WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1!
DC's bold and highly controversial decision to turn Jon Kent into a young adult in mainstream continuity was a huge blow to Superboy and Robin's once iconic friendship. Left in Super Sons withdrawal, I thought nothing could fill the void – until a comedian gave me a new 'Super Friends' duo to obsess over.
…we can witness the rise of a new trinity of heroes: Robin, Superboy and Thunderheart.
One of my biggest gripes with DC will forever be the decision to age Jon Kent, effectively destroying his friendship with Damian Wayne. For me, the bond between Superboy and Robin was so much more than just two super kids going on wild adventures – it allowed Jon and Damian to truly flourish in each other's company.
Although both characters have developed relationships with other people over the years, I always felt unfulfilled. However, thanks to Jeff Parker and Lukas Ketner Batman/Santa Claus: The Silent Knight Returns #1, I've found a new pair of Justice League kids to obsess over: Robin and Wally West's daughter Irey “Heart of Thunder” West.
Robin's partnership with Thunderheart gives him the perfect new best friend
The Justice League Big Seven's childhood friendships just got different
I've always been a big fan of the Justice League's Big Seven, which typically includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Flash, and Green Lantern. These iconic heroes are the foundation of my love for the DC Universe, and as a result, I have always been drawn to their stories. Naturally, When it comes to the next generation of heroes, I'm most interested in the children of this legendary lineup. That's why I was absolutely in love with Jon Kent and Damian Wayne's friendship.
Since Jon has grown up, he and Damian have developed a wide range of relationships with other heroes and even villains. However, none of these more recent friendships have really captured my interest, especially in Damian's case, as none of his closest ties have been with the children of the Big Seven. Hence my obsession with seeing the next generation of Justice League kids form their own friendships. made it impossible for me to resist the dynamic between Thunderheart and Robin in Santa Claus: The Silent Knight returns. Their brief interaction ticked all my boxes for a Justice League child friendship, and despite its short duration, I'm already rooting for them to become best friends.
Santa Claus: The Silent Knight Returns Gives fans an EPIC Robin and Thunderheart moment
I'm convinced Damian Wayne and Irey West are destined to become best friends
In Santa Claus: The Silent Knight Returns #1, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern John Stewart, Queen Nubia, Mera, Thunderheart and Robin find themselves on the losing side of their battle with the Silent Knight. As they approach defeat, Batman orders Thunderheart to get her and Robin out of the containment zone the Silent Knight is creating before they become trapped. This leads to a funny moment where Robin argues against the decision, wanting to stay and help. Thunderheart, however, responds with a simple but valid answer: “My father told me to listen to your father,” before sweeping it.
Before Thunderheart can get Robin and her to safety, one of the Silent Knight's minions grabs her. Realizing that the escape window is closing, Irey selflessly decides to make sure Robin leaves, even if she can't. Despite Damian's reluctance to leave her behind, she pushes him beyond the barrier, making a courageous sacrifice. This moment, combined with the affection and natural jokes between the two young heroes, already made me fall in love with their dynamics. I can only hope that DC gives us more Thunderheart and Robin adventures in the future.
Jon Kent is getting older, correcting Superman's most controversial 'mistake'
Jon Kent will age in Shazam! #20 (2025)
While I'm already obsessed with the potential of a Robin/Thunderheart team-up and hoping for more, there's also a glimmer of hope that we might see the return of Super Sons dynamic between Damian and Jon. This possibility arises from the synopsis of Shazam! #20, which teases that Jon will return to being a child. While it's unclear whether this change will be permanent, if it is, fans can look forward to the return of one of DC's most iconic duos. Even better, we may witness the emergence of a new trinity of heroes: robin, Superboyand Thunder Heart.
Batman/Santa Claus: The Silent Knight Returns #1 is now available from DC Comics!