Batman is a famous long time superhero that transcends one generation to generation. He is known for his bat costume and abilities that roam silently in the dark. He is a hero on his own. His might and power has been proven to be a sole merit for people to recognize his abilities. Batman is a solitary superhero for a long time. While it is true that Batman survived many of his heroic quests alone, fighting the good fight for freedom and justice for the society can best be won when fought with a partner. For Batman’s case, the presence of Robin plays a significant meaning in his heroic stance. Robin is one great contribution in the whole Batman mythology.
The introduction of Robin, also known as the Wonder Boy in the Batman series stirs up the Batman world and his fans. Some might argue that Robin’s presence is a nuisance, while some enjoys the sense of empathy and family that occurs in Batman’s world. He turns Batman’s life more unpredictable adding a spice of drama as the element of family like love and bonding evolves in the many Batman series. Bill Fingers “A Partner for Batman” is one of the stories that evoke the family-partner bond element between Batman and Robin. This story is quintessential to tale of the “Silver Age Weird” that made Batman series a great era (Collected Editions). In this story, Robin got jealous that Wingman might replace him as the side-kick of Batman. Robin does not want that to happen. He doesn’t want to return to his normal life as an ordinary kid on the streets. He loves Batman and wants to become his family forever (WickWire). This story is from the perspective of Robin, thus, Robin’s thoughts and emotions are emphasized (Jordan). Robin’s deep jealousy turned into angst against Batman as he is thinking that Batman replaced him with Wingman. When Batman inquires about his feelings, Robin outbursts “You’ve got a nerve! You know what’s the matter! You kick me out and replace me with that Wngman!You don’t have to kid me! I heard Gordo tell you that you don’t need any Robin!” (“Partner”). It is obvious in this story how Robin felt for Batman and he worries that Batman doesn’t need him anymore. He loves Batman and the man behind his costume- Bruce Wayne.
Batman loves Robin. He treats the kid like his own blood and family. This truth about Batman reveals the emotional side of Batman. He is a superhero that is tough on the outside, but is soft in the inside. His heart is overwhelming with kindness and love as he serves justice to the society while entreating to a father role to his sidekick Robin. In Bill Finger’s “Robin Dies at Dawn”, Batman exposes his feelings in this emotional dramatic story when he is on the verge of losing Robin. It is evident in this story that Batman fears that Robin might die. This idea makes him nervous, shaken, afraid and utterly vulnerable. Thinking that Robin died, Batman thought to himself that “I must put away my Batman costume and retire from crime fighting” (Sims). His enemies had literally stabbed him on this soft side of his character. However, he remains to be strong and had Robin’s life intact in the end. This incident made Batman more protective to Robin, not wanting him to face danger anymore (Batman#156). There is an added drama in the many adventures of Batman series due to the presence of Robin on his many quests.
The bond of Robin to Batman transcends even to the real person behind the mask. Robin is very much attached to Bruce Wayne. This fact is evident in Bill Finger’s “The Man Who Ended Batman’s Career”. In this story, Batman is injected with a chemical that creates his phobia to bats. Due this chemical reaction to his body, Bruce cannot wear his Batman costume since he cannot even look at the emblem of his suit. When Robin asks Bruce about his new costume, Batman just simply sigh saying “No Dick! My career as Batman is finished.I can never wear the Batman costume again!” (“Ask”). Due to this new psychological challenge, he still pursues to his heroic deeds with a new name Starman. During his heroic pursuits, Robin continues to be his sidekick (Wickwire).Thus; the bond of the family element between the Wonder Boy and Bruce Wayne is beyond their costumes and their masks. They are families in the true sense.
The many plights of Batman and Robin were victorious due to their great teamwork. They fight with many kinds of criminals, monsters, and evil. Batman is stronger with Robin on his side since he is fighting with more vigor and greater menacing strength against his enemies. Their tandem works perfectly such that Robin is groomed to be more like Batman. Batman teaches Robin about many things especially in his fighting skills. One great adventure of their fights was with the Batman’s TV Series: The Joker’s Utility Belt. During the many fights of Batman, his belt is filled with various gadgets and armors hidden in the compartments of his leather belt. His utility belt is always upgraded with contents fully armored and equip ready for his different battles against crime (“Dial B”). Batman taught Robin that “The true crime fighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin” (“Utility Belt”). Batman is ready to face Joker, his enemy despite the fact that Joker has his own utility belt. Batman overpowers Joker with the little help of Robin.
The team up of Batman and Robin is also acknowledged and admired by other creatures. In Bill Finger’s “Batman Meets Bat-Mite”, Bat-mite reveals his admiration to their many adventures. He wants to tag along with them to have some fun. Despite Batman’s refusal, Bat-mite insists on coming as he rides along them invisibly and contributes to the many battles of the two (WickWire). The words spoken by Bat-mite prove that there is a healthy and happy relationship between Batman and Robin. Bat-mite is jealous with their bond and creates havoc that might destroy them. However, their bond as a team and family refuses to be broken easily.
Batman remains to be great in the eyes of the public. His fame stood with righteousness as he continues to fight for the good and battles over crimes in the city. But Batman is not just alone fighting over the evil elements of the City. Robin, his little partner has been with him. Robin has fought with the enemies of Batman and continues to support Batman during his many combats. Although he is not the front-liner during their many wars, but his presence is more than enough to make Batman grow stronger and mightier. Batman is kept safe from harm with the intervention of Robin especially during their escapes. Robin is indeed a significant contributor to the heroic state that Batman now attains. He deserves merit and credence with his many contributions to make their City peaceful no matter how small they are as compared to Batman’s deeds.
References:
“Ask Chris#76”. Comics Alliance. (2014). Web. 3 September 2014
Batman #156. “Robin Dies at Dawn”. CBS Interactive Inc. (2014). Web. 3 September, 2014.
Collected Editions. “Review: batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told trade paperback (DC Comics)”. (2012).Web. 3 September, 2014.
Dial B for Belt. “The Batman’s Utility Belt”. (n.d). Web. 3 September 2014
“A Partner for Batman”. Luchins.com. (2009). Web. 4 September 2014.
Sims, C. “The 10 Greatest Batman Stories By Uncredited Bill Finger”. Comics Alliance. (2014).
Web. 4 September 2014
Smith, Jordan. “The Stories Behind Grant Morrison’s Run, Part 1: “The Black Casebook (TPB)”. (2014). Web. 3 September 2014.
“Utility Belt”. Tvtropes.org. (2014). Web. 4 September 2014
Wickwire, Z., “Recent Reads Vol. 2- batman: The Black Casebook”. (2010). Web. 3 September , 2014.
