We received a review copy of the new comic book for middle graders called Batman, Robin and Howard for free to review. Opinions are our own.
Graphic novels for middle graders are the sweet spot for getting my son, Andy to read. He has the best time reading them and he observes so much when he does. I wasn’t sure that he was noticing things because he reads them so quickly but what he noticed about this book blew me away. Yes, the book is about Batman and his son Damian Wayne who is also Robin. It is also about another character named Howard who comes into the Wayne’s lives. However, that was not what Andy noticed. What he noticed was that there was a student who goes to school with Howard and Damian who does not have a hand on his left arm. I was like, are you sure? He said, “Yeah, it is one of my favorite things about the book because it includes everyone.”
I was blown away that my almost 10 year-old noticed something like that and had that reaction. He’s a very kind soul that kid of mine. Andy also liked a lot of the jokes and how Batman was basically sidelined by a soccer coach for the whole of the book. I got a kick out of him doing the gargoyle pose on top of a vending machine and then having the self-awareness to realize that it wasn’t that intimidating from 5 feet up.
The book is a really good one in which Damian Wayne has to go to a new school. He feels that he is smarter and superior to the kids there. Howard is a pretty popular kid at the school because he is so nice to everyone. However, he and Damian do not hit it off right away. They eventually mesh with each other and become friends through soccer. This also weaves in the b story of Batman investigating a series of soccer related pranks. But, with Batman being Batman he takes it very seriously and speculates on all the villains in his rogues gallery who might be behind the pranks.
I got a kick out of the book and so did my son. You can learn more about the book below and also use our amazon.com affiliate link to pick up a copy for yourself.
Batman, Robin, and Howard, written by bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown (Jedi Academy, Space-Time), introduces a unique take on the adventures of the caped crusader and boy wonder, when it introduces a character that serves as Robin’s ultimate match, his new schoolmate Howard. On November 9th, this book will be available for young Batman and Robin fans who will find a relatable story about fitting in and putting yourself in another’s shoes.
To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what’s more, Damian’s dad, Bruce Wayne—a.k.a. Batman—decides that starting over at Gotham Metro Academy will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine. It is there he meets Howard—the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys’ rivalry is instantaneous and fierce…and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class.
Jeffrey Brown creates a juvenile mystery adventure for Damian and his newfound equal Howard that explores rivalry and friendship.