“The Hit List” – Part Three: Secret Identity Crisis
Writer: Fabian Nicieza | Penciler: Marcus To | Inker: Ray McCarthy | Colorist: Guy Major | Letterer: Sal Cipriano | Publisher: DC Comics
Batman created by Bob Kane
What Is It About?
With the threat that his existence as Red Robin could be exposed by reporter Vikki Vale, Tim Drake decides to make a move to throw her off the trail, but how far will Tim go to ensure he and the rest of the Bat Family’s identities are safe?
Thoughts?
After reading the first two issues of this series I decided that this was not the direction I wanted to see, or read, Tim Drake. I felt his move in to being Red Robin would be temporary and he would eventually return to being Robin. That seems to not be the case, and while I have acknowledged that to be the case – I’m still not entirely satisfied with the cards that have been dealt to Tim. Despite all of that, Fabian Nicieza and Marcus To have really been doing a decent job with this current story arc and have made me remember why I enjoy reading comics with Tim in them.
The story is interesting enough with the worry that someone will possibly figure out the secret identities of the member Bat Family. The problem I have is that it’s Vikki Vale doing all of the investigation. I thought, at one time, she at least knew that Batman was Bruce Wayne, but I could be getting confused with the movie. I like the idea of it all, but it seems like Tim is the only one worried about this and that part doesn’t sit well with me. Dick, Damian, and even Alfred don’t seem nearly as worried, or are willing to take some of the risks that Tim is willing to take in order to throw Vikki off the trail.
The art by Marcus To in this issue is really strong and such a great addition to the overall storytelling for this book. To’s work only seems to get better every time I see it. I feel To’s Tim Drake is perfect and he really gets the facial expressions and body movements down so well its really enjoyable to see what he does each page you turn to.
The Verdict?
I like this issue as a whole. I think there are some parts of it that don’t come across I would expect them to, but it doesn’t ruin the enjoyment – just causes me to question how the whole story will play out. If you’ve been on the fence about reading this series, I would give this arc a shot and then come to your own conclusions.
