In the world of DC Comics, even the smallest details can make a big impact. That includes the origin stories of its most beloved heroes and their iconic sidekicks!
Robin's Catchphrase
Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul, is well known for being a formidable character. He's also instantly recognizable for his signature catchphrase, a distinctive sound –"tt"!
Recently, DC released Absolute Batman #1, that gave a new insight on the origin story of Batman. Written by Scott Snyder, and with artwork by Nick Dragotta it offered a pretty significant twist –Martha Wayne is still alive!
Martha Wayne's Connection to Damian Wayne
There's a pretty special moment in this comic where we see Bruce Wayne encounter his mother and get an awesome revelation! This specific sound she uses –that "tt" sound– is normally unique only to Damian Wayne. This means, it wasn't random. Damian Wayne's tic isn't something he got on his own. In this special new universe, called the Absolute Universe he seemingly inherited the tic from Martha Wayne, a surprising lineage that no one thought of before!
Damian Wayne and His Family
Since Damian Wayne was introduced as a character, around eighteen years ago the iconic “tt” sound has been associated with this Robin. This sound becomes one of his most known traits, but in the mainstream DC Universe story this tic didn't seem to really mean that much until now.
In the Absolute Universe, the "tt" becomes something beyond just a vocalization! This reveals that the character, Damian, is fully part of his paternal lineage, even though the details have changed!
This alteration to DC's established stories highlights something about Damian Wayne's identity. He hasn't met his paternal family members. A really emotional event for a character with a dark past! Because Bruce Wayne's parents died young, Damian is lacking in understanding Batman's history and connection to them.
Damian Wayne and His Mother
The Absolute Universe is unique. There are going to be new developments but this one has fans already paying attention and this alteration changes his origins as well.
We find Damian Wayne's relationship with Talia al Ghul in the mainstream DC Universe. Talia, who is from The League of Assassins is very different in her actions but similar in a way in the main DC Universe. The League of Assassins is led by his grandfather Ra's al Ghul. What is important is that this gave Damian Wayne a rough and intense life that includes training from a young age to develop skills in assassinations. That really explains Damian's character development and it only helps fans truly see what this dynamic can do! Talia al Ghul didn't want Damian to live his life according to Ra's al Ghul! She made the heartbreaking choice to bring him to his father! That sacrifice truly changed Damian, pushing him to make his own name and understand Batman and find meaning as a hero.
The Batman-Robin Dynamic
Batman and Robin aren't always seen eye to eye! But it helps viewers understand the origins in Absolute Batman #1! It appears this newest origin of Damian's unique vocal tic truly brings his character in even greater perspective.
Their dynamic is given a unique look! That moment showed this father-son partnership. A partnership of an unforgettable hero and an iconic Robin!
What this reimagining shows? Even though there are plenty of versions of the story! The Absolute Universe and its new interpretations! And that makes it perfect for readers! What we know for sure is that there's an evolution in this special world that DC is bringing and could give us lots more stories to follow that no one has ever considered. It just may help fans, and create an even bigger group of loyal comic enthusiasts!