Batman’s New Partner Finally Addresses the Hero’s ‘Child Soldier’ Controversy After Decades of Critiques

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN AND ROBIN #16!

In the ever-changing world of DC Comics, new characters are introduced just as quickly as they fade away, but a recent addition to an ongoing Batman comic seems poised to stick around—especially if she becomes the Dark Knight’s official partner, a possibility growing more likely with Damian Wayne on the verge of quitting as Robin. Additionally, this new partnership could finally silence the long-standing criticisms about Batman’s reliance on child soldiers.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Miguel Mendonca, Marcelo Maiolo, and Steve Wands’ Batman and Robin #16 continues to follow the Dynamic Duo as they investigate their latest foe—Memento, a notorious murderer believed to have died in prison.

However, with each new massacre, it becomes increasingly clear that Batman and Robin may not be facing a mere copycat but the true Memento himself. During their latest investigation at the ruins of Arkham Asylum, the heroes cross paths with P.I. James Gordon, who introduces them to a new ally—Lieutenant Katherine Lautrec.

Lieutenant Katherine Lautrec: The New Cop Who’s Already Earned Batman’s Respect

Lautrec Proves She Can Hold Her Own Against Gotham’s A-List Rogues

Gordon introduces Lautrec as a former Scotland Yard officer now working with the Police Nationale of Paris, assigned to the Memento case. From their first meeting, it’s clear that Batman and Lautrec are far from impressed with each other and frustrated by their shared involvement in the case. However, both quickly recognize the immense threat posed by Memento and, grudgingly, set aside their differences with the mutual goal of getting him off the streets of Gotham. Batman extends a tentative olive branch by suggesting they meet at Arkham Tower at 9 p.m., where he believes a patient of interest could provide a lead.

At Arkham Tower, Batman and Lautrec are escorted to an interrogation room where Professor Jonathan Crane, aka “Scarecrow,” awaits them. Batman begins to explain who Crane is, assuming Lautrec is unfamiliar with the notorious villain. But Lautrec interrupts him, confirming that she already knows who Crane is. She even goes on to elaborate on his background and offers her own theory on why he’s relevant to their investigation—she suspects he may know about the drug Memento used in his latest attack, Gravedigger’s Poppy, due to his expertise in pharmacological torture. Crane, however, denies any knowledge of the drug and claims he cannot help them.

This denial only serves to highlight Lautrec’s impressive knowledge of Gotham’s villains. She reveals that she’s read Crane’s academic work, specifically an article he wrote on the origins of Gravedigger’s Poppy and its chemical makeup, published during the same year several of his classmates were hospitalized with symptoms matching the drug. In that moment, Lautrec proves she possesses a level of insight into Gotham’s rogues that rivals Batman’s own, demonstrating her capacity to go toe-to-toe with the city’s A-list villains. This display of knowledge and determination makes it clear that Lautrec is more than capable of being Batman’s partner, at least when it comes to detective work.

Lautrec as Batman’s Official Partner Would Silence the Child Soldier Criticisms

“Where’s Your Child Soldier? School Night, I Suppose.” – Lieutenant Katherine Lautrec in Batman and Robin #16 (2024)

Despite Batman’s silence regarding Lautrec’s impressive knowledge of Crane and her ability to see through the rogue’s deceptions, Carmine Di Giandomenico’s artwork subtly conveys that the Dark Knight is indeed impressed. After Lautrec’s thorough verbal dismantling of Crane, Batman is seen with the faintest hint of a smile on his lips—a rare sight, especially for someone as stoic as Batman. The fact that Bruce is visibly impressed by someone’s detective work, let alone showing this level of approval, speaks volumes about the impact Lautrec’s display had on him. It’s a clear indication that she may have earned his respect.

If Lautrec were to become Batman’s official partner, replacing Robin, it would eliminate the ongoing child soldier criticisms frequently directed at the Dark Knight by both fellow DC characters and readers. As a fully grown woman, Lautrec would free Batman from the association with child soldiers. In fact, she even touches on this issue in the issue when she greets Batman at Arkham Tower, saying, “Where’s your child soldier? School night, I suppose.” This remark highlights Lautrec’s disapproval of Batman’s practice of allowing children to fight alongside him, a criticism that is valid given the brutal torture and deaths several Robins have suffered.

With Robin on the Brink of Quitting, Lautrec Stepping In as Batman’s Partner Is a Real Possibility

Damian Wayne Questions His Future as Robin and Considers a New Path

While some might dismiss the possibility of Lautrec becoming Batman’s official partner, this outcome is becoming increasingly likely, especially with Damian Wayne on the verge of quitting his role as Robin. For some time now, Damian has been grappling with uncertainty about his place in the world. In Batman and Robin #14, he openly admits that he isn’t sure whether being Robin or fighting crime is what he’s meant to do. This doubt only deepens in issue #16, when Damian reveals that he would rather spend his time at a hospital he’s been secretly volunteering at, instead of accompanying Batman on their investigation at Arkham Tower.

Bruce is visibly displeased with Damian’s desire to skip patrols, and the tension between them is palpable. Damian attempts to reassure his father, saying, “It’s just one patrol. I’m not… quitting.” But the weight of his uncertainty is clear when he hesitates, adding, “I don’t think.” The conversation quickly spirals into an argument, with Damian storming off, leaving Bruce to patrol alone. This exchange underscores just how fragile the role of Robin has become. With Damian’s future as Robin now in question, the opportunity for Lautrec to step in as Batman’s official partner is more likely than ever.

It’s Long Overdue for DC to Give Bruce Wayne a New Romantic Relationship to Explore

While Lautrec becoming Batman’s official partner is certainly a possibility, there’s also the potential that writer PKJ is positioning the Lieutenant to be Bruce’s newest romantic interest. There’s no denying Lautrec’s attractiveness, but more importantly, she has just impressed the Dark Knight with her detective skills. If there’s one thing Bruce values in a woman, it’s competence—and Lautrec has this in abundance. The idea of Lautrec as a potential romantic interest would be a welcome change, offering a refreshing break from Batman’s long history of revolving romantic entanglements.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #16 is available now from DC Comics!