Category Archives: Robin

Holy Compilation, Batman!

Once upon a time, the only thing most people knew about superheroes was that Robin would shout, “Holy [something], Batman!”

This is why.

I think all of us, Robin especially, are better off that such silliness is left to the past. The 60s and 70s were a weird time.

Robin’s Fate Spoiled in the Media

The evil news media has done it again: they’ve spoiled the fate of Damian Wayne. They did it when Captain America was shot. They did it when Peter Parker was killed. And now they’ve done it again! Though I’m not going to do the spoiling until after the jump.

What kind of kid hates the zoo?

Though you can read my previous article on whether or not Damian was going to be killed. Or you can just click the jump to find out for sure. What the heck happens to Damian!? THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AFTER THE JUMP!

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Why Robin Matters

Robin the Boy Wonder is the most maligned superhero in the world of comics. He gets no respect. His mentor, Batman, is one of the most beloved and iconic heroes in the entire world! But poor little Robin gets picked on and teased to no end. It’s a travesty. And it’s going to change.

I’m here to tell you folks that Robin is one of the best superheroes in comics and he doesn’t deserve all the hate. Forget the 1960s Batman TV show, push all of the gay jokes out of your mind, and let’s just pretend that 1997’s Batman and Robin never happened. Because if all you’re going to do is focus on the worst interpretations of the character then you’ll never see the whole picture.

And Robin is a deeper and far more interesting character than anyone gives him credit for. Until now. It’s time to give Robin all the credit.

Robin’s importance to the Batman mythos can be summed up in four key points that we’re going to explore in this article. The first idea is my own, the second I got from noted Batmanologist Chris Sims from Comics Alliance. The third idea comes from artist Tim Sale. The fourth is just kind of obvious.

1.) Robin represents approval of Batman’s costumed crimefighting. Characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred will only ever accept that Batman exists, but Robin is not only someone who approves of the life, but has flourished in it.

2.) Robin is a reflection of Batman, in that this is what happens to a child who loses his parents when there is a Batmanaround to help him.

3.) Robin is visually and psychologically the opposite of Batman, creating an inventive and appealing juxtaposition and balance between the two characters.

4.) Robin can change; Batman can’t.

Join me after the jump and we can get started!

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Robin Theme Week Announced!

Next week I’ll be doing a Robin Theme Week here at Henchman-4-Hire!

As my regular readers will know, Robin is one of my all-time favorite comic book characters. The Boy Wonder is one of the coolest, most underrated superheroes in comics, and he deserves some attention. The week will be in honor of current Robin Damian Wayne, who may or may not die in next Wednesday’s issue of Batman Incorporated.

The week will feature a tribute to Damian on that day, as well as other Robin goodies throughout the week, including a Robin-themed List of Six Wednesday morning. And come back bright and early tomorrow morning for the opening post: Why Robin Matters.

I hope you all enjoy the week!

Sweet Jeebus, Robin Might Be In Injustice: Gods Among Us After All!

Thank you to nationarticulation for the tip. We finally have the first hints that Robin will be a playable character in the upcoming DC superhero fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us!

It’s not an official announcement or screenshot, though, so we don’t know for sure. But here is the cover of the May issue of the Injustice tie-in comic book! I can’t believe I missed this!

I’m a blind fool

That’s Damian Wayne up there in a cool new Robin costume. It definitely looks like one of the upgraded, more badass Injustice costume designs. As far as I know, the tie-in comic is supposed to be canon. DC is definitely working with NetherRealm to get this whole shebang put together. So Robin definitely exists in the Injustice universe. But could he be in the actual game?

Here’s the synopsis of that issue:

Based on the upcoming DC fighting game from NetherRealm Studios, creators of Mortal Kombat! Batman has two allies: Damian and Dick Grayson. One is with him, while the other has joined Superman’s cause. The conflict between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel is about to turn very personal. Plus: The Flash travels to Australia and ponders his own allegiances.

So it looks like, based on that cover, Damian is joining Superman’s side in the whole conflict. At least Nightwing is sticking with Batman. Plus this would add further fuel to the idea that a Batman vs. Robin fight would be the highlight of this game! Putting them on opposite sides of the conflict would lead into that exact kind of match up! Brilliant! I’m glad to hear that NetherRealm think like me.

Not convinced about Robin joining the game based on that comic book? What about the game’s Collector’s Edition? Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead buying one of these things. All that money for just a bunch of promotional material? No thank you! But as you can see in this picture of the Collector’s Edition, the Robin logo appears in a book of stickers!

Seriously, stickers?

Anyway, this was another clue I missed months ago. But still! A Robin sticker would seem to indicate that Robin is in the game! Why else even include such a sticker?

Oh man, I’m definitely excited now. I will stay with this story all night if I have to!