#ComicBytes: Five versions of Batman's sidekick, Robin, the Boy/Girl Wonder
Batman is famous for working alone but over the years, one superhero has helped him understand the importance of teamwork and camaraderie: Robin. There have been multiple iterations of the character and each has had a different storyline and fate. From Dick Grayson to Carrie Kelley, here are some of the best people who have donned the mantle of Robin.
The Robin who served with Batman in the "Dynamic Duo"
Batman's creators introduced Dick Grayson, the first Robin, to make Batman more accessible to children and preteens. The move worked exceptionally well, doubling the comics' sales. Dick hailed from an acrobat family, "The Flying Graysons" and lost his parents in an accident. Batman took him under his wing and helped him hone his skills. After a few decades, Dick went on to become Nightwing.
The Robin who ended up changing Batman's entire persona
Jason Todd tried stealing Batmobile's tires but was taken in by Batman as the new Robin. Rebellious and troubled, Jason was nothing like Dick. He was brutally killed by Joker in one of the most significant moments in Batman's life. His death changed Batman's demeanor and made him darker, reclusive, and full of guilt. Jason was resurrected in 2005 as the anti-hero, Red Hood.
The Robin who's arguably the best ever!
Tim Drake followed Batman for many years. He was there when Dick's parents were killed and when Jason was adopted. Batman plunged into depression after Jason's death but Tim proved himself more than worthy. He wore a high-tech battle suit, served with Teen-Titans, Young Justice, and on his own as Red Robin. It's been confirmed that Tim will also be the next Batman Beyond!
The Robin who is Batman's biological son
Damian Wayne is the 'genetically perfect' son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al-Ghul, and was trained by Ra's Al-Ghul. He is arrogant, darker than Batman, and perpetually conflicted about how to deal with criminals. He entered the scene when Batman died and Dick Grayson briefly served as the dark knight. The spoiled and violent prodigy is an interesting take on the boy wonder.
The first (and best) female Robin
Carrie Kelley is the Robin in a dystopian Gotham of Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns. The comic is a brilliant work of fiction featuring an aging Batman in a crumbling, corrupt world. In this world, Carrie has to fend for herself and enters as a silver lining in Batman's life. She is an able fighter who helped Batman but hasn't made many appearances.
