Summary

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman #147!EvenRobinbelieves thatBatmanwas right to bring in young heroes to aid him in his crusade against crime. The Dark Knight is on the run and Bruce Wayne is working with one of his oldest allies, leading to a moment that provides the best defense forBatman’s line of Robins.

InBatman #147by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jiménez, Bruce is on the run after escaping from Zur-En-Arrh’s prison. After assembling gear, Bruce heads out to the only place he believes he’s safe from Zur-En-Arrh: Bruce’s family cabin. Thankfully, Batman isn’t alone as he’s joined by Tim Drake.

robin explains why batman was right to recruit children

The two work in the cabin and have a heart-to-heart aboutthe chaos Batman has been going through. As Batman opens up about how afraid he is about putting his family in danger,Robin tells Bruce his sidekicks would have ended up crimefighters anyway and that Batman’s training saved them all.

Robin Admits Batman’s Guidance Saved His Sidekicks' Lives

Thanks to one of the most stressful periods in his life, Batman’s backup personality, the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh has sprung into action with a plan to eliminate crime everywhere. Zur-En-Arrh transferred his consciousness into the indestructible Failsafe body and immediately took Gotham under his control. Not only did Zur-En-Arrh arrest Batman, but he also arrested most of the Dark Knight’s rogues' gallery, not to mention any criminal unfortunate enough to cross Zur-En-Arrh’s path. ButBatman figured out a way to escape Zur-En-Arrh’s prisonand left Gotham to figure out a way he could end Zur-En-Arrh’s reign of terror.

Tim’s observation isn’t exactly wrong. Gotham had a history of creating crime-fighters long before Batman and even without the Dark Knight, the city saw vigilantes rise independent of the Bat-Family. Dick, Jason, and Tim all could have wound up still becoming heroes after tragedy struck their lives even if they never met Batman. The only real difference is if they didn’t, they almost certainly wouldn’t have done their work as effectively or safely. There’s always going to be crime that changes young people’s lives in Gotham, anda figure like Batman is the best thing around for those potential heroes.

Batman in Shadows Looking Down on Gotham as rain falls around him.

Batman’s Mentorship Gives Young Heroes What They Need

Batman might be criticized for the numerous Robins he’s recruited over the years. But almost every one of his partners likely would have turned to crime-fighting without him anyway. In addition to a home and family, Bruce gave people like Tim and Dick the training they needed. Not only did it bring out their full potential, but it also ensured that they had the necessary skills to stay alive when fighting the most powerful villains in Gotham. As long asBatman’saround, futureRobinsalways have someone looking over their shoulder to make them the best fighters possible.

Multiple versions of DC hero Robin from across the publisher’s history, together in one panel.

Batman #147 Main Cover: Bruce holds his Batman cowl in front of other images of Robin Damian Wayne and Amanda Waller.