Damian Wayne discovers the true value of a Robin is something that spans the multiverse when leading a ragtag crew in Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1.
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1!In the midst of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, the role of Robin has gotten a surprising new meaning thanks to Damian Wayne’s attempts to rally a team. Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1 reveals the true legacy of the Boy Wonder and how it spans the entire multiverse.
When it comes to sidekicks, Robin has set the gold standard on what a sidekick is and should be. Robins are clever, nimble, problem solvers who aid Batman in his war against crime in order make Gotham a safer place. In Batman’s entire career, he’s had several heroes adopt the Robin identity, each one bringing something new or special to the role. Of course, there is some debate on the merits of bringing minors into Batman’s crime-fighting world. Even the former sidekicks have had moments of doubt when reflecting upon their unique upbringing.
But it seems that the Robins might just be the ultimate success story throughout the DC omniverse. Bruce’s pet project got a pretty solid endorsement by one of the wisest heroes around in Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1 by Mark Waid, Dennis Culver, Delilah S. Dawson, Freddie Williams II, and Jackson Herbert. As the Dark Army does battle with the Justice League, Damian Wayne opts to lead a crew on a mission to break Pariah’s hold on the villains. After assembling his team, the scrappy Robin pushes his team throughout the multiverse, all the way to the House of Heroes in the Bleed, where they’re forced to free Justice Incarnate from the Great Darkness’ influence. After Doctor Light develops a way of shedding the Darkness’ hold, Damian rallies his team once more. Superman Calvin Ellis wonders if following Damian is the right choice, to which Mary Marvel affirms it is.
Robin: Batman’s Greatest Contribution in the Multiverse
Mary Marvel, of course, has the power of Shazam, which includes the Wisdom of Solomon. So more than most heroes, her judgment would be pretty sound. She’s also had the benefit of traversing the multiverse with her team and has seen countless versions of Batman and his sidekicks. If someone like Mary can genuinely say that the Robins are some of the most competent leaders around, then that’s some serious approval. It also suggests that the Boy Wonder might be Bruce’s greatest impact on the multiverse.
Batman has faced a lot of criticism in his career, much of which is directed over his involvement of the Robins. But according to Mary, on nearly every other Earth, Bruce has modeled his sidekicks into responsible and capable leaders. Fans may have already known that looking at what’s become of former Robins like Dick Grayson, but hearing that Batman’s success transcends universal boundaries is probably the best indicator he’s done the right thing with his partners. Fans can see how much of this is true about Robin for themselves in Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1, available now.