Robin Faces Death in Next ‘Batman’ Comic
Humongous spoiler alert: Batman‘s beloved longtime sidekick Robin will be killed off in the next issue of the offshoot title Batman Incorporated, writer Grant Morrison told the New York Post.
“He saves the world. He does his job as Robin,” said Morrison. “He dies an absolute hero.” The Boy Wonder – real name Damian Wayne, the 10-year-old son of Bruce Wayne and Talia, the daughter of Batman’s nemesis Ra’s al Ghul – is killed while fighting an assassin who turns out to be his cloned brother. When Batman arrives to save his protege, he’s too late.
Grant Morrison’s Guide to Batman on the Big Screen
Morrison reportedly drew some inspiration for the latest story from his own parents’ divorce, noting that Robin’s death shows how parents lose sight of their kids while fighting: “It’s all about the family and the family going to hell,” he said. “The two adults in the story are both culpable. The kid’s the good guy.”
Though Damian Wayne first appeared in 1987, Morrison re-imagined and -introduced the Boy Wonder in 2006, crafting a complete story arc that saw him grow from a bourgeoning assassin into a savior: “What we did was turn this little monster into a superhero,” Morrison said. “He’s a little brat, but he’s a super-brat.”
This isn’t the first time Batman has lost a Robin: In 1988, the disliked character Jason Todd was killed by the Joker after a phone poll let fans decide the sidekick’s fate. Todd, however, was resurrected in 2005, which could be good news for fans of Damian: “You can never say never in a comic book,” added Morrison. “Batman will ultimately always have a partner.”