It’s The End Of An Era For Batman & Robin With Major Tim Drake Decision

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Batman #6

It’s the end of an era for DC’s Batman and Robin, one that probably should come to an end already. While there’s thankfully not a dramatic death or falling out to report, Tim Drake deciding to finally step away as Robin is a pretty big deal for Gotham City’s typical status quo.

While he wasn’t Batman’s first Boy Wonder, Tim Drake has been Robin longer than any of The Dark Knight’s other sidekicks. It’s quite an impressive feat, though it arguably came at the expense of Tim sometimes feeling stuck in a narrative limbo compared to former Robins Dick Grayson (Nightwing) and Jason Todd (Red Hood).

Now, Tim Drake is indeed moving on in the pages of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s Batman #6.

Tim Drake Is Finally Leaving Robin Behind (With Batman’s Blessing)

After being shot in Batman #2, Tim’s conversation with Bruce in Batman #6 feels incredibly grounded and real. Tim admits he needs space to explore life “Beyond the Batcave”, including his relationship with Bernard Dowd. Thankfully, Bruce doesn’t argue or guilt him, instead offering his full support: “What else have we been fighting for if not for that?”

It’s a powerful moment between the classic crime-fighting duo who’ve spent years watching each other’s backs, with Tim Drake’s Robin effectively being Batman’s son, just like any of his other sidekicks. Embracing each other, it’s really nice to see Bruce giving Tim his blessing. However, Damian Wayne’s Robin is shown to be upset with Tim, feeling betrayed and that Drake is abandoning the cause.

Damian Mad At Tim Drake's Robin in Batman #6

While this new issue doesn’t fully close the door on Tim’s superhero career, it does seem like the definitive closing of the chapter that is Tim Drake’s time as Robin (more than ever before).

Tim Drake’s Evolution Beyond Robin Has Been Overdue

While some Tim Drake fans may disagree, I’ve always felt that the third Boy Wonder’s time as Robin should have come to a close years ago.

On the one hand, Tim Drake uniquely earned the role by deducing Batman’s identity, pitching himself as a new Boy Wonder with the unwavering belief that Batman always needs a Robin. As such, it can be argued that no one else values what it means to be Robin more than Tim himself.

That said, there’s also a case to be made that Tim has been one of the more narratively stagnant members of the Bat-Family, especially after the debut of Damian Wayne, who was also given the Robin title.

Since Damian’s arrival, it’s felt as though DC has more often than not struggled to find a clear lane for Tim, especially when both of his predecessors have had far more dynamic evolutions as Nightwing and Red Hood (with popular and far more frequent comic runs published by DC).

All things considered, Tim Drake finally stepping away from Robin feels overdue, all kinds of right, and 100% the correct call. Likewise, this isn’t Tim quitting as a DC hero either. It’s a strong bet that he’ll eventually find a new role and name that fits far better, surpassing previous attempts (like “Red Robin” and “Drake”).

Batman #6 is available now from DC Comics.