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Warning: Spoilers for Batman and Robin #16DC Comics is setting up a brand-new future for Robin, and it sees him becoming something even better than a superhero. Batman and Robin are continuing their investigation into the mysterious Memento murders. However, a conversation between Bruce and Damian Wayne reveals that the latter may be setting off in a new direction for his future, embracing a life of medicine over vigilantism.
While Batman and Robin are training in Batman and Robin #16 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Miguel Mendonca, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Marcelo Maiolo, and Steve Wands, Bruce is quick to notice that Damian has been distracted during patrols and training, with Damian even missing school. Damian reveals to Bruce that he’s been skipping classes to volunteer at the hospital, inspired by reading Thomas Wayne’s journals.
It’s a brand-new development for the character, and one that highlights how Damian’s future may involve following in the footsteps of his grandfathers over his father – including the grandfather he never met.
Damian Wayne Is Being Allowed to Find Himself
A major aspect of Damian’s most recent storylines has been his attempt to find himself and his own identity outside of being the son of Batman. Joshua Williamson’s Robin and subsequent Batman and Robin series focused on this issue, with Damian striking out on his own and making connections with other kids his age. As the new writer, Johnson’s arc is continuing that trend by asking who Damian could be without vigilantism. As Damian grows up, these questions become essential to the character as he matures and self-actualizes.
The question of legacy has always hung over Damian’s shoulders, and a path of medicine may be the answer he is looking for.
Notably, this development sees Damian following in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers. Thomas Wayne himself was a doctor before his untimely death in Crime Alley, with his devotion to medicine being a major reason why Bruce takes his vow against killing so seriously. This development also sees Damian following in the footsteps of Ra’s al Ghul in an unexpected way, as Ra’s was a physician long before he was ever the Demon’s Head. The question of legacy has always hung over Damian’s shoulders, and a path of medicine may be the answer he is looking for.
Robin’s New Dream Honors His Family, Including Alfred Pennyworth
Damian Wayne Follows in the Footsteps of His Grandfathers
But most strongly of all, this also gives Damian the chance to embody a trait of Alfred’s in medicine. Following Alfred’s death in Batman #77 by Tom King, Tony S. Daniel, Mikel Janín, Norm Rapmund, Tomeu Morey, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles, the Bat-Family has lost both a vital pillar in their lives and their resident combat medic. Damian going down this road may fill that void left behind by Alfred’s passing, also allowing Damian to honor the memory of someone who was deeply influential to him in life.
DC Reveals Who Gave Robin His Very First Costume in a Heartbreaking Lore Change
Every time a Robin has gotten a costume it’s been a major event for them, and DC just revealed who first gave Damian Wayne his own Robin suit.
Overall, Damian’s pursuit of medicine sets up a bold new future for him, one where he may become better than a superhero. While it is unlikely that Damian Wayne will ever quit being Robin, this new path to his future could be what lets him have his own destiny in life, not bound to the expectations of his mother or father. Above all else, this journey will let Robin continue to help people, even without superheroics.
Batman and Robin #16 is available now from DC Comics.
“}]] Damian Wayne has a new bright future. Read More