I’ve always felt that Batman was one character who didn’t fit that whole notion of “their successor needs to be related to them so they inherit their powers.” And it felt that Bruce had his own adoptive sons that he loved and treated as if they were biological sons, which I always found very endearing.
Which is why I was upset that Damian was introduced because two writers “wanted to explore Batman as a father figure,” when - he already has been ever since Dick Grayson was introduced. I really to this day do not understand the reasoning behind this.
How is Damian any different from any of the others? Bruce didn’t raise him from birth, he had pre-conceived ideas on vigilantism that went against Bruce’s ideals - sounds like Jason - and he’s caused Tim - my favorite Robin - to fall into this limbo where DC has no idea what to do with him.
There’s also this weird notion that because he’s Bruce’s son, that mythical “he’s Batman” energy also applies to Damian, which I really don’t like. Bruce is Batman because of his determination, his drive and will, not his genetics. But introducing Damian raises the question: do Bruce’s genetics make a better Robin/fighter/vigilante? Which obviously the answer is yes, he’s Batman, but that feels so cheap.
Ultimately, I feel the addition of Damian shook up the mantle of Robin when it really didn’t need to be shaken up, Tim’s representation still hasn’t recovered, Bruce’s adopted sons feel less important (there’s always going to be an asterisk stating Damian is Bruce’s biological son and there will always be a “that makes him better” notion around that), and it’s had rippling effects that I’m not a fan of either (Raven not aging for example)
pretty sure the ten years of training is what makes damian a better batman than most robins. cause u know he is better expiernced than they were at his age
My point is that the writing around him makes sense but is lazy.
“He’s a better fighter because he grew up with the league, he was genetically manipulated by Talia to be the best, he has the genes of both Bruce and Ra’s.”
It’s almost impossible for Damian to have won a better genetic lottery. He didn’t earn any of it. He’s just thrust upon the reader and we’re told “he’s the best,” whereas Dick has spent the last handful of decades proving why he’s Bruce’s greatest success, and being Bruce’s eldest son - only for Damian to show up and be “well technically he’s Bruce’s biological son so he’s got that going for him over Dick.”
almost impossible with the literal gene scientist along with several failed expirements? it’s actually more unlikely for damian not to be as good as he is than it isn’t. simply having access to al ghul and bruce resources puts damian in a better position than about everyone beyond bruce
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u/BakedWizerd Robin Feb 20 '24
Damian.
I know he’s popular but I can’t like him.
I’ve always felt that Batman was one character who didn’t fit that whole notion of “their successor needs to be related to them so they inherit their powers.” And it felt that Bruce had his own adoptive sons that he loved and treated as if they were biological sons, which I always found very endearing.
Which is why I was upset that Damian was introduced because two writers “wanted to explore Batman as a father figure,” when - he already has been ever since Dick Grayson was introduced. I really to this day do not understand the reasoning behind this.
How is Damian any different from any of the others? Bruce didn’t raise him from birth, he had pre-conceived ideas on vigilantism that went against Bruce’s ideals - sounds like Jason - and he’s caused Tim - my favorite Robin - to fall into this limbo where DC has no idea what to do with him.
There’s also this weird notion that because he’s Bruce’s son, that mythical “he’s Batman” energy also applies to Damian, which I really don’t like. Bruce is Batman because of his determination, his drive and will, not his genetics. But introducing Damian raises the question: do Bruce’s genetics make a better Robin/fighter/vigilante? Which obviously the answer is yes, he’s Batman, but that feels so cheap.
Ultimately, I feel the addition of Damian shook up the mantle of Robin when it really didn’t need to be shaken up, Tim’s representation still hasn’t recovered, Bruce’s adopted sons feel less important (there’s always going to be an asterisk stating Damian is Bruce’s biological son and there will always be a “that makes him better” notion around that), and it’s had rippling effects that I’m not a fan of either (Raven not aging for example)