Robin (Tim Drake)
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Timothy "Tim" Drake is a DC Comics fictional superhero who, as Robin, is Batman's sidekick but also a young hero in his own right. Tim is the third and current Robin.
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[edit] Character history
[edit] Origin
DC Comics was left uncertain about readers' decision to kill Jason Todd, wondering if they felt Batman should be a lone vigilante, disliked Todd specifically, or just wanted to see if DC would actually kill the character. (See also: Batman: A Death in the Family). In addition, the 1989 Batman film did not feature Robin, giving DC a reason to keep him out of the comic book series for marketing purposes. Regardless, Batman editor Denny O'Neil introduced a new Robin.
Tim Drake, who is to become the new Robin, first appears in a flashback in Batman #436 (August 1989). Drake is a 13-year-old boy who has followed the adventures of Batman and Robin ever since witnessing the murder of the Flying Graysons when he was younger. This served to connect Drake to Dick Grayson, the first Robin, establishing a link that DC hoped would help readers accept this new Robin. At the age of nine, Drake surmises their secret identities with his instinctive detective skills, after watching Batman and Robin battle against the Penguin on a security tape shown on TV. While the Penguin was attempting to catch Batman unaware, Robin pounced on the Penguin after executing a quadruple somersault, which Tim had witnessed Dick execute during the final performance of the Flying Graysons. Knowing that only Dick Grayson could execute such a feat, Tim makes the connection and follows Batman and Robin's careers closely. [1]
Some years later, after Batman grows progressively more violent and reckless following the death of Jason Todd, Tim seeks out Dick Grayson to try to convince him to reprise his role as Robin. Convinced that he could not take a step back, Dick agrees to assist Batman again, but only as Nightwing. Tim, who is unsatisfied with Dick's decision, continues to argue that Batman needs a Robin. Finally he coaxes Alfred to help him, and taking the Robin costume from the Batcave pursues the original Dynamic Duo where he proves to be an invaluable asset in the capture of Two-Face.
Both Dick and Alfred can see that Tim is well suited not only as Robin but also as a force to keep Batman grounded emotionally. Although Batman is very reluctant to have another partner, he grudgingly agrees that the boy has potential and then begins an extended training period in which Tim endures months of physical, mental and psychological tests.
Before Tim can take on the role of Robin, a villain calling himself the Obeah Man captures his parents Jack and Janet Drake. While waiting for news of their rescue, he takes his mind off his worries by focusing on tracking down the hacker thief, Moneyspider, who he reveals is Anarky, thus solving his first solo case. Meanwhile, Batman rushes to rescue Tim's parents, but fails to save them before the Obeah Man poisons both Jack and Janet. Janet dies, and Jack is left in a coma for several months. Batman becomes even more reluctant to entrust Tim with the Robin mantle following this loss, afraid that the boy is too blinded by rage and a desire for vengeance. Tim proves himself when the Scarecrow kidnapps Batman and Vicki Vale. After that, Batman finally allows Tim Drake to become the newest Boy Wonder, wearing a more practical uniform, including long pants and no 'pixie' boots. [2]
[edit] Training abroad
In addition to being a primary character in the main Batman comic books, Drake is also the first Robin to star in his own series (both mini and later monthly).
The Robin mini-series (five issues published from January 1991 through May 1991, written by Chuck Dixon with Tom Lyle as penciller), took place immediately after Batman gave Tim the mantle. Wishing to make certain that his newest Robin did not repeat the mistakes of the previous Boy Wonder, Batman sends Tim to Paris in order to learn fighting skills from a master martial artist: Rahul Lama. There, he learns the healing arts from the aging master, while learning combat from his grandson. Unfortunately, Tim finds himself drawn into a battle against King Snake's criminal organization, the Ghost Dragons. While on this adventure, Tim joins forces with a former DEA agent, Clyde Rawlins. Unexpectedly, they are not the only ones after the King Snake: the world-class assassin Lady Shiva, who had wished to test her skill against the King Snake. She immediately saw potential of Tim as a fighter, and decided to take him under her wing and proceeded to train him in martial arts. As a bonus, she offered to teach him to use one weapon; Tim chose the bo staff. Shiva mentioned, somewhat derisively, that it was not a lethal weapon. To which Tim replied that was the reason he had chosen it. At the end of his training, he defeated Shiva in a sparring match with the bo, and as a gift she presented him with a collapsible bo staff which fit under his cape.
