It's about time! in Detective Comics #1033, Damian Wayne (aka Robin) finally turns Batman's most irritating trick against him.
This article contains spoilers for Detective Comics #1033 by Peter J. Tomasi and Brad Walker.
Batman's son has just picked up the Dark Knight's most annoying trick. Let's face it, Batman has something of a reputation for collecting orphans and transforming them into Robins. DC has revealed this habit is a way of expressing Batman's hope, because he aspires these kids to go beyond what seems possible. Sure, he isn't exactly the best father-figure, but Batman truly loves his Robins - however poorly he expresses it.
But the latest Robin, Damian Wayne, is different than all the others. He is actually Bruce Wayne's biological son, brought up by the League of Assassins without his father's knowledge. Damian eventually found his way to Gotham City, and soon he was taken in under Batman's wing. He initially believed he could match - if not exceed -Batman but recent events, including the death of Alfred, have shaken even Damian's self-confidence. Still, despite all that, Detective Comics #1033 subtly proves this Robin really is his father's son.
Batman and Damian Wayne have been at odds of late, and in Detective Comics #1033 the Dark Knight attempts to get a much-needed heart-to-heart with his son. Typically, they bond over fighting with a supervillain - in this case Hush - and with the bad guy unconscious, Batman decides it's time to continue their chat. "I'd like to finish our conversation," Batman begins to say, but breaks off when he realizes Robin has vanished while his back was turned.
This is, of course, Batman's favorite trick. How many times have comic book readers chuckled when they see Commissioner Gordon turn round to realize he's been talking to thin air for longer than he likes to imagine? But now Batman is on the receiving end of this irritating gambit. At least, unlike poor Commissioner Gordon, Batman notices Robin is gone pretty quickly - and catches up to him with ease.
Damian's use of this particular trick is oddly appropriate, however. It contrasts markedly with his character arc, in which he has decided he is not fit to be Robin, and that he needs to get out of Batman's shadow. Damian is utterly unaware just how much he takes after his father, even using his dad's most irritating habit against him. It's a smart piece of writing by Peter J. Tomasi, rendered effectively by artist Brad Walker, and it subtly points to the real reason Batman and Damian will never get on; they're simply too alike.
