What is the Robin Darkest Redesign?
In the DC Universe, there are numerous versions of Robin - as the Batman Sidekick - but none have as much complexity and emotional depth as Damian Wayne. Introduced in Grant Morrison’s Batman run, Damian was raised by Ra's al Ghul in the League of Assassins - being trained as an Assassin, as he was made to serve his father. His story as Robin has been about redemption and escaping this dark past as Batman serves as a father figure. A specific version of Robin, created as a twisted counterpart to the hero in "Falling Through the Cracks," from Dark Nights: Death Metal, shows what he would have been if he followed his grandfather.
In Dark Multiverse Robin, the story showcases Robin Killing his own father and continuing his grandfather's brutal legacy . This grim alternative world shows Damian Wayne at his most brutal and twisted, making it a grim counterpoint to his main story.
What are Robin’s Issues with Killing?
As the most brutal and lethal Batman Sidekick in the Batman Mythos, Damian Wayne started his journey as a ruthless killer. This background gave him an immediate bond with his father as Batman, as both wrestled with similar struggles, including Robin Killing, which was often used to carry out justice. However, Batman’s “No-kill rule” came from a darker place. As Batman would often say - "It’s how we survive." These early years served as an origin story for Damian's struggle with evil, who ultimately began to challenge how his father approached those with evil intent. It's what drove his fascination with Robin Katana, making this weapon one of his main implements for fighting - as it serves as a way to remove the enemy, rather than to use force that might be less lethal.
As both father and son continued to evolve - they shared an interesting and complex dynamic, as seen in the iconic story arc, "Batman and Robin." The story itself gave viewers more insights as to what their relationship looked like, how it developed over the course of years. The Batman Legacy is a powerful influence that has defined how the two navigate a series of events, particularly as Damian Wayne had a difficult relationship with Ra's Al Ghul, the evil figure who taught Damian the darker art of combat. Those moments of training served as Robin Redemption for Damian, helping him learn the value of compassion. Even as his mother, Talia al Ghul, came to represent one of the major challenges - as Damian sought a path for redemption from his past.
Why Does The Dark Multiverse Show a Version of Robin As an Assassin?
There have been countless depictions of Batman and those who serve as a part of the Bat-Family. These have served as a constant, compelling counterpoint as they try to make a difference in Gotham City. However, in this story - one which also serves as an example for how the Dark Multiverse can corrupt, it shows just how sinister this world really is, especially with Damian’s transformation. This comes through the story “Falling Through the Cracks” from Dark Nights: Death Metal - where Damian follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Ra's Al Ghul, and chooses to carry out acts of cruel murder that are reminiscent of Ra’s al Ghul. It goes far beyond a Batman Sidekick - becoming an almost unstoppable killing machine. As we’ve seen throughout numerous DC Universe projects ( comics, tv series, animated movies), this is an unexpected shift.
The Dark Multiverse shows us a world with a completely distorted version of the DC Universe where we've seen a world of evil win - especially as we saw the rise of the Evil Robin (which was also a prominent theme in the story “Falling Through the Cracks”) as this darker reality had taken hold in the Dark Multiverse.
What Happened To Damian Wayne In His Origin Story?
Damian's introduction to the DC Universe came in Grant Morrison’s Batman series - in particular the Batman: Batman series in "Robin: Son of Batman #1". This was considered one of the most controversial moments for the Batman and Robin pairing as he was the child of Batman, and Talia al Ghul. In the series' run, Batman was challenged by the prospect of raising a child, a boy who had been raised by the League of Assassins, where his father served as a mentor to him before entering the DC Universe world.
The dynamic that unfolded showed us how Damian is capable of wielding his deadly training from his childhood - his training, given to him by Ra’s, ultimately created a powerful, lethal and, frankly, unyielding killer who is capable of delivering some brutal violence - one that is contrasted with the softer side we see in later series' such as "Batman and Robin." This story gave those who are watching a better sense of how this bond developed, making it a classic arc that showed us the impact of how the father/son duo navigated a challenging time - especially as Damian had been shown in several arcs as not following the same approach as Bruce Wayne for killing villains - something that always played an important theme in the Batman mythology. Damian Wayne’s history with killing ultimately changed his character’s perspective.
How Did Damian Wayne’s History Impact Batman’s Legacy?