Meanwhile, King Snake was creating a virulent plague. The three attempted to stop them from releasing it, but the Ghost Dragons escaped with a few of the canisters. After tracking them to Hong Kong, they eventually defeated King Snake, though Rawlins died in the attempt and Shiva mostly watched the proceedings. Shiva ordered Robin to kill King Snake while he hung from a building, to signify his 'graduation' and thus become her 'weapon'. Robin, of course, refused to do so and left. It is believed that Shiva threw the King Snake off the ledge of the building to his death, though later it would be revealed that he did actually not die.
[edit] Not just a sidekick
When Robin returned to Gotham City, he began his official career as Batman's sidekick, and over the next several months, he began making himself known as a hero to be reckoned with. This led DC to give Tim yet another mini-series, entitled Robin II: Joker's Wild (published from October 1991 through December 1991), in which Tim is forced to face Jason Todd's murderer, the Joker, without the assistance of Batman. A third mini-series entitled Robin III: Cry of Huntress (published from December 1992 through March 1993) pitted Tim and the Huntress against Robin's old nemesis, the King Snake. This story delved deeper into the difficulties that Robin suffered as both a normal teenager and as a vigilante; particularly in the relationship with his father, who had come out of his coma only months prior. Both Robin II and Robin III featured the same creative team that worked on the first mini-series.
The popularity of the Robin mini-series led to the launch of a monthly series in November 1993, which has created a mythos independent of that of the main Batman story. The writers have given Robin an assortment of archenemies, such as the bumbling but cruel Cluemaster and the psychotic child criminal, the General. Chuck Dixon and Tom Grummett launched the series as writer and artist, respectively.
Meanwhile, Tim's father, Jack Drake, had at last come out of his coma but it left him paralyzed from the waist down. This new handicap and the loss of his wife left Jack with the desire to reconnect with his son, Tim. Tim's duties as the Boy Wonder and his close relationship with Bruce Wayne caused a greater rift between Jack and Tim, though they did attempt to reconcile.
In time, Jack regained the use of his legs with the aid of physical therapist Dana Winters. Although Dana was considerably younger than Jack, the two immediately felt an attraction for one another and began dating. The involvement of Dana in the Drakes' life was a blessing, as she was able to curb Jack's anger at his son for being so distant, as well as aid Tim to feel more connected with his father. As time passed, Jack proposed to Dana, and they were married; this following an incident in which Dana was possessed by a powerful witch and fought Robin, Spoiler, Wildcat, and Black Canary.
Tim was also given a romantic interest, a Russian girl named Ariana Dzerchenko, who was introduced in the third Robin limited series. While Tim and Ariana dated seriously they did break up, at which point Tim fell in love with Stephanie Brown, the Cluemaster's daughter, who rejected her father's lifestyle and adopted the superhero identity, the Spoiler. Interestingly enough, Stephanie did not know Robin's true identity when they began dating, due to the fact that Batman would not allow Tim to reveal it to her. Their romance was tested early on, when shortly after they began dating, Stephanie confessed to being pregnant from a previous relationship. Tim helps Stephanie during childbirth, after which the baby girl is given up for adoption, an action that affects both Tim and Stephanie greatly.
[edit] Young Justice and the Teen Titans
Much like Grayson, Tim Drake has allied himself with the other superheroes in his age demographic. He spent much time working primarily with only the Gotham City heroes, but would on occasion join forces with heroes such as Superman, the Flash, Superboy (who became Tim's best friend) and Impulse. Then, during one adventure where a pre-teen boy was given god-like powers, Robin, Superboy and Impulse joined forced to defeat him. The boys had worked so well together that they agreed to create their own team of heroes called Young Justice (a name they did not select themselves). Robin acted as the leader of the team until he temporarily quit the team following the Imperiex War. During that mission, the group was tortured on Apokolips and Robin had discovered that over half the team including Superboy, Wonder Girl, Impulse and Cissie King-Jones (formerly Arrowette), no longer trusted him. This was a result of the JLA discovering Batman kept contingency plans on them. The younger heroes began to wonder if Robin, who could be as secretive as Batman, might also have plans to defeat or even kill them.
