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Warning: MAJOR Spoilers for Batman and Robin #18After nearly 16 years as the main Robin of the DC Universe, Damian Wayne plans to leave his role as Batman‘s sidekick behind. Batman’s son has been fighting by his side for a while now, but he’s recently found a new calling that spells major changes for him moving forward. In a seismic shift to DC’s status quo, Damian is ready to retire from the Robin mantle at long last.
In Batman and Robin #18 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Javier Fernández, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Miguel Mendonca, Damian has been branching out beyond his Robin role by volunteering at a hospital when he isn’t helping Batman chase down Memento.
Assisting the less fortunate in a way that doesn’t involve vigilantism inspires him to make an earth-shattering call. Damian informs Batman that he no longer wants to be Robin, paving the way for the end of his years-long Robin tenure.
It’s Official: Damian Wayne Is Stepping Down From His Role as Robin
Over A Decade After Taking the Role, Damian Has Decided to Quit
Damian Wayne first inherited the Robin mantle in 2009’s Batman and Robin #1 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, a few years after his formal introduction to DC lore as the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. He was initially a brash, aggressive child with a penchant for violence and a staunch refusal to follow Batman’s orders, but with time he’s become a much more level-headed hero who embodies the spirit of the Boy Wonder. Robin’s relationship with Batman has had its share of ups and downs, but they recently found themselves on better terms than ever before – until now.
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In Batman and Robin #16, a rift begins to form between the father and son when Damian reveals that he’s been working with a doctor in his free time. The change comes about in the wake of him witnessing a little girl’s death and being powerless to save her, which has caused Damian to doubt whether vigilantism is a truly effective vehicle for helping others. It’s thanks to his astounding character growth that he’s able to reflect on whether remaining Robin is the right call. Now, after much deliberation, Damian is stepping away from his sidekick position in favor of a dream beyond Batman’s shadow.
What’s Next For Damian Wayne Now That He’ll No Longer Be Robin?
Batman’s Son Will Carry On the Wayne Legacy in a New Way
Because Robin is leaving his vigilante lifestyle behind, the question on every fan’s mind will undoubtedly be about where Damian will go from here. Luckily, he already has a plan. Damian intends to work at the hospital that Thomas Wayne once worked at, following in his paternal grandfather’s footsteps rather than his father’s. This choice marks the perfect trajectory for him following his time as Robin, as he’s embracing his place in Batman’s family without needing to wear a costume. Damian has matured significantly since his introduction, and his decision to retire from being Robin to pursue a medical career proves how far he’s come.
Batman and Robin #18 is available now from DC Comics!
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