Fans Imagine Jason Todd’s Nickname if HE Was Batman’s First Sidekick

Fans have pondered the second Robin, Jason Todd’s chosen superhero name if he was Batman’s first sidekick instead of Dick Grayson. Since Jason’s character drastically contrasts Dick’s personality, it’s unlikely he would pick the name “Robin” without its associated reputation.

From time to time, the fans will consider questions that subvert mainstream canon. Similar to Marvel’s What If…? there are many scenarios within the DC Universe which could have played out differently based on minor details. Although DC has brought attention to such alternate premises in stories published through the Elseworlds and Black Label imprints, there are an unlimited amount of ideas yet to be explored. Often focusing on the most central heroes from the Justice League, sidekicks tend to be dismissed for such reimagined storylines. However, that hasn’t stopped readers from coming up with ideas of their own.

Recently, a fan called YinWithoutYang posted a prompt on Reddit, asking members of r/DCcomics what Jason Todd’s sidekick name would have been if Dick Grayson never existed. Commenters pitched their own thoughts, giving strong attention to the name “Batboy.” Given Jason’s rambunctious and impulsive manor, it’s unlikely he would choose a timid bird, and much more likely that he would prefer a name paying homage to his hero. However, a clever user called CthulhuAlmighty pitched the name “Alley Rat,” alluding to Jason’s origin story as Batman discovered him in Crime Alley, while attempting to steal the Batmobile’s tires. Both of these top voted answers feel like natural extensions of Jason as he has been known over the years.

Coming in with another humorous name was the user nightwing612 who thought Jason would’ve embraced his last name as “the Todd.” At the time of his youth, this might not have been far from the truth. Gotham is a big enough city for someone to incorporate their legal name as a vigilante, and not be found out. Similar to John Blake in The Dark Knight Rises who is teased to use his middle name “Robin,” Jason could have easily gone with “the Todd.” In another comment, CarryThe2 simply wrote “Crow,” which is unfortunately already taken. However, the black bird would match Batman more than a brightly colored robin.

In Batman: White Knight, Jason actually is the first Robin, and still chose that title regardless of Dick’s non-existent influence. Still, that version of Jason might not have the same exact personality as the second Robin that fans have known. In reality, if Dick never established the Robin persona and Batman came across a kid in an alley, he might not have even considered him to be a sidekick. Knowing Jason, he might have been persistent to join the Dark Knight as a crimefighter. Instead of going with the name “Robin,” Jason Todd could have chosen an alter ego from a myriad of winged creatures. Considering the late hour in which Batman found Jason, we’re inclined to say that “Knight Owl” would be a fitting name.

Source: Reddit

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