Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    DC

    REVIEW: Batman and Robin #19

    Stephen SchleicherBy Stephen SchleicherJanuary 17, 20118 Comments3 Mins Read

    What do you do when your new villain has a hole in her head? If you are Batman and Robin, you let her try and drill a hole in their heads.

    BATMAN AND ROBIN #19
    Writer: Paul Cornell
    Artist: Scott McDaniel
    Inker: Rob Hunter
    Colorist: Alex Sinclair
    Letterer: Patrick Brousseau
    Cover Artist: Patrick Gleason
    Editor: Mike Marts
    Publisher: DC Comics
    Price: $2.99

    Previously in Batman and Robin: A new villainess is on the scene, and she literally has a hole in her head. She’s bent on taking down someone for something, all because Bruce Wayne dissed her because he didn’t give her some… thing. If there is a crime in Gotham City, you can bet Batman and Robin are on the case!

    ONE DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER, DEEP PROBLEMS

    Right off the top, I will say that Una Nemo is one of the lamest characters ever dreamt up. She ranks right up there with Arm-Fall-Off Boy. I’m half waiting for some league of something or other to have a fit over Uno’s portrayal in this arc, but I know that won’t happen… Instead Uno’s eventual escape will lead to her return at some point in the near future. The whole “Bruce Wayne never gave me enough attention!” schtick is not worth paying attention to, nor is the gimmick behind her survival after being shot point blank in the head that was revealed in the first issue.

    The thing that does make this issue bearable, and more than likely the whole point of the issue, is the psychological discussion that arises when Batman and Robin (played this issue by Dick and Damian) have the opportunity to either sacrifice one to save the other, both go down fighting, or work something out in order to free themselves from Uno’s exceptionally well thought out trap. (Yes, that last bit is sarcasm). The implication is they’ve been so well trained by Batman, and have been so mentally manipulated all their lives that they are willing to be expendable units for the cause.

    I like that portion of the story, but the rest is really not interesting. Cornell is a fine writer, and he does give the reader things to read, but for the most part, this issue is mediocre.

    McDANIEL

    I’ve said before that Scott McDaniel works in small doses as his style takes a lot of getting used to, and I think I’ve reached that point where I need a break from his style. Not that I hate it, in fact I’ve praised it before, but between all the Bat-titles currently out there, I’ve looked at his stuff for around nine months now. His style is instantly recognizable, and while it does stand out, it also tends to suffer too much from generic pose syndrome by the time any arc reaches the end.

    BOTTOM LINE: SKIP IT

    From the moment she first appeared, I simply have no interest in Uno Nemo or what her petty problems are that drove her to become a psychopath. I HOPE we don’t see her return, but I half expect her to, if for no other reason than to spite me for this review. Cornell can write, and McDaniel can draw, but for this arc, the combo falls completely flat. I say skip Batman and Robin #19, and see if it gets better next time.

    Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

    Batman dc comics Paul Cornell Review Robin Scott Mcdaniel
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleREVIEW: Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?: Dust To Dust #8
    Next Article REVIEW: Thor – The Mighty Avenger #8
    Stephen Schleicher
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment. You can follow him on Twitter @MajorSpoilers and tell him your darkest secrets...

    Related Posts

    Critical Hit #789: Monster Wrangler – Session Zero (MWS01-E00)

    Read More

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    8 Comments

    1. MaximusRift on January 17, 2011 2:22 pm

      So basically Spider-Man is better than Batman and Robin? :)

      Reply
    2. RobbyDzwonar on January 17, 2011 2:27 pm

      I totally agree. The only thing from Cornell that I will continue to pick up is ACTION and I’m not enjoying that nearly as much anymore either!! The guy could go back to MARVEL for all I care. I don’t care what happens over there because I don’t read any of their stuff. Not even Spidey since BND wrapped up.

      Reply
    3. Brett on January 17, 2011 4:13 pm

      The Gleason cover is the only reason to buy this. Note the sweet signature when you flipbit upside down

      Reply
    4. Slappy on January 17, 2011 4:56 pm

      Is Spider-Man the new Batman?

      Reply
    5. Rome on January 17, 2011 7:26 pm

      I’m in mostly in agreement with your assessment, though I’ve found Damian’s characterization to be a far cry from that presented in the Morrison stretch. It was that failure of writing that caused me to drop the book, rather than the lame villain.

      Though as a long time reader, you get pretty used to lame villains showing up from time to time. Its the main characters being portrayed lamely that is the real turn off.

      Reply
    6. Katzedecimal on January 18, 2011 7:54 am

      The only reason I picked up the issue was for the panel of B&R tied up together. Since Dick originated the whole “Robins as bondage birds” thing, the sight made me laugh out loud right there in the comic store. I wouldn’t say it was worth the price of admission but it made it less of a waste.

      Yanno, somebody needs to write a fanfic where Una Nemo is transported to the 31st Century and menaces Arm-Fall-Off Boy. “Oh noes! It’s my dreaded arch nemesis, Hole-In-Head Girl!”

      Reply
    7. ikindadislikekevinsmith on January 19, 2011 5:25 pm

      In honor of the late Richard Holbrook, I’m proposing an accord. Cornell never touches Batman and/or Robin for the rest of his career, and in exchange he owns Knight and Squire in perpetuity. He gets final cut on K& S until his deathbed, and he never shows his face in Gotham again. He can do campy villains and heroes that don’t give a shit in London.

      It’s not really his fault, he’s more of a humorist. His style worked better with Lex. You can do a real badass Lex but you can also play Lex for laughs, because underneath all of his intelligence there is something very foolish about Lex Luthor.

      Cornell’s humor is based on the idea that everything is for show, there are no real threats, and secretly nobody really cares. But that just doesn’t work for Batman, and It doesn’t work for post Jason Todd Robin either.

      He’ll do something else and it’ll be better.

      And as far as Uma Nemo, I just don’t want to see her in any slash fic.

      Reply
    8. Damascus on March 28, 2011 1:15 am

      So it’s Una Nemo, not Uno Nemo?

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT