I Can’t Believe How DC Just Undermined 18 Years of Robin’s Character Development

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers For BATMAN AND ROBIN #14!Damian Wayne’s Robin is officially resurrecting his equally adored and abhorred Bat-Brat persona as a new creative team ushers in the next era for the Dynamic Duo. As a huge Damian Wayne fan, I’m both shocked and intrigued by DC’s choice to strip the fifth Robin back to his original, more volatile character. But above all, I’m eagerly counting down the days until the next issue hits the stands.

The decision to revert the Damian back to his ‘Year One’ persona has left me both intrigued and nostalgic.

The beloved Batman and Robin run officially changed hands on October 9, 2024, as writer Joshua Williamson and artist Juan Ferreyra passed the torch to Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernández with Batman and Robin #14. While the new story arc marks a fresh chapter, this issue felt like a trip down memory lane, at least in terms of Damian’s portrayal.

In recent years, we’ve watched the Dark Knight’s youngest son mature in various ways, evolving into a more complex version of his character. However, Johnson and Fernández have taken me by surprise with their latest depiction, seemingly regressing the Boy Wonder to his earliest days as Robin, both physically and mentally.

Batman and Robin’s Relationship Officially Regresses

Bruce Expresses his Concerns About Damian’s Behavior to Barabra “Oracle” Gordon

Among the reversions Damian seems to have undergone in this issue, his relationship with Batman stands out the most. When Damian was first introduced to the Bat-Family, Bruce struggled with trust and understanding, creating a strained dynamic. While their relationship in Batman and Robin #14 isn’t as fractured as it once was, it feels shakier than in recent portrayals. Bruce’s concern about Damian becoming too focused on the violence and excitement of their crime-fighting activities has resurfaced. He even confides in Oracle, expressing worry that Damian is more drawn to the thrill of the fight than the true purpose behind their work as Batman and Robin.

Bruce’s concern over Damian’s behavior is something fans haven’t seen in a while, especially regarding Damian’s role as Robin. This contrasts sharply with Batman and Robin #13, which showcases just how much their relationship has evolved. In that issue, Bruce intervenes when Damian, injected with Venom against his will, faces off against Bane. Even when Bane’s daughter tries to drive a wedge between them, Bruce remains resolute, declaring, “Robin and I have fought before… never again.” This line powerfully highlights the depth and growth of their bond, and by the end of the issue, it’s clear that their father-son connection is stronger than ever.

So, when Bruce begins questioning whether Damian is in crime-fighting for the right reasons in Batman and Robin #14, it feels like a significant step back from the growth shown in issue #13. Some of the biggest conflicts between them have stemmed from Damian feeling distrusted or unworthy of the Robin mantle. Therefore, these seeds of doubt in Batman’s mind about Damian’s role as Robin feel like a ticking time bomb. I hope this isn’t the direction the creative team is headed in, given that I believe Bruce and Damian being at odds has been explored to exhaustion.

Damian Wayne Is Bringing Back His Bat-Brat Persona

Damian Losses All His Hard-Won Maturity

In addition to the subtle devolution of Batman and Robin’s relationship, Damian’s demeanor has also regressed, bringing back his familiar Bat-Brat persona. Before Batman and Robin #14, Damian had been portrayed in a more mature light, though his signature snark and dry humor remained intact. Despite his sharp attitude and reigning dominance in sass and veiled insults, Damian had shown a more self-aware and kinder side in recent issues. This maturity had carried through much of Joshua Williamson’s run, making this regression in #14 all the more noticeable.

Hence, seeing Damian revert to his old, more immature, and short-tempered self—such as making a little girl cry (literally)—is a stark contrast to his recent growth. While Damian is quick to apologize to the girl after yelling at her and insulting her, the fact that he lost his cool with a six-year-old shows a regression in his maturity. This is further emphasized when Damian makes an exceptionally rude remark about Thomas Wayne, Bruce’s late father. Damian seems notably agitated in this issue, raising the question of whether the youngest Robin might be struggling with something the reader isn’t yet privy to.

I’m Convinced That DC Just De-Aged Damian Back to Twelve-Years-Old

Damian’s Short Hair FINALLY Returns

In addition to the mental and emotional regression Damian seems to undergo in Batman and Robin #14, he also appears to have been physically deaged, looking noticeably smaller than in his most recent portrayals. Damian had finally started to look like a fifteen-year-old, which itself was surprising, given that DC is notorious for keeping their characters perpetually young (see: Forever Seventeen Tim Drake). Although there’s no official confirmation of Damian’s age in this comic, he looks physically closer to twelve, effectively setting him back three years from where he had been.

Of all the character regressions Damian undergoes in this issue, this one excites me the most. I’ve always had a soft spot for the smaller, spitfire “Baby Bat,” and watching him grow up so quickly in recent comics has honestly been a bit disheartening. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled with Fernández’s portrayal here. Not only does Damian’s return to his youthful self feel right, but I’m also incredibly relieved to see his short hair back. Recent versions gave him longer hair, which, to me, blurred his identity and made him resemble Tim more than Damian.

DC Brings Back Damian’s ‘Year One’ Persona (& I Am HIGHLY Intrigued)

I Can’t-Wait For Johnson and Fernández’s Next Issue of Batman and Robin

Before I wrap up this article, I want to be clear: I’m not hating on Johnson and Fernández in any way. In fact, I loved their debut issue, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one. I’ve been a fan of Damian since his character’s inception, so the decision to revert the Boy Wonder back to his ‘Year One’ persona has left me both intrigued and nostalgic. That said, I’m still shocked. After years of character development, it’s surprising that DC has chosen to take Robin back to square one, especially in terms of his age, demeanor, behavioral issues, and his dynamic with Batman.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #14 is available now from DC Comics!