DC Comics has been kind enough to offer a 7 page preview of the issue of Red Robin that hits the shelves on August 12th.  I have to say, of all the Bat-family titles that have launched in the wake of Bruce’s “death” this is the one I’ve been the most trepidatious about.  I really, really love Tim Drake and the Robin persona and I was very sad to see Chuck Dixon leave the book and the direction he was taking it.

With Tim donning the surname Wayne and putting on the cape and cowl of “Red Robin” I’m worried that he’ll end up relegated to some nether world of the DCU and not be able to take his rightful place at Batman’s side as Robin.

I know a lot of people have an issue with Robin in general, but I think he’s a lynchpin to the success of Batman.  Perhaps I’ll write more about why Robin works so well for me and why Tim in particular fills the shoes so capably in my eyes.

Also, it’s been announced that Ramon Bach’s will be replaced on this book starting with issue 6.  Here’s DC’s Alex Segura from their blog:

Starting in November with RED ROBIN #6, Marcus To (Aspen’s Soulfire) will step in as the new ongoing artist on RED ROBIN, taking over for Ramon Bachs, who steps over to launch AZRAEL with writer Fabian Nicieza. And, in lieu of me saying nice things about Marcus, I’ve cornered his editor, Michael Marts to give us the skinny on why Mr. To is the perfect choice to chronicle the continuing adventures of Tim Drake. Take it away, Marts:

“Marcus’s energetic and dynamic art style is the perfect match for Chris Yost’s fast-paced writing style. We’re extremely excited to have Marcus on board as a Bat-team regular.”

In the meantime, here’s 7 pages of Red Robin written by Chris Yost and drawn by Ramon Bachs.