When Ra’s al Ghul offered him godhood, Damian Wayne turned it down for something even more valuable that he has come to know as Robin.
WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Truth & Justice #18 by Andrew Aydin, Juni Ba, Nick Filardi and Aditya Bidikar, on sale now.
While the member of the Bat-Family are famously human, they’ve all encountered their share of considerable power-ups, with some even transforming Gotham’s heroes into veritable gods. Bruce Wayne more or less became the new Metron by sitting on the New Gods’ Mobius chair, and Damian got Kryptonian powers in Robin Rises to prove that extra abilities do help to make a more efficient crime-fighter and warrior on the whole.
And now, Truth & Justice #18 finds Damian once more being given the chance to really become a god. However, he turns that honor down for something more endearing which reflects the character deep under his suit.
In Robin Rising, Damian’s powers eventually wore off. However, this story’s changes would be more permanent thanks to the Trident of Tarhun, should he accept the responsibility. Ra’s al Ghul has stolen the trident, holding two Hittite gods hostage: the sun goddess Arinitti and the sky god Tarhun. They possess an ancient power that could break the planet, and Ra’s has decided that this power should be passed down to his familial successor.
Ra’s has gotten the gods to kidnap Damian and bring young Robin to his Turkish lair, but things go off the rails when the Bat-Family arrives. A nasty war breaks out as Tim Drake, Nightwing, Batgirl and Red Hood try to free the teen, while Bruce battles Ra’s. It culminates in a stunning moment, though, when Damian frees himself and takes up the trident.
However, Damian admits he knows what’s his real destiny and he then gives the trident to the gods. They turn back to their human form, thankful as Damian freed them from servitude. Underneath his rough, rugged exterior, and amid his serious demeanor, Damian wants to be kind and make human connections. It shows the compassion and empathy he also inherited from his dad’s side and not the al Ghul line, especially Talia.
The gods eventually speed off, relieved as ever, to imprison Ra’s, leaving Damian to celebrate his birthday with his inner circle. They all express love and admiration for him, especially Bruce who gives him a customized knife. As Damian takes in the moment, it’s clear that the once power-hungry Robin is more than happy to be surrounded by the love and genuine acceptance of his family.
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