When Tim returned, the team agreed to elect their leader this time around, and Tim lost to Wonder Girl. Despite no longer being the team's leader, the team still looked at Tim as its tactical expert, aiding Wonder Girl in leadership, similar to Batman's own position in the JLA. Unwilling to quit Young Justice a second time, Tim once took on the identity of "Mister Sarcastic" at a point where Young Justice had agreed to be become Reality TV stars.
Unfortunately, Young Justice disbanded following the death of Donna Troy. Cyborg, Starfire and Beast Boy drew Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl and Impulse (later known as Kid Flash) together to form the new Teen Titans. While Cyborg took the post as leader of the Titans overall, Robin was often seen as the leader of the younger members, even going against the direct orders of the elder Titans, who at times were coddling them. In the "Titans Tomorrow" storyline, Tim encountered his future self in the identity of Batman after his mentor died in a crisis. This future happened despite his repeated statement that he did not want to be the next Batman, and was rather content being Robin. In this timeline, Tim is now the leader of the future Titans with himself as Batman. After the death of Bruce Wayne, Tim had the Titans take control of the entire West Coast and for any rebellions to be stopped by Dark Raven absorbing the people's free will and hope. He even hunted down most of Batman's old Rogue's gallery and killed them with the handgun that was used to kill Thomas and Martha Wayne. As he explained to his younger self, 'It took me years to do it'. He even began a relationship with Bette Kane who became his partner, Batwoman. But he later killed her when she didn't agree with his ways, however he was unable to cope and made a deal with Ra's al Ghul (seemingly alive in this timeline) to restore her using the Lazarus Pit. Unfortunately for Tim she joined the Titans East (led by an older version of Cyborg) because of what he had done and opposed him and his team. His latest victim before the younger Teen Titans showed up was Duela Dent, the Joker's Daughter, who he apparently murdered out of revenge for the death of Alfred Pennyworth.
[edit] War Games
Just before The War Games story arc, Tim's father, Jack Drake, discovers that Tim is actually Robin. Jack was enraged and threatened to expose the secret identities of all those involved with Batman. Tim however offered Jack a deal, in which he would give up his role as Robin to respect his father's wishes and in exchange, Jack would keep their secret identities safe.
After this, Stephanie Brown took over the role of Robin for a short period, until Batman fired her for disobeying orders. Soon after a massive gang war consumed Gotham City that soon found its way into Tim's school. After assisting the Bat-Team to the best of his abilities, with no equipment or costume, Tim managed to protect his classmates, but not without casualties. Following this, Tim then realized that he could not disregard his responsibilities and took up the Robin mantle again, against his father's wishes. When Jack found that Tim was again Robin, he grudgingly realized how truly important his son was to Gotham, despite the immense danger.
During her attempt to stop the villain known as the Black Mask, the crimelord captured and tortured Spoiler. She later died from both her injuries and the willful negligence of Leslie Thompkins at the end of the story arc.
[edit] Identity Crisis and Blüdhaven
- Main article: Identity Crisis
In Identity Crisis, Tim, along with the rest of the superhero community is trying to keep all of their loved ones safe after some tragic attacks have come down upon the family members of the Justice League.
One night while Batman and Robin are investigating these crimes, they receive an incoming transmission from Oracle saying that Tim's father needs to speak to him immediately. It turns out that there is an intruder in the Drake home and a mysterious note with a gun is left for Jack suggesting that he protect himself. Jack tells Tim that he is proud of him and that he is not responsible if something bad happens. The intruder turns out to be the hired killer Captain Boomerang. Jack fires as Captain Boomerang unleashes a razor boomerang and the two kill each other before Batman and Robin can make it back to the scene. Like Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, Tim Drake has now lost both of his parents due to the evils in the world.
After Identity Crisis, Bruce Wayne offered to adopt Tim, who was not fond of the idea. In order to avoid this, he falsifies records to create an uncle who would become his 'legal guardian'. He then moves in with his 'Uncle Eddie' in Blüdhaven (Nightwing's previous stomping grounds), whilst his step-mother receives treatment at a psychiatric hospital for the mental stress she is under due to the gruesome murder of her husband Jack. Although Tim covers his tracks well, Bruce is still able to figure out the truth. Tim was surprised that his actions had not angered Batman . Instead he was very much impressed with the demonstration of the abilities needed to create a situation that took some real detective work for him to figure out. He even offered to teach Tim to cover his tracks completely. It would seem that all is well between Batman and Robin until the Veteran, a military super-hero legend (similar to Marvel Comics' Captain America), attempted to recruit Robin as a part of his unit. Tim, now concerned with his own mission rather than Batman's mission, took the Veteran's offer under consideration and on occasion went on a mission with his team to get a feel for what the job would be like. However following later events, Tim apparently has turned down the offer.
