Things are going to get worse before they get better forBatmanand his longtime partnerRobin.As Batman and Robinface an inflection point in their partnership, a glimpse into the future reveals what dark trials are waiting for Bruce Wayne and his son which could exacerbate their most trying event.
2025 is passing by fast and before long, it’ll be May. But while the Man of Steel enjoys the optimism ofthe “Summer of Superman"initiative, a dark shadow is falling over Gotham’s heroes. In DC’s solicitations for May, fans get their first look atBatman and Robin #21and the horrors waiting Bruce and Damian.
Robin has been kidnappedby the villainous Mementoand Batman is facing one of the most devastating mental attacks he’s ever encountered. The solicitation came with a variant that shows Robin fighting off a mass of tentacles as Batman helplessly watches from a distance.
Batman and Robin’s New Villain is Out to Destroy the Dynamic Duo
Memento’s Latest Attack Will End Damian’s Time as Robin
To say that things have been difficult for Batman and his son would be an understatement. But things have grown worse since the debut of Memento, a new enemy who has been recreating some of the most heinous events in Gotham. Ever since he emerged, things have been challenging for Bruce and Damian, the latter of whom has felt incredible guilt since a little girl died during Memento’s first attack. Damian has been on a journey of self-discovery through Batman and Robin andthe Boy Wonder appears to be ready to let his role as Batman’s sidekick go for good.
It’s clear that Damian is ready to leave Robin behind. He’s been working with Doctor Bashar, and he believes he was meant to do more than fight in wars. If he’s not already fully convinced, this new attack that Memento is preparing certainly appears like it could push Damian over the edge. After all, a villain kidnapping Robin is usually a precursor to a big change (think about what happened with Jason Todd in “Death of the Family”). The real question is Damian going to get a chance to leaveor will Batman and Robin’s relationship end more violently?
Damian’s Time as Robin is Over, But is it Also Curtains for Batman’s Son?
One Way Or Another, the Dynamic Duo’s Time is Done
This wouldn’t be the first time Bruce and Damian’s partnership has ended, but Damian wants real growth and change in his life. It’d make sense for him to end this current arc by officially dumping the Robin mantle and beginning the next chapter of his life. But there would also be pathos if Damian also died as a result of what Memento has planned, just as the Boy Wonder was about to make a positive development. However, this issue shakes out, it’s clear thatBatmanandRobinhave dark days ahead of them.
Batman and Robin #21is available on May 14th from DC Comics.
