I Think I Know Why An Important Batman Character Is Missing From The DCU

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The DCU‘s Batman announcements have left one key Gotham hero out of the current Gods and Monsters slate, but that may be because he’s already leading his own team-up project. The DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter is set to do its name justice by introducing several larger-than-life heroes like Superman, Supergirl, and the Green Lanterns, as well as powerful and terrifying creatures like Swamp Thing, Clayface, and the Creature Commandos. Nevertheless, the DCU’s first chapter also has room for less extravagant characters, particularly those who roam the streets of Gotham.

As Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise continues to grow with the upcoming The Batman – Part II and spinoffs like The Penguin, the DCU will soon introduce its own version of Batman and Gotham City. While The Batman focuses on the Dark Knight’s realistic elements, the DCU’s Batman may place the spotlight on the Caped Crusader’s more fantastical stories and characters. After all, Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface are two of the monstruous Batman enemies who already play important roles in the DCU’s first chapter. Batman’s often overlooked sidekicks are also confirmed to be making their DCU debut soon.

The DCU Already Confirmed Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Damian Wayne, But Not Tim Drake

The DCU’s First, Second, And Third Robins Will Be Introduced In Gods And Monsters

James Gunn’s first announcement for the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” slate included Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold, where Batman and his son Damian Wayne will co-star. Several months later, DC Studios announced the animated miniseries Dynamic Duo, which will center around Dick Grayson and Jason Todd’s origins. Therefore, the DCU already has its first, second, and possibly third Robin, but Batman’s third Robin is still missing. Tim Drake hasn’t been confirmed to appear in any of the DCU’s upcoming projects.

There are many Robins in DC Comics, including the aforementioned four Boy Wonders and two Girl Wonders, Stephanie Brown and Carrie Kelly. Stephanie Brown has spent little time as Robin in comparison to other heroes, and Carrie Kelly is more commonly associated with The Dark Knight Returns‘ Elseworlds continuity. Damian Wayne is currently Batman’s main Robin, while Dick Grayson is better known as Nightwing, Jason Todd as Red Hood, and Tim Drake as Red Robin. Given Tim Drake’s key role in Robin’s DC Comics history, it’s rather surprising that he’s missing from the DCU’s plans.

Tim Drake Might Replace Dick Grayson In The DCU’s Teen Titans

The DCU’s Teen Titans Movie May Follow Tim Drake’s Iteration Of The Team

Although Tim Drake is the only one of Batman’s main Robins not to have a confirmed DCU role yet, it’s possible that the DC Universe is already producing the movie where the third Robin will make his big-screen debut. The DCU Teen Titans movie was announced after the first wave of Gods and Monsters projects, and DC Studios hasn’t provided any further updates on the team-up film. Since Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Damian Wayne already have their own DCU projects, the Robin who may lead Teen Titans‘ titular team might be Tim Drake.

In the comics, the Teen Titans are originally assembled by the first Robin, Dick Grayson. The original Teen Titans make a name for themselves as an independent superhero team despite their sidekick background, until a powerful supervillain forces them to wipe themselves off everyone’s memories. Years later, Tim Drake forms a new iteration of the Teen Titans with some of the previous team’s members and a few newcomers. Eventually, Tim Drake’s Teen Titans are disbanded, and Damian Wayne forcefully recruits his own team.

Tim Drake Is The Robin Most Faithful To His Title

Each of Batman’s sidekicks developed their own identity after growing out of their Robin mantle. Dick Grayson chose to become Nightwing, Jason Todd adopted the Red Hood identity, and Stephanie Brown took up the Spoiler moniker. Damian Wayne is still DC’s main Robin, but he stands out as the one Robin who’s actually Batman’s biological son. Meanwhile, Tim Drake doubled down on his Robin identity and evolved into Red Robin — a more independent hero who nevertheless retained his original title and iconography.

Whereas Batman recruited every other Robin and trained them to become his sidekicks, Tim Drake sought out Batman and convinced him to take the young teen under his wing. Tim Drake also used his innate deduction skills to figure out Batman and Robin’s real identities, which allowed him to get close to Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson and develop a strong bond with them. As a member of the Bat-Family, Tim Drake grounds his fellow vigilantes and helps them make important decisions with his cold-headed opinions. All of these qualities also make him a great leader for the Teen Titans.

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