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!

Read the rest of this entry →