Review - Robyn Hood #1

Everyone knows about Robin Hood. Primarily, his penchant for robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. The character has been around seemingly forever, but he's never been conceptualized like Zenescope does in Robyn Hood #1.

Robyn Hood #1 is written by Pat Shand, with illustrations by Dan Glasl, colors by Tom Mullin and Jason Embury and letters by Jim Campbell.

In the lands of Myst a tryant rules the city of Bree with an iron fist, leaving its citizens living in fear and terror. That reign requires someone to come and free them from it and, since this is a Grimm Fairy Tales book, that someone happens to be in reality.

Robyn has led a troubled life since her mother's death, eventually finding herself in an over-privileged high school. She offers her attitude up when faced with the "popular" kids bullying her, even going so far as leaving a lasting mark on her. The impression works out well in the end, as it reveals in her newfound powers she was previously unaware of.

The story behind Robyn is pretty typical. Shand has made her an orphan of sorts, rebelling against anyone and everyone en route to being a destructive rebel. The entire issue serves to show the reader that Robyn isn't one to be trifled with and will go up against any opponent, regardless of the odds. That constant rebellion is interesting at first, but gets a little played out towards the end of the issue. You get that she's hard and don't really need to see her possibly being sexually assaulted to prove it.

There are little things that harken to the myth of Robin Hood though, such as offering a homeless person cash. It's a nice touch that grounds the book in the myth, reminding you that--at her core--Robyn has a lot in common with the legend. The end of the issue even sets her up with the same archery talents and it will be interesting to see how she adapts.

Glasl's pencils are actually pretty solid. There are some panels that are ultra-realistic in a way, which really add a sense of seriousness to them. He also adds in some interesting blur effects for one page, where a character is coming to from a beating. Robyn is illustrated as strongly as her personality is presented, meaning we'll likely see her holding her own in fighting scenarios.

The first issue of the Robyn Hood series is interesting, if a little uneven. There are some good storylines established in the book, thrusting Robyn in an unfamiliar world and forcing her to adapt. It's a little heavy on presenting her as a rough around the edges hero, but by the end of the issue you're better aware of what she's capable of.

Robyn Hood #1 is in stores today.