zhou – The tech-savvy member with a dry wit and analytical prowess.
- Dre
Ciprian – The heart of the team, offering emotional intelligence and
streetwise instinct.
- Smiley
– A chaotic anarchist and Joker gang leader, whose actions push Gotham
closer to the brink.
Writer
Lee Bermejo – Known for blending gritty realism with
emotional storytelling, Bermejo brings a unique, street-level perspective to
Gotham’s youth.
Artist
Jorge Corona – His dynamic, rough-edged style
captures the tension and movement of street combat, reflecting the raw energy
of teen vigilantes.
Editor Details
Mark Doyle – A key architect behind the DC "We
Are Robin" initiative, Doyle ensured the narrative remained socially
resonant and character-driven.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Brand: DC You – A bold 2015 publishing initiative focusing on diversity,
new voices, and unique character perspectives.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In We Are Robin #12, the self-appointed teen
vigilantes of Gotham—Duke, Riko, Izzy, Dax, and Dre—confront their deadliest
challenge yet. Smiley, a sadistic leader of a Joker-inspired faction, has
turned his sights on chaos beyond school hallways and onto the streets of Gotham.
With Smiley’s influence spreading and law enforcement stretched thin, the
Robins must unite and act fast before the city spirals into complete anarchy.
The issue climaxes in a tense showdown, testing their unity, courage, and
ability to rise beyond their youthful impulsiveness.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue marks the conclusion of the “We Are Robin” saga
and sets the stage for Duke Thomas’ evolution into a larger figure in Gotham’s
mythos. It transitions Duke toward his eventual role as The Signal, a
major milestone in DC continuity.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Many fans interpret Smiley as a symbolic mirror to Duke—both
shaped by Gotham's trauma but responding in drastically different ways. There’s
also speculation that We Are Robin is a metaphor for social activism
among youth, with the Robins representing grassroots rebellion against systemic
neglect and violence.
Review Summary
We Are Robin #12 is a powerful finale that balances action with emotional payoff. The character arcs reach meaningful conclusions, particularly Duke’s transformation into a confident leader. Jorge Corona’s artwork vividly portrays Gotham’s grittiness and the chaotic beauty of teenage rebellion. Lee Bermejo’s writing is sharp and heartfelt, giving each character a distinct voice and purpose. While some pacing issues occur, the overall execution delivers a strong, satisfying close to the series.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