[edit] Robin vs. Robin
Some time after the events of Identity Crisis, a new villain appeared in Gotham, going under the alias of the Red Hood, an identity previously used by the Joker. It was soon discovered that the new Red Hood was Jason Todd, who by all accounts was supposed to be dead.
While Jason managed to cause immense pain for Batman, he had not forgotten that someone had replaced him as Robin. Tim Drake had not only taken his place, but also done a far more satisfactory job at it than he had. Furious at his so-called replacement, Jason broke into Titans Tower wearing an oddly-fashioned version of his own Robin costume. Quickly immobilizing the other Titans, Jason confronted Tim to see if the new Boy Wonder was really as good as everyone claimed. The two Robins fought, until at last Jason had struck down Tim in the Hall of Fallen Titans. Jason revealed his anger at how he had once been a temporary Titan, and yet there had been no statue made of him, as if he were forgotten. He then furiously demanded of Tim, who lay broken at his feet, if he was really as good as everyone claimed he was, to which Tim said "Yes" before passing out.
Jason could have easily killed Tim, but he instead simply tore off the 'R' shaped emblem from his chest. In the epilogue of the story, Jason has developed a grudging respect for Tim stating "I'll admit, he is good. And he has friends. Real friends", and he is left wondering if he would have been a better Robin and a better person, had he managed to have a life like Tim's and friends like the Titans.
[edit] Infinite Crisis and 52
As of the events surrounding the Infinite Crisis storyline, Robin, along with the Veteran's forces, must defend the city of Blüdhaven against an army of OMACs who captured dozens of metahumans for immediate extermination. After a virus deactivated the cyborgs (see also: The OMAC Project), Tim, the Shadowpact and the Veteran's team accomplished the capture of the metahumans. With Blüdhaven safe, Wonder Girl arrived on the scene asking Robin for aid. Along with the Teen Titans, the Doom Patrol and the Justice Society of America he battled against Superboy-Prime who had gone on a violent assault of their world's Superboy. The result of this fight had over-taxed Conner's body to the point where it began eating away at itself for energy.
After Robin's departure from Blüdhaven, the city was destroyed by The Society. Although he was worried for his stepmother, his fake-uncle, and Nightwing, Tim continued to Titans Tower. He then led a successful assault into one of Lex Luthor's genetic research bases to find a cure for Superboy. With Blüdhaven still in chaos, Superman, who believed Tim to be more than qualified, left Robin in command of all the super-hero rescue efforts. However, when the Government executed a complete lock down of the city, they kicked the Titans out of Blüdhaven.
Following the discovery of Superboy's death in the North Pole, Robin joined the rest of the world's heroes in a final battle against the Society in Metropolis. Although the heroes won the battle, it involved the death and injuries of many other heroes and villains. After the Infinite Crisis, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Tim Drake spent time retracing Bruce Wayne's original journey around the world in his quest to become Batman (see also: 52).
[edit] One Year Later
After spending nearly a year away from home after the events of the Infinite Crisis, Tim is the first to return to Gotham following his trip with Batman and Nightwing. He receives a message from an unknown source telling him that if he does not return to the states, Batgirl, will be killed. Returning to Gotham City and donning a new costume, Tim moves into the Wayne Estate, but in the Carriage House which as been converted into a loft and Robin's new nest, as opposed to the Manor proper.
The quick accusation as the murderer of Batgirl mars Tim's return to Gotham City . The body is revealed as that of the villain Lynx in a Batgirl costume. Someone had planted her body as a lure so an unknown assailant can attack Robin.
