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Robin Watch: Costumes A Go-Go!
Not much going on today, so I thought I’d share this awesome cover image from Batman and Robin #36, where Red Robin, Red Hood and Batgirl all get dressed up in Robin variants of their costumes to honor Damian! It was drawn by Patrick Gleason.
Tim Drake looks damn good
The image was previewed in USA Today, in an article about how the Batman and Robin team, Mahnke and Peter Tomasi, are taking over the Superman/Wonder Woman comic. Good for them. But I only really care about the Robin stuff!
Especially a quote from Tomasi about why everyone is dressed in these variant costumes.
“All of these characters at this point are in the Robin mix,” Tomasi says. “The Bat-family will, in the end, rise to the challenge of helping a new Robin come to be in the DCU.”
A new Robin? That sounds a lot more firm than just bringing Damian back from the dead. So who could it be? I really don’t know at this point.
Though I’m holding out hope that this ‘Bluebird’ thing is all a feint, and Harper Row really does become the new Robin.
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Robin and Red Hood All But Confirmed for Batman: Arkham Knight
There’s no official confirmation as of yet, but based on a myriad of clues that have leaked online – or are on display right now at San Diego Comic-Con – we can almost be guaranteed that Robin and Red Hood will both be appearing in next year’s Batman: Arkham Knight! Red Hood will actually be playable too, according to information about a leaked DLC from Gamestop.
First clue is this video made of pictures from a toy booth at Comic-Con, showing off a Red Hood action figure and a Robin prototype figure. Robin, as Tim Drake, appeared in Arkham City, and was the star of his own follow-up DLC. So he’s a pretty major character. And I was hoping he’d be back in Arkham Knight. So that’s awesome.
Red Hood is probably Jason Todd. He’s got a pretty cool costume in the game.
If you don’t believe that video – or don’t have the time or energy to watch it, then check out these pictures.
Boom, Robin!
Believe my joy
And what was that about the Red Hood being a Gamestop exclusive? Boom! Eat that!
Curse you, Gamestop!
Neither of these is an official announcement, sure, but c’mon! Look at that evidence! This game just gets better and better. Now I just need to buy a better graphics card so I can get the PC version…which wouldn’t allow me to play the Red Hood DLC. Life is unfair.
Batman Does Not Understand Why He Needs a Robin
Batman needs a Robin. I already went over that earlier in the week. And it’s also my theory that Bruce Wayne doesn’t really understand why he needs a Robin. He just doesn’t get it. Oh sure, he can recognize the strategic benefits of having a partner. And maybe he even enjoys being a teacher and mentor. But Batman doesn’t really understand the crucial motivations that go into becoming a successful sidekick to the Dark Knight.
The key issue is whether or not the new sidekick wants to be Robin or whether they want to be Batman’s partner. And the difference will determine whether they are a success or a failure as the Boy Wonder.
One big happy family
There have been five different Robins in standard DC continuity. And it is my claim that when you look at the origins and outcomes of each of those Robins, you will see that their success or failure can be predicted based on what role Batman played in how they became Robin, and whether they were in it for the glory of the being Robin or whether they just wanted to help Batman. There’s a big difference between the two, even if it doesn’t sound like it at first.
When Batman picks the Robin, it ell ends in disaster. But when the Robin picks Batman, it works out great!
Join me after the jump as I explain why Batman doesn’t understand his own sidekick. Also, there will be SPOILERS after the jump! So be warned.
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!
Henchman-4-Hire 