Robin’s recent actions might mean he won’t be Batman’s partner for much longer. The question is, what happens then?
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Teen Titans #44 by Robbie Thompson, Javier Fernandez, Marcelo Maiolo and Rob Leigh, on sale now.
Although he quickly became one of the most controversial Robins to date, Damian Wayne has strived to make his father proud by serving in the role with distinction and skill. Unfortunately, his recent choices haven’t exactly followed the principles Batman holds — and it might mean Damian’s time in the role is limited.
Damian might not deserve the role of Robin for much longer, but what could become of him next?
Damian’s Time As Robin
Damian Wayne was introduced in Batman #655 by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. Based on a concept first teased in the non-canon Batman: Son of the Demon, Damian is the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul.
After being raised by his murderous mother, Talia left Damian with his father in a bid to upset his mission for justice. However, Bruce’s influence — along with that of Dick Grayson, who became a surprise mentor and friend to Damian during his time as the Dark Knight — led to Damian becoming a formidable hero and dedicated Robin in his own right.
Damian was taught to kill by the League of Assassins and his heroic attributes never fully damped his violent impulses or brutal methods. He was killed while serving as Robin and helping confront his mother during her role in Leviathan. The loss proved too much for Batman, who went through every possible act to restore his son to life. Since then, Damian has been been a fairly committed hero, befriending certain peers — such as Jon Kent — while developing more and more as a member of the Bat-Family.
Breaking All the Rules
However, Damian has become an increasingly dark figure. His brief visit to the future with Superboy suggested some dark fate is waiting for him, with Chameleon Boy even flippantly comparing him to Hitler.
His closest confidant in the Bat-Family, Nightwing, was left amnesiac after being shot in the head by KGBeast. Damian’s attempt to confront the villains ruling over Gotham during “City of Bane” resulted in the death of Alfred Pennyworth. His time leading the Teen Titans has been fraught with conflict and inner turmoil, especially after his plan to imprison villains and alter their minds to make them less dangerous members of society failed.
The stresses of Damian’s life have pushed him to the very edge. He has finally accepted his mother’s older teachings and killed Brother Blood before he could enact his revenge against the Titans. This basic betrayal of his father’s principals has led to the Teen Titans turning on him, fighting their former leader to save KGBeast’s life.
Meanwhile, Batman has been investigating Damian’s recent actions — with the hero seemingly finding enough evidence of his son’s crimes to confirm his fears. It’s unlikely the Teen Titans will continue on in their current form, now that Batman knows about Damian’s crimes. It’s equally unlikely that Damian will even be Robin for much longer.
Where Could Damian Go from Here?
Unless there’s a reveal that Robin is actually covering for the demise of Brother Blood, then Robin has finally crossed the line his father could never accept. Even if someone else actually killed Brother Blood, Robin’s attempt to murder KGBeast and his efforts to mentally control criminals will likely lead Bruce to force Damian out of the role of Robin.
Where could Damian go if he left his father’s side? He could easily return to his mother’s employ and join the League of Assassins, accepting the legacy of his grandfather. This could position Damian as one of the most personal antagonists Batman has ever confronted.
Alternately, Damian may try to remain a more heroic figure than Talia, one who’s willing to try and use lethal methods but is defined by their attempts to still do good in some form. This could result in Damian teaming up with someone like Jason Todd, aka the Red Hood — another estranged member of the Bat-Family whose willingness to use brutal tactics separates him from the rest. Damian has worked with another former Robin before, so seeing him team up with Jason Todd could make for an interesting partnership.
Damian could even find a way to connect with Mark Shaw, the former Manhunter and current wielder of the name Leviathan. His organization is dedicated to “saving the world” through methods other heroes would never consider. Damian could potentially see a new peer in Leviathan and even take up the name “Manhunter.”
There are lots of places for Damian to go — but it’s unlikely that being Robin will continue to be his future. There’s no way Batman will condone his actions, meaning it might be the end of this Batman and Robin partnership.
