DC Reveals Robin’s Costume Design Was Created To Spite Batman

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Robin and Batman #1

In a new series from DC Comics, Dick Grayson’s Robin gets the spotlight a new origin story for his costume as Batman’s first sidekick. Dick became Bruce Wayne’s ward after the deaths of his parents, but he’d soon learn about Bruce’s double life as the Dark Knight. But it’s now been revealed that the future Boy Wonder didn’t become Robin right away, and the bright colors of his costume were initially a symbol for the tensions and differences Dick and Bruce had to work through before they could ever become true partners.

In the beginning of Robin and Batman #1, from writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen, Dick wears a black stealth suit similar to Batman’s while Bruce tests him out in the field. However, believing that the future Boy Wonder still isn’t ready to join him in his crusade, Batman suspends field missions until Dick trains more, a decision which frustrates the young man. While Alfred suggests that Batman should allow Dick to be who he is rather than forcing him to be a direct copy of Bruce himself, the Dark Knight proves to be as stubborn as ever.

However, when Batman destroys Dick’s suit Grayson decides to take matters into his own hands. Retreating into his room, Dick starts making his own costume, one based upon designs he crafted in his journal. While he concedes that his name and costume should be darker like Batman’s (even considering the name Nightwing), that isn’t what Dick decides to go with. Instead, he chooses “Robin,” after a nickname his mother used to call him, while going with bright colors, serving as the antithesis Batman with the goal of irritating the Dark Knight.

However, after a run-in with Killer Croc, Robin is found by Batman and returned home. Surprisingly, Batman reveals that he was going to let Dick join him the following week, apparently having taken Alfred’s words to heart. Furthermore, he also reveals that he made Dick his own Robin costume, albeit one more durable and stronger than the Boy Wonder’s simple sewing job. While it was meant as a gift showing that Batman is starting to understand the need for Dick to have his own identity, Bruce only knew about Robin because he read Grayson’s journal, creating even more conflict between the future Dynamic Duo.

While Robin and Batman certainly have a ways to go before they become partners who trust in one another, this new origin for the bright and colorful Robin costume makes a lot of sense. Not only did Dick make it as a means to differentiate himself from the darkness of his mentor, but the added layer of rebellion is a nice touch as well. considering the tensions on display between the two of them. In any case, it’s going to be interesting to see what other new dimensions will be added to Robin and Batman’s early relationship as this new series continues.

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Kevin Erdmann
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Kevin Erdmann is one of Screen Rant’s staff writers. With a major in Cinema Studies and a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin is pretty sure he’s writing for the right site. While Kevin is a huge Marvel fan, he also loves Batman because he’s Batman and is a firm believer that Han shot first. Disney also shares a big part of his fan patronage. Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

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