Tim Drake’s Robin Is Living His Best Life
Batman #9 finally reveals that Tim is living with Bernard in Gotham City’s Upper East Side, enjoying a carefree and “romantic” life. It is unclear whether noticing one of GCPD Commissioner Vandal Savage’s TUCO squad trucks is what makes his cozy whistling cease or if he is merely mid-thought, but he turns to Bernard and embraces his new life happily.
This reveal, and the confirmation that Tim is indeed happy with the massive lifestyle choice he made, comes not a moment too soon. The Bat-Family is spread thin like butter scraped over too much bread, being hunted by TUCO squads throughout Gotham, and so it is a balm to know Tim’s decision has resulted in him being safe from harm and persecution.
Bruce was pleased when Tim retired, lovingly accepting his choice and hoping that Tim would never need to come back. This is unlikely to literally be the final appearance of Tim, and yet this would arguably be one of the most heartwarming ways to write the character out of the mythology if DC wanted to (though Tim and Bernard should maybe consider packing their bags and moving elsewhere, if so).
Batman’s Bat-Family Is Dropping Like Flies
Interestingly, Tim sees Barbara getting arrested on live television. If anything might inspire him to return to the Bat-Family and perhaps even become Robin again a lot sooner than expected, it could be knowing that one of his fellow Bat-Family companions had their wings clipped.
Otherwise, if Tim can reconcile with the fact that they will always be in danger and somehow not concern himself with their well-being, he may truly be cut out for a normal life.
Barbara being whisked away to Savage’s Supermax prison is in service of her upcoming limited series, Barbara Gordon: Breakout, meaning there is one less Bat-Family member around now, too. To be fair, Barbara, Stephanie, and Duke only suddenly appeared out of thin air for Batman #9 in Fraction and Jiménez’s run, and it has been wonderful to see Bruce and Damian grow closer.
If Tim no longer being featured as a Robin in Batman means that the focus can be on Bruce and Damian’s father/son dynamic, then that may be a worthwhile loss. Besides, with Barbara receiving a lengthy and thrilling miniseries, it is not out of the realm of possibility that there could be plans for Tim to have his own. Either way, if Tim does return, it will hopefully be for the right reasons, and not so soon as to have readers questioning why he chose to leave in the first place.
Batman #9 is out now.
Created By
Bob Kane, Bill Finger
Alias
Bruce Wayne
Alliance
Justice League, Outsiders, Batman Family
Race
Human
Franchise
D.C.
One of DC's most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world's leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
English (US) ·