Warning! Contains spoilers for Batman and Robin #12!
Summary
No matter how much training someone goes through, they’re never reallyRobinuntil they get their first official Robin suit. Often, this is a gift granted by Batman himself, but in one heartbreaking retcon, DC has just revealed who actually gaveDamianWaynehis first Robin suit.
DC revealsthe origin of Damian’s Robin suit inBatman and Robin#12by Joshua Williamson and Juan Ferreyra. This story focuses onRobin confronting Banefor revenge after the death of Alfred Pennyworth. As Damian hunts Bane down, the readers are treated to several important memories that Damian has of Alfred.
One of the most important and heartbreaking memories that readers are shown takes place during the time Batman was thought dead after the events ofFinal Crisis. It’s here thatAlfred Pennyworth gifts Damian his very first Robin outfit. It’s a touching moment that proves Damian, even then, had finally found the redemption he’d been looking for ever since his introduction into Batman’s world — and a retcon that makes Alfred’s death all the more painful for Damian and readers alike.
Robin’s Hilarious New Fight Proves DC Has Finally Perfected Damian Wayne’s Character
Damian Wayne is maturing into a fully rounded hero, but not even Robin is too mature for a food fight. The evolution of Batman’s son is perfect.
Alfred Died in Front of Damian inBatman#77 by Tom King, Mikel Janín, Tony S. Daniel, Norm Rapmund, Tomeu Morey, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles
Damian Wayne had a lot of difficulty integrating with the Bat-Family when he first showed up. Batman had to come to terms with the fact he suddenly had a biological child that he was completely unaware of. Dick Grayson was off being NIghtwing in Blüdhaven and didn’t meet Damian for a bit, andDamian Wayne and Tim Drake’sfirst meeting did not go well. This left Damian with very few friends in the Bat-Family, and despite Damian’s claims of not caring if anyone likes him,he did find one important ally in Alfred Pennyworth. While everyone else wrote Damian off as a potential monster and a definite murderer, Alfred didn’t.
While all the other members of the Bat-Family would come to appreciate and care for Damian in their own way, none were as quick or as consistent in accepting him as Alfred.
Throughout their history together,Alfred Pennyworth was consistently one of the few friends Damian had. While all the other members of the Bat-Family would come to appreciate and care for Damian in their own way, none were as quick or as consistent in accepting him as Alfred. This relationship is why it makes perfect sense that Alfred was the one to give himhis very first Robin suit. When Damian first appeared in Gotham, he declared himself Robin, beat Tim half to death, and then immediately murdered a criminal on his first night out. With Alfred gifting him the suit years later, it showed he had finally earned it.
Damian Wayne Became a Hero Because of Alfred’s Support
So Damian Will Keep Honoring Alfred’s Memory
Even years after his death, Alfred’s influence is still felt in every single member of the Bat-Family. Alfred is the one who inspired and gave Nightwing the means to try and save Blüdhaven in a new way. Alfred is also the one who helped put Damian on a truly heroic path. Without Alfred’s unconditional love and support, it’s possible Damian would have fallen back in with his mother Talia, becoming the villainous leader of the League of Assassins after the Bat-Family’s rejection. Thankfully, Alfred was able to giveDamianWaynea new destiny asRobin.
Batman and Robin#12is available now from DC Comics!
BATMAN AND ROBIN #12 (2024)
