The relationship between Batman and Robin has often been a bone of contention between DC writers/editors and the fans. Stuck with a child by his side, those churning out the comics felt the need to lighten up the protagonist, showing smiles, chortles, and back-slaps after those “silly” bad guys were tied up. Aw, look how much fun crime-fighting is! But this buffoonery and light-heartedness isn’t even the crux of Robin’s crime-fighting problems: What human in their right mind would force a child to experience the trials, mental drainage, and near-death experiences that Batman himself barely survives, day in and day out? Who would ever put that child in danger? Maybe certain GCPD members are right when they say that Batman endangers us all. If, according to DC editors, he is willing to put a Jonas Brothers lookalike in harm’s way, what won’t he do?
This problem comes to a head when Jason Todd, the second Robin, finally eats crowbar, courtesy of the Joker. But does that stop Batman from enlisting another partner only a few years later? Didn’t think so. Tim Drake comes along, a little bit older, a little bit quicker than the other two Robins, but a teen nevertheless. And one without the necessary penchant for vengeance that drives his predecessors (although the writer conveniently killed of Drake’s father a decade later).
But even the Lone Ranger — who has the essence of solitude in his name — had Tonto, right? Doesn’t someone have to prevent Bruce from tumbling into the chasm he peers into every night, holding him back from the one thing he cannot become? Yes, and his name is Alfred Beagle/Pennyworth. Trusted butler, medical surgeon, and chef extraordinaire, Pennyworth is like the Jesus of the 20th century. There is nothing he cannot do, from providing a rock for Bruce to stand on to keeping Batman’s focus on the oath to his parents. Alfred maintains Bruce’s touch with the outside world, keeps him grounded, and provides a buffer between Batman and the darkness that constantly threatens to consume him. As Michael Caine’s Alfred instructs Bruce, “Drive sports cars, date movie stars, buy things that are not for sale. Who knows, Master Wayne? You start pretending to have fun, you might even have a little by accident.”
Article comments
1 - William Hart
Good post, I agree that Robin is an unwanted and ill advised component in this day and age. It feels so much more exciting seeing Batman having to make hasty decisions on life threatening scenes with little to no backup. Robin is at best a link to children and at worst a cheap hokey gimmick. These new Batman's aren't taking place in Chuck E. Cheese so Robin is unnecessary.
2 - Josh
It depends on Warner Bros. approach to Batman 3. Whether or not they would want to continue the franchise is vital. Or at least one in a darker Nolan-based state of mind. If they do choose to go forward then they need to finish with a film called " The fall of Batman featuring the ultimate end of Bruce Wayne as Batman when he suffers permanent paralization from the waste down as a result of a backbreaker he receives from an evil muscle-bound Roid-freak character named Bane. The film should then focus on the transition of a new character as Batman who is an understudy to Wayne as Wayne was to Ros Al Guhl. Creating the opening for a new trilogy and a new title..."The Legend of Batman". How does that sound?
3 - Showren
I think that if you put in the robin of the yellow and green tights variety then yeah you're in trouble, but I think a robin more of the nightwing variety is more plausible. They updated batman from the Adam West version, then they could (if they wanted to) update Robin.
The reason from my understanding why Batman took in Robin was because Batman saw himself in Robin. Robin not only added in the place for a kid to relate to, but he showed a part of Batman that remembered his past and the loss of innocence that he once had, I think.
Now does Robin fit into the new series of films with Christian Bale? I'm not sure... the film makers would have their hands full if they wanted to keep Epic and good, but that's not to say its not do able.
I think Robin's character served his purpose with the dark knight and now has moved on with the titans. I just didn't think he was a terrible character, I write alot and I think about these things. How the characters fit together and affect the audience is important and I don't think it should be ignore.
4 - fernando
Robin is part of the batman universe but should not be used until the 7th or 8th film. I think a Robin is needed when batman gets older and wishes to pass on his legacy. As far as I am concerned Dick Grayson is the only Robin who later becomes Night Wing. The other Robin's make no sense and just suck. I don't want to see a big bulking super heroe parading the town with little kids. It's just sick. Comic writers need to fix this error...and improve the Batman legacy. only gayson makes sense.
5 - zack123
no one knows but me and my cozin cam but the third movie is called RETURN OF THE DARK NIGHT and its about batman get help he found a kid named DICK and BOOM robin and they fight ridler and pegwen ( I know I spell wrong on perpis )
6 - Andrew
The author of this article clearly didnt take much into consideration with the idea of Robin. Remember, Adam West as Batman? If Nolan can convert that guy into the Darker hero we see today, then he could do the same with Robin.
When people think of Robin, they think of a little kid with a red and yellow outfit.
They can change Robin and update him. For example, I think in the 3rd Batman film, if Robin is introduced, he should be around 20 years old and should of had a childhood full of pain and dispair. He can then be found by Bruce Wanye and then be used as an assistant such as Alfred and Morgan Freeman. Robin doesnt have to exist, in fact I dont want to hear the word Robin in the 3rd film. It can be about a kid whos a computer hacker who serves as Batmans eyes and ears in tight situations over a communication link. He can aid Batman without actually putting on a suit and fighting bad guys.
Then if Nolan does another film, it can convey Batman training Robin and passing on his legacy to him. The 4th film can be called "Rise of a hero" referring to Robin. Here Robin can learn all the martial arts from Bruce and become his ally in later films.
This is my idea of how Robin should be portrayed. He should be an older, more rebellious, hacker/computer geek as well as a bad ass dude. Its possible.