Throughout the DC Universe , we are shown how Batman's character has been challenged. This happens by those who wish to see him fall - and by his own family. Batman is presented in many cases as a mentor and a Father Figure to his wards, in this instance, Damian Wayne, but this particular pairing has brought both the two characters and fans, a sense of depth - a dynamic that was always one for the books, given Damian’s history. Batman has constantly made a decision to save Damian, one that was prominent after the story “Batman and Robin." He eventually saved Damian after his death in "Batman Resurrection" - which would not have happened if the character was not seen as an asset - making the relationship a unique take on the Batman Legacy - as it served as Damian Wayne Legacy that helped him escape his dark past and eventually be a worthy successor in Gotham. This ultimately showed how he came to overcome the brutality he had learned while with Ra's Al Ghul.
One could argue that Damian’s presence - and his history within the League of Assassins made Batman a stronger leader. The impact this had, alongside his father - and how both Batman and Robin, navigated this relationship - has shaped Batman into an incredibly compassionate father figure.
What Makes The Dark Multiverse’s Teen Titans Story Unique?
The story "Falling Through the Cracks," which came from Dark Nights: Death Metal – one that continues to provide more information as it goes deeper into The Last 52: War of the Multiverses - is one of the more interesting pieces as it serves as a dark alternative to a more “traditional” reality. One of the key aspects of this storyline comes with the characters involved, notably Wonder Woman, Superman, and the iconic characters in the Teen Titans (with a darker spin). There's a great contrast when they have to fight an alternate version of themselves from a realm that is completely dark - an “evil twin” to those characters. It's an entertaining idea, one that also showcases the Dark Multiverse as being able to take hold of these characters and tweak their motives, showing their worst qualities.
The story also dives into the character’s darker nature - as well as giving insight as to how the story unfolds and showcases the importance of a “fight for a better future,” especially for those who stand in opposition against the forces of Evil Robin. These characters often embrace darker, sinister methods to ensure that this world remains theirs to command - especially as it is highlighted in The Last 52: War of the Multiverses , where these events set the tone for those readers who are seeking out a world that's twisted and corrupt.
What Happens When Robin Loses His Connection to Batman?
Those who read the story will find a unique exploration of the relationship between Batman and Robin, particularly with how Robin might respond as he loses the bond of his father figure. Damian Wayne is initially a ruthless assassin who has to change after becoming Robin, as he learns the ways of Bruce Wayne (a great figure for leadership - who helps to transform the Bat-Family , serving as the moral grounding, who is always at odds with Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins and serves as an antagonist to his son Damian).
Even though Batman's training helped Robin, this is not the only thing that transformed Damian Wayne as it seems his father is the catalyst for a change that allowed Damian Wayne to find his way back. We are even reminded of the importance of Robin’s legacy, as he becomes a symbol of change, a hero with both power and a strong sense of morality as a part of the Batman family.
Did Robin Really Kill Batman?
Those following the story of “Falling Through the Cracks,” might feel distressed as Robin takes the ultimate path of violence in a twisted storyline for the Dark Multiverse, a cruel realm where we saw how the DC Universe would have changed as evil ultimately took control.
The main goal was to showcase how Robin’s choice to stay with his grandfather would have a terrible and destructive impact on the world, ultimately creating a scenario where he embraces his destiny as a ruthless, heartless killer.
Is There An Evil Version of Robin in Comics?
The story of “Falling Through the Cracks” from Dark Nights: Death Metal was the catalyst for a terrifying take on Robin as the main antagonist who chose to embrace evil . While it remains an interesting and well-regarded story - it highlights just how dark this story can be, making this an unwelcoming world as those watching can see how the main character has made his way to embrace those darker themes.
The Dark Multiverse Robin showcases the terrible potential of a world ruled by a corrupted hero, who turns from a beloved, well-meaning Robin into an unstoppable and evil figure. This also stands as a contrast for those who might be seeking out more conventional stories. It's a very interesting twist that takes the main hero in an unexpected direction. There have been many instances of the Dark Multiverse in DC Comics that shows the sinister outcomes - one of which can make it hard for some readers to cope as they have grown to enjoy heroes and, in the case of Robin, the hopeful moments as he makes an effort to find his way into a world of both compassion and understanding - all the while escaping the dark forces and teachings that he experienced with Ra’s Al Ghul.