Robin eludes the Gotham P.D. when they arrive on the scene. Refusing to sit out the investigation, he infiltrates the police station to look for evidence and steals the mask of the fake Batgirl costume. Lady Shiva arrives at Wayne Manor while Tim is running tests on the mask. , She informs Tim of the death of Nyssa al Ghul, daughter of Ra's al Ghul and head of the League of Assassins, and her suspicions that someone outside the League was trying to usurp it. Robin returns to his investigation before finding a note in Batgirl's cowl, written in Navajo code, informing him that, to save Cassandra, he had to give them her father, David Cain. Robin breaks into Blackgate Prison and captures Cain, only to learn that Cassandra herself has taken over the League.
Asking Robin to kill David and join her, Cassandra claims she has accepted her fate as a killer and has killed David's other daughter. Robin refuses, and Cassandra shoots her father. Believing David to be dead, Robin tries to bring in Cassandra. While he manages to hold his own against her and her League, an explosion forces them all to flee. When Tim returns to David's body, he finds Cassandra's league of assassins all dead with broken necks and Cain's body missing.
After returning to Gotham City, Tim finds that his mini-cam did survive the explosion and that it captured the entire battle, giving Tim a way to clear his name. As he laments the fact that the footage will brand Cassandra a murderer, Killa 'Nilla approaches Robin with a boomerang given to him by Owen Mercer and explains that the new Captain Boomerang is looking for him. While Robin assumes that Boomerang is out to finish what his father began, Owen reveals that he wishes to make amends and even helps Tim locate a bomb set by the Joker. Although they are far from friends, they have developed a sort of respect and civility.
Another big change has taken place for Tim since returning to Gotham. During a recent case in which Batman and Robin were forced to face off against a revived Two-Face, Bruce had begun thinking about Tim's place in the world following the deaths of both his parents and the events of the Crisis. Finally, Bruce approaches Tim again with the idea of adoption. Unlike the first attempt, Tim readily accepts this, even going so far as to hug Bruce with tears in his eyes. Along with the adoption, plans are made to move Tim into the Manor using the room once owned by Dick and later Jason.
[edit] The "new" Teen Titans
Meanwhile, Robin has rejoined the Teen Titans. Tim quickly called together two new Titans, but Wonder Girl refused to return, feeling abandoned by Robin following the death of Superboy. Cyborg has recently returned to the team though it appears that Robin is still in command. There also appears to be some sexual tension between Tim and Rose Wilson, the Ravager and daughter of Deathstroke. She even propositions him for sex late one night in his room. He is not amused and not only rejects her, but handcuffs her.
Tim has set up a secret facility beneath Titans Tower for the express purpose of recreating Superboy via replicating his DNA. Despite his efforts, all his attempts have so far failed. Unable to let his best friend go [1], Robin still keeps Conner's costume mounted in glass, grieving the death much like Batman grieved the death of Jason Todd. Following their completion of a battle against the Brotherhood of Evil with the Doom Patrol, Wonder Girl chose to return to the team full time, and went in search of Robin to inform him of her decision. However, she ended up discovering his secret lab in which Tim confessed how much he misses Conner. As the two grieved together, they ended up sharing a passionate, yet unexpected kiss, which appears to have shocked both of them.
[edit] Skills and abilities
Tim Drake possesses the normal human strength of a teenager who regularly engages in intensive physical exercise. The Batman has trained him in many disciplines, such as martial arts, criminology, acrobatics, stealth, disguise, escapology, and so on.
His naturally high intellect has allowed him to excel as a skilled detective. His ability to deduce the secret identities of superheroes on his own has been used to underscore his skill. Among the identities used in this way are the Batman, both of his predecessors as Robin, the Huntress, and Captain Marvel. In Robin vol. 2, #136 (May 2005) Batman states that Tim is smarter than either himself or Alfred.
[edit] Costume and equipment
Drake's original costume was slightly different from that of his predecessors as supplied by Batman to give him a measure of increased protection. It includes an armored tunic, a cape that is black on the outside though still yellow on the inside, and green leggings. Other details include an armored gorget, jika-tabi style boots, an emergency "R" shuriken on his chest in addition to the traditional batarangs, and a collapsible bo staff as primary weapon. There is also a general change of the theme of the equipment from "Bat" to "Robin".
