Robin Unmasked TPB cover by Jason Pearson

This is the cover to the Robin Unmasked TPB which reprinted part of the Bill Willingham run on the character. I just read that DC will reprint that book in 2021 and thought it would be a good time to post that cover.

I don’t remember the details of Willingham’s approach for his run (my incentive to follow it as well as Rick Mays ‘art) but both the title and Jason’s drawing lead me to believe he is reconsidering his role/identity as Robin.

I think Jason PERFECTLY captured the usual Hero’s Doubt here. You can really feel he is considering the next step in his life and the weight of the mask in his hands. This may look like an easy and somehow boring drawing but Jason’s subtle sense of detail and attention to body language really make it stand.

I also appreciate the fact that he drew him with the body of a fit and athletic teenager as opposed to the over muscular way he has often been portrayed (or more simply put, as a downsized adult).

Lastly, you will notice that the published cover has Robin nearly fully covered in shadows with a dash of color in order to enhance the weight of the mask. I don’t know if this comes from Jason himself (having digitally inked the piece) or if it was an editorial decision. I feel both pieces have their merit but as an art lover I can’t help but feel were are cheated of many great lines of Jason’s drawing. I believe the same effect could have been reached by leaving the figure in b&w and coloring the mask only.