Fans Divided Over 1 Batman Sidekick’s Intro To DCU Despite Being Integral To the Lore
The announcement of Damian Wayne’s Robin debuting in the new DC Universe (DCU) has sparked divided reactions among Batman fans. While Robin is undoubtedly integral to Batman’s mythology, some feel the timing of introducing him is premature.
In revealing plans for the new DCU, James Gunn confirmed the first Batman film The Brave and The Bold will feature Damian Wayne’s Robin. This marks the iconic sidekick’s first big screen appearance since 1997’s Batman & Robin.
Should Robin join a still-young Batman?
It also implies that DCU Batman is further along in his career, unlike Robert Pattinson’s still early-days take in The Batman films. With Matt Reeves‘ The Batman sequels continuing separately, DC will concurrently have two Batman franchises.
I have never seen people be so vehemently against something that has been important and integral to a character for literally like 99% of that character’s existence https://t.co/VlUaRHdQzn
— Anne Reads Comics! 📚 (@AnneComics) January 19, 2024
Some fans argue Robert Pattinson’s solo Batman needs more development before bringing in Robin. Fans said that they would love to see Robin just not yet I feel like Robert Pattinson still hasn’t fully come into his own yet so it would be nice to have this second one be that and then maybe just set Robin up at the end and introduce him in the third.
Introducing Robin now in the DCU could make The Brave and The Bold feel like a more seasoned Batman, distinguishing it from Batman’s fledgling hero. Still, other fans want to see Robin’s exuberance alongside Pattinson sooner rather than later.
Also Read: The Batman 2: Rumored Filming Date Revealed
Does Robin make Batman too “juvenile”?
Another concern expressed by some is introducing Robin risks making this new DCU interpretation of Batman seem overly “juvenile.”
“It’s the desire for it to feel adult because there’s this fear of getting made fun of for liking anything too ‘juvenile’,” one tweet analyzed.
Indeed, Robin’s bright costume and youthful energy contrast with contemporary depictions of Batman as a brooding, solo vigilante. But Robin has been integral to Batman’s world for over 80 years in DC Comics canon. Leaving him out could make the DCU seem unfaithful to Batman lore.
Here are a few fan reactions:
☝️IMO, I feel Dick Grayson does not work for the point in time The Batman 2 , given Gotham is flooded and a no man's land; after a new seawall is rebuilt, he can be used since he does live in a traveling circus. Or you can use Jason Todd or Tim Drake since both live in Gotham.
— Kevin James Stinson (@NooneBladesmith) January 20, 2024
"oh but brave and the bold!" Different robin and even then that's like saying Alfred and batman shouldn't be in brave and the bold because they're in the batman😭
— Hana | Free Palestine 🇵🇸 (@hanaussy) January 19, 2024
Literally my only issue is I am a staunch believer that Robin should only be with a later career Batman. Otherwise, yes, Batman should have a Robin.
— Aristotle Fellatrix 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 🔞❗ (@fellatrixmatrix) January 20, 2024
Respectfully: was Robin ever really important or integral? I mean aside from saving the day here and there.
— Chug Schmuck (@Tom_Martin_Art) January 20, 2024
As one fan argued, “I think it’s the absolutely mad fear that it will somehow novelize the concept of Batman which is already an insane concept to begin with.” In other words, the Batman mythos is already pulpy and unrealistic to begin with, so adding a costumed sidekick doesn’t inherently make it less “serious.”
What will Robin’s dynamic bring to Batman?
While some may worry Robin will detract from a darker tone, the character’s relationship with Batman has dramatically enriched storytelling possibilities in the comics. As Batman’s protégé, Robin offers a lens into Bruce Wayne’s vulnerabilities and moral conflicts about recruiting a child soldier to his vigilante crusade.
The father-son dynamic between Batman’s stern stoicism and Robin’s eagerness for adventure makes for engaging interpersonal drama. It also illuminates unique aspects of Batman compared to his Justice League teammates. Batman’s mission has always been grounded in family trauma, now expanded through his surrogate family of crimefighting partners.
The Brave and The Bold introducing Robin to the DCU may turn off fans who prefer Batman as a gritty loner. But it opens up the narrative potential that Pattinson’s Batman films will likely avoid. If executed well, Robin can make the DCU’s Batmaniverse feel more wholly realized on screen.