Following the Infinite Crisis' aftermath, Tim has updated his costume design. These updates include long sleeves, the elimination of the green from the suit, the addition of scallops to his gloves and cape, and inclusion of a utility belt with pockets. The scallops on the cape give an illusion of feathers rather than bat-wings, as seen on the cape of the Batman. The stylized "R" on Robin's chest has been replaced with a more traditional one, though its appearance may vary from artist to artist. Robin retains his "R" shurikens, but he now carries them in his belt as opposed to his tunic. This new costume closely resembles the Robin suit worn by the Tim Drake character in The New Batman Adventures (see below).
[edit] Personal life
During his early career, Drake is different from the previous Robins in that his father is alive and does not know of Tim's life as Robin. His mother, however, is murdered before he officially becomes Robin, and his father is put into a coma. Initially, Tim's best friend at Gotham Heights is a nerd named Ives. They remain friends until Tim's father sends him to the Brentwood Academy for Boys. They renew the friendship after Tim's father can no longer afford to send him to Brentwood, but they lose contact when Tim begins to attend a high school in Gotham. At Tim's new school, he becomes friends with Bernard, a hyperactive metrosexual. One Year Later, at another new school, Tim becomes friend with a boy named Jared, who has a habbit of trying to one-up Tim financially.
Tim's closest friend is Conner Kent, followed closely by Bart Allen and Cassandra Sandsmark, Robin's Young Justice and Teen Titans teammates Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash. Tim is also particularly close with Dick Grayson, with whom he shares a brotherly relationship. Tim's favorite superhero is the Blue Beetle with whom he becomes friends through Barbara Gordon.[3]
Tim's love interests tend toward the dangerous. They include Ariana Dzerchenko, daughter of a deli owner targeted and murdered by the Russian mob; gangleader Lynx; Darla Aquista, daughter of a mafia boss; and fellow vigilante Spoiler, daughter of the Cluemaster, with whom he has his longest relationship. Other characters are attracted to Tim, including Young Justice teammates Secret and Arrowette, who steals a kiss from Robin before quitting the team. In an issue of Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., Tim expresses an interest in Courtney Whitmore, although this has not been picked up on recently.
Comic book stories published between 2004 and 2005 establish that over a period of several months Tim’s personal life is sent into turmoil. One of his love interests, Darla Aquista, is killed in a gang war. His girlfriend, Stephanie Brown, is tortured and murdered. His father dies in a fight with Captain Boomerang.[4] His step-mother has a nervous breakdown and needs to be placed in a psychiatric ward and later disappears following the attack on Blüdhaven,[citation needed] His favorite superhero and friend Ted Kord is murdered. His best friend, Superboy, dies saving the world.
In the "One Year Later" stories, Tim's former love interest Lynx is found dead, and he is suspected in her murder, and he later learns that former Batgirl, Cassandra Cain is responsible. Not wanting to lose another person in his life, Tim offers Cassandra help and is distraught when he realizes that clearing his name will brand Cassandra as a murderer.
In Teen Titans, Tim and Wonder Girl kiss while mourning Superboy. Tim later says that it was a mistake, and Wonder Girl agrees. In Robin, Tim finds a new potential love interest in fellow classmate Zoanne. After agreeing to tutor Tim, Zoanne realizes that he is not an aloof snob and becomes attracted to Tim.
[edit] Robin graphic novels
In 1993, a few years after his debut as Robin, DC launched a monthly solo series featuring Tim Drake's adventures as Robin, with Batman appearing as a supporting character. As of 2006, the series is still ongoing. He has also starred in some miniseries and one-shots. This material as been collected as follows:
| Title | Material collected |
|---|---|
| Pre-series graphic novels | |
| "Robin" | Robin vol. 1, #1-5 |
| "Robin II: The Joker's Wild!" | Robin II #1-4 |
| "Robin III: Cry of the Huntress" | Robin III #1-6 |
| Showcase '93 | Showcase '93 #5-6, 11-12 |
| Regular series graphic novels | |
| "A Hero Reborn" | Batman #455-457, Robin vol. 2, #1-5 |
| "Flying Solo" | Robin vol. 2, #1-6, Showcase '94 #5-6 |
| "Unmasked" | Robin vol. 2, #121-125 |
| "Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood" | Robin vol. 2, #132-133, Batgirl #58-59 |
| "To Kill a Bird" | Robin vol. 2, #134-139 |
| Other graphic novels | |
| "Tragedy and Triumph" | Detective Comics #618-621, Robin II #1-5 |
| Robin 80-Page Giant #1 | special issue |
[edit] In other media
Tim Drake appears in the DC Animated Universe as the second Robin, who joins after Dick Grayson leaves to become Nightwing. In The New Batman Adventures, he is the son of a small time criminal who worked for Two-Face, but tried to run away after he found out that Two-Face was attempting to use a chemical agent to hold the city hostage. Matt Valencia provides his voice in the The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Eli Marienthal provides his voice in the Static Shock episode "The Big Leagues" and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman movie. Shane Sweet provides his voice on Static Shock episode "Future Shock". Dean Stockwell provides the voice of the middle age version of the character on Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.
