Warning! Spoilers ahead for Robin #7

While there have been many fighters participating in Robin‘s Lazarus Tournament, newcomer Respawn is by far the most intriguing and it’s possible he could be a clone of Deathstroke. Dressed in a very similar red and black costume styled after Slade Wilson himself, there seems to be more than meets the eye with the young killer, and even Deathstroke’s daughter Ravager wants to know who he is. However, Respawn is keeping his true identity a secret until the time is right, an indication that whoever he is will have some major implications for the DC Universe.

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In previous issues of Robin from writer Joshua Williamson and artists Gleb Melnikov and Max Dunbar, Respawn has been by far one of the most arrogant and antagonistic fighters invited to participate in the tournament of battles being held on the mysterious Lazarus Island. Fighting to the death several times over (thanks to the resurrecting powers of the Lazarus Pits that have seeped into the island’s foundations), Respawn has also proven himself to be one of its most formidable foes, utilizing a deadly hook and chain to snag his opponents before going in for the kill. However, the new Robin #7 sees Respawn meeting his match with Damian Wayne, the current Robin, and Son of Batman.

Despite being caught by Respawn’s hook in this new issue, Damian prepared for Respawn attacks having studied him and being aware that Respawn favors his weapon too much. However, when Robin tries to unmask the Deathstroke wannabe Respawn scrambles to keep his face covered, unwilling to let his true identity be known (yet). However, Damian and readers do see that he has white hair just like Slade Wilson and his daughter Ravager. As a result, it seems possible that Respawn could be a secret clone of Deathstroke. Not only would it explain the “Respawn” name, but it would also provide the context for the similar mask and costume (while also explaining why Ravager doesn’t know who he is either).

While Damian “killed” Respawn before he could reveal what he’s waiting for, it’s possible he could be waiting to unmask until he wins the Lazarus Tournament as a means to prove himself to Deathstroke. However, it’s also possible that he could be a resurrected Grant Wilson, the true son of Slade back from the dead (though it would be odd that Ravager doesn’t recognize him). Either way, it seems likely that Respawn has some sort of biological connection to Deathstroke. If this ends up to be proven true, the Lazarus Tournament would then feature not only the respective sons of Batman and Green Arrow (Connor Hawke) fighting each other, but also the offspring of Deathstroke as well.

In any case, it’s going to be interesting to see who it is under Respawn’s mask whenever he decides to reveal himself. That being said, a secret clone of a classic DC villain walking around is hardly a stretch. For example, Bane’s daughter Vengeance was just revealed to be a clone created to hunt down the Joker. Furthermore, the real question as Robin continues is going to be whether or not Deathstroke himself knows about Respawn and who he really is.

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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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