Robin’s new costume redesigns him to look more like Batman

The latest evolution of Batman lore just given Robin A surprising new costume, bringing him closer to the Dark Knight’s own design than ever. The twist comes in new miniseries Batman: Dark AgeWhich begins the story of Bruce Wayne in the 1950s, when the career of the Caped Crusader runs alongside real historical events. Of course, in this kind of long view, there is no Batman without Robin.

in Batman: Dark Age #5Batman and Dick Grayson attend a fire at Arkham Asylum in 1976. Despite Robin already having his red, yellow and green costume, he attends the fire with a very different look – a flame retardant suit identical to the Dark Knight’s own, but with his own. ‘R’ logo on the chest. It’s fascinating to see Dick dressed as a mini-Batman, as he traditionally has a Very Different appearance.

in Dark AgeIt seems that all of Batman’s Robins will be consolidated into the first, Dick Grayson. Once forced to work for the gangster Carmine Falcone, Dick was taken in by Bruce Wayne. Unfortunately, the framing device of an older Bruce Wayne has confirmed that Dick will die tragically, though not yet with any detail.

Batman: Dark Age #5
	Writer: Mark Russell Artist: Michael Allred Colorist: Laura Allred Writer: Dave Sharpe Cover artists: Michael Allred & Laura Allred

Robin’s new costume embraces the Dark Knight’s design

Dark Age is a gold mine of retro redesigns

First published in 1950, Robin’s design has remained relatively consistent since, although with more flexibility shown for the last holder of the codename – Bruce Wayne’s son Damian. But even there, DC has kept a firm hand on what Robin is allowed to look like. In creator notes for their Batman & Robin Vol. 1: Batman RebornGrant Morrison reveals that they intended Damian Wayne’s Robin to wear a black costume with yellow detailing, sticking much closer to Batman’s design. sad, Morrison’s vision was rejected by DC for taking Robin too far “off model,” Although fans at least get to see Frank Quitely’s sketches of the look.

Despite the decision, it makes sense that Robin would be allowed a more Batman-like costume Dark AgeWhat happens in an alternative reality with the fire-preventing suit is only revealed on a few pages. Indeed, one of the most enjoyable suggestions of Robin’s costume is that the more realistic version of Batman is not willing to waste money designing an entirely new specialty costume for when Robin is firefighting – although he Does bother to include his sidekick’s new insignia.

Dark Age Also includes a new version of Robin’s traditional costume, with Dark Age #4 Debuting a new look that originally included a feathered dagger (which Robin quickly turned into a weapon.) Batman and his rogues gallery received similar new looks, grounding them in the story’s time and place.

With only one issue left, hopefully there’s still more time for stylish retro remakes for Batman, Gotham’s villains and Bruce Wayne’s increasingly prominent Justice League allies. Robin Finally got his ‘mini-Batman’ costume to thank for Dark AgeAlthough sadly even this cannot save Dick Grayson from the tragic fate that looms in the near future.

Batman: Dark Age #5 is available now from DC Comics.