In case you’re wondering -- yes, this R.I.P. tie-in lines up perfectly with the Batman run of the same title. Folks, look, if you’re looking for even more good substance to pull out of Morrison’s work in Batman R.I.P., then look no further than its Robin counterpart. This book delivers all the goods, really. Word is that Nightwing hardly grazes the tie-in throughout, so those looking to get their fix and introspection from that title will probably come away disappointed.

What makes this issue of Robin even better is the fact that it’s actually good aside from being a perfect tie-in. Robin is charged with defending Gotham in Batman’s wake, and this issue is all about his journey towards that realization. This title goes to great lengths to surface Robin’s side of the Batman-gone-nuts problem and I'll label it a success. We get a close-up on how Robin’s dealing with the possibility of a world without Batman, and we get a glimpse of the decisions that Robin has to make in order to find his mentor and either help him or take him down.

The cover of the issue reads “Spoilers Secret!” Yea, she has a secret. But, trust me, while it plays a pivotal role in the issue, it’s nothing all that epic. It’s a plot device, this secret, so don’t go into this book expecting something more than stuff thrown together to get the plot bus moving. Spoiler’s presence throughout the book has become a mixed bag. She’s definitely no longer the girl Tim Drake fell for, she’s something a bit more reserved and she plays everything much closer to the chest. She’s there to see Drake through the madness, but she spends a lot of time on the sidelines.

As for Joe Bennett’s art, much like the first time, it works well. I think that there are moments when the colors sort of wash the action out, but it never serves as a distraction. Robin does still look Hispanic in my book, but I may be way off the mark there. Panel layouts are straightforward and easy to digest.

Fabian Nicieza is the new writer for Robin from #175 on out. He brings a more mature and intense feel than Dixon did. Nothing against Dixon there, but readers looking for a darker Robin will find it. His ability to tie this book in with R.I.P. is working wonderfully and the book has done a lot to make me excited, not only about Robin, but about the main Batman line as well. Looking forward to more already!

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