# Why always Robin? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** comic-books-manga\ **Created:** [May 8, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767 "2023-05-08T20:21:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/21 "2023-05-08T23:39:15Z")
Following up on @Johnny_Bravo’s point, certain cynical interpretations of Batman involve the assumption that the person in the bright colors is going to get shot while the vigilante in blue/black/gray urban camo is going to slip past… Or as the Dark Knight graphic novel pointed out similarly - Why put a target on your chest? Easier to armor than your head or the rest of your body. Slightly more seriously, just as Batman relies on appearing invincible and mysterious, so does Robin. You’re projecting a feeling of endless continuity, so at no point do the (less intelligent) street villains think they can take out a new Robin, which does help ease the transitions. Or, in the case of older continuities, it’s just that continuity. Prior to the last half dozen reshuffles, there was stories of the older generation retiring, Robin becoming the new Bat, and a Wayne or Grayson Jr becoming the new Robin, and then later the cycle would repeat. But as far as the population is concerned, it’s always Batman and Robin. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/22 "2023-05-08T23:39:21Z")
> [@Andy\_L](#): > > It’s marginally less obvious when Bruce Wayne gets a new “ward” but Batman still has a masked kid named Robin. If _new kid_ turned up the same time as _new sidekick_ the cover story gets _really_ weak. Very good point. I should have thought of that. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/23 "2023-05-09T00:00:17Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > True, Sea Cucumber could help Aquaman escape precarious situations by eviscerating his intestines…but, I’m not so sure that would make good cinema. I’d watch. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/24 "2023-05-09T00:11:10Z")
Of course, there is this guy. > **[Sewer Urchin](https://the-tick-animated.fandom.com/wiki/Sewer_Urchin)** > > HUAAAH!! — Urchin's usual cry of distress Sewer Urchin is a character on the animated television series The Tick. He wears a spiked outfit in multiple shades of purple. He is equipped with a SCUBA tank and a helmet that covers the upper part of his... ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/25 "2023-05-09T00:12:56Z")
Didn’t Tim Drake go by Drake for awhile? Which is terrible both for being very non-frightening and also his last name. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/26 "2023-05-09T00:14:08Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > _Batman and Barn Owl_ would make a bad-ass crime-fighting duo. Batman and the Great Tit? There are all kinds of birds out there. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/27 "2023-05-09T00:16:37Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > _Batman and Sea Cucumber_…not so much. Yeah but if rumors about the nature of the relationship bothered them _before_ … ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/28 "2023-05-09T04:24:30Z")
Who among us has read this comic? > **[Detective Comics Vol 1 226](https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_226?file=Detective_Comics_226.jpg#Synopsis_for_Batman:_%22When_Batman_Was_Robin%22)** > > "Batman: "When Batman Was Robin"": When the late detective Harvey Harris has an old Robin costume sent to the Wayne estate, Bruce Wayne tells modern Robin of how he created the costume Since you're brilliant as a robin redbreast in that costume, I'll... It was mentioned in a flashback in a “special edition” _ **Batman** _ I had back around 1970. - Bruce Wayne came to see Harris wearing the costume he’d created. - Harris agreed to teach Bruce everything he knew about crimefighting. - Harris named him “Robin” because he was “bright as a robin redbreast in that costume.” - Bruce suggested that Dick Grayson adopt another name before working with “the Batman.” - Dick suggested he take the name of another “flying creature.” - Bruce said “I was thinking the same thing. How do you like the name ‘Robin’?” - Dick said “Swell. Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite heroes.” - Bruce made an identical costume for Dick, since he learned to sew in the Sea Scouts. … And now you know **the rest of the story**. I wonder what would happen to me if I walked into a police station in that outfit and asked a detective to teach me everything he knew about crimefighting? ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/29 "2023-05-09T04:26:44Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > _Batman and Barn Owl_ would make a bad-ass crime-fighting duo. Bad news for the Baby Rabbit Gang… ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/30 "2023-05-09T04:54:39Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > They considered a badge of honor? And more of a transferable title than a name? The same reason no one would be afraid of the Dread Pirate Westley. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/31 "2023-05-09T05:56:02Z")
In a just world, Bruce Wayne would eventually retire and his current Robin would be promoted to Batman in his place. But Bruce is too much of a jerk to allow that. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/32 "2023-05-09T06:10:14Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > There are all kinds of birds out there I think Tibby’s point is that owls fly at night as do bats. I do not think robins fly at night. But, “Batman and Owly” would scan better and be a good combo: Batman is brooding and morose, while Owly would have to live up to his/her name (which means piquish). It would make for a nice contrast. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/33 "2023-05-09T06:12:21Z")
> [@Tibby](#): > > _Batman and Barn Owl_ would make a bad-ass crime-fighting duo. > **[Hyphen](https://xkcd.com/37/)** > > I do this constantly ---
**Author:** ![JacobSwan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@JacobSwan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacobSwan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/34 "2023-05-09T09:24:42Z")
Batman already bought a load of monogrammed towels, he’s not going to replace them. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/35 "2023-05-09T12:15:01Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > The same reason no one would be afraid of the Dread Pirate Westley. That’s the exact same thing I came here to post. Once established, superhero identities become roles. How many Ironmans, Captain Americas, etc have there been? ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/36 "2023-05-09T12:45:13Z")
Just came across this: [Robin Revealed: Fun Facts About the Boy (and Girl) Wonder](https://www.dc.com/blog/2021/11/17/robin-revealed-fun-facts-about-the-boy-and-girl-wonder) - When Jason Todd became Batman’s partner, he initially considered using a name other than Robin as a sign of respect for Dick Grayson. In [_Batman #368_](http://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/batman-1940-368/6b81219f-09f1-4b69-a3ee-62d39bf6b98e/c)[_,_](http://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/batman-1940-368/6b81219f-09f1-4b69-a3ee-62d39bf6b98e/c)his suggested codenames were Flying Ace, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Eagle, Domino and Kid Dynamite. Luckily, Dick Grayson gave him his blessing to inherit the Robin mantle because it’s clear that names and branding are _not_ Jason’s strong suit. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/37 "2023-05-09T13:19:19Z")
It’s funny how, once that preposterous Robin suit was debuted in 1940, it never changed a bit for at least 40 years. That’s one example of how the DC universe differs from real life; what kid irl would voluntarily wear that in public? ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/38 "2023-05-09T13:40:25Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Bad news for the Baby Rabbit Gang… What about the Dead Rabbits? Batman vs the undead 1880’s street gang! ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/39 "2023-05-09T13:52:26Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Because the brand is “Batman and Robin”. I mean, who the fuck are “Batman and Falcon”? > [@Kropotkin](#): > > Also, “Falcon” is easily turned into something like “you Falcon idiot!” “Yippee-ki-yay, Mr. Falcon!” 😉 That’s the edited for television version. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767/40 "2023-05-09T13:58:36Z")
So, Batman and the Sheriff would be a more appropriate title for the status quo duo? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-always-robin/983767.md?page=3)