Robin is a five-issues mini-series published from January to May 1991. This is the first ever self-titled Robin spinoff title. Previously Dick Grayson had appeared in Robin solo stories published in Star Spangled Comics throughout the 40s and 50s.
The Robin limited series follows Tim Drake as he trains under the Rahul Lama, during which he comes into conflict with several martial-arts themed enemies. The series was written by Chuck Dixon and penciled by Tom Lyle. The series was successful enough to commission both two succeeding miniseries (Robin II: The Joker's Wild! and Robin III: Cry of the Huntress) and eventually as a ongoing series due to fan demand.
Synopsis
In this five-issue mini-series, Tim follows a similar path that Bruce Wayne took in becoming Batman. Similar, but not identical. Tim journeys to Paris on his own to learn "an obscure Tibetan Martial Art from its last living master", the Rahul Lama. On his arrival, he meets the Lama's grandson Shen Chi. Over the course of the mini-series he encounters Lady Shiva and King Snake.
Issues
Background Information and Notes
DC's Robin agenda
Promoting the Tim Drake limited series was a high priority for DC, coming directly from Jenette Kahn who had been working with Neal Adams to redesign the Robin's uniform at the behest of Warner Brothers. The final refinements of Drake's chest emblem was done by Kez Wilson. Artists submitted hundreds of Robin logos as getting a strong logo to build the Robin brand was key. Norm Breyfogle conceived of the idea of Drake fighting with a retractable Bo staff.
Creative team
Editor Denny O'Neil put Brian Bolland in charge of creating cover illustrations to market the series, but chose newcomer Tom Lyle to pencil the story. O'Neil chose Chuck Dixon to write the story based on his Punisher work at Marvel, ensuring the intrigue of a gritty crime drama.