Tim found himself a target of Two-Face's goons, trying to find out where his father had hidden the two parts of the poison, and was rescued by Batman, who was injured in the process. Tim ended up stealing a Robin suit in order to help Batman and Batgirl stop Two-Face. He continued serving as Robin until an incident where he was kidnapped and brainwashed by the Joker, an incident that ended in the Clown Prince of Crime's apparent death. After Tim recovered under the care of Dr. Leslie Thompkins, Bruce forbade him from being Robin. Tim set out on his own, but eventually retired from super-heroics, and lived a normal life, with being married and fathered two children. Forty years later, in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, it is discovered that the Joker had implanted a chip into Drake's brain containing his personality, consciousness, and genetic code. This caused Tim's body and mind to transform temporarily into a replica of the Joker. This new Joker tormented an aged Bruce Wayne and the new Batman many years later. Batman freed Drake from the Joker's influences after he defeated the Clown Prince of Crime and his gang of Jokerz. Afterward, Bruce and Tim reconcilled their relationship in a hospital room.
The animated version of the character is a composite of Jason Todd and Tim Drake, being more similar in character history to Jason and resembling earlier versions of Dick Grayson in personality. A non-costumed Tim briefly appears as part of the alternate Batman's resistance against Vandal Savage in the Justice League episode Savage Time (Part 1). He also appears attending Superman's funeral in Hereafter along with Alfred.
While out of canon, he helps the Justice League against Felix Faust in Justice League Adventures #32.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Batman #441
- ^ Batman #457
- ^ Dixon, Chuck (w), Guice, Jackson (p), Guice, Jackson (i). "Masks" Birds of Prey v1 #19 July, 2000 DC Comics.
- ^ Meltzer, Brad (w), Morales, Rags (p), Bair, Michael (i). "Chapter Four: Who Benefits" Identity Crisis v1 #4 November 2004 DC Comics.
[edit] External links
| Robin | |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Bob Kane and Bill Finger |
| Secret identities: | Dick Grayson • Jason Todd • Tim Drake • Stephanie Brown |
| Allies: | Batman • Alfred Pennyworth • Batgirl • Nightwing • Oracle • Titans |
| Antagonists: | Tony Zucco • The Joker • Catwoman • King Snake |
| Locations: | Batcave • Gotham City • Wayne Manor • Blüdhaven |
| Miscellanea: | Robincycle • Other media • Alternate versions of Robin |
| Batman | |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Bob Kane and Bill Finger • Other writers and artists |
| Supporting Characters: | Robin (Tim Drake) • Nightwing (Dick Grayson) • Batgirl • Batwoman • Alfred Pennyworth • Lucius Fox • Barbara Gordon • Commissioner Gordon • Harvey Bullock |
| Villains: | Bane • Catwoman • Clayface • Harley Quinn • Joker • Killer Croc • Mr. Freeze • Penguin • Poison Ivy • Ra's al Ghul • Red Hood (Jason Todd) • Riddler • Scarecrow • Two-Face • Other villains |
| Locations: | Arkham Asylum • Batcave • Gotham City • Wayne Enterprises • Wayne Manor |
| Miscellanea: | Batarang • Batmobile • Batsuit • Popular media • Publications • Storylines • Alternate versions of Batman |
Categories: Comics articles needing cleanup | Cleanup from October 2006 | Articles with unsourced statements | Batman supporting characters | DC Comics heroes, non-superpowered | DC Comics martial artists | Fictional adoptees | Fictional Americans in DC Comics | Fictional cloners | Fictional detectives | Fictional orphans | Fictional sidekicks | Fictional vigilantes
