Damian Wayne, Batman’s secret son, changed DC Comics for the worse

As a long-time fan of Batman comics and someone who grew up reading stories about the complex dynamics between Bruce Wayne and his “found family” of sidekicks and allies, I’ve watched with frustration as Damian Wayne‘s arrival on the scene has led to a troubling trend in the Batman universe.

In simpler terms, every less-known superhero character in comics holds a favorite spot for someone out there. No character is insignificant or disappointing; it’s all about discovering the right narrative that resonates with you.

As a longtime fan of Batman comics, I can truly appreciate your devotion to Damian Wayne, the brilliant and troubled son of Bruce Wayne. Your passion for this complex character resonates with me, and I hold you in high regard for it. However, I must confess that as I type these words, a deep sense of sadness washes over me. With a heavy heart, I implore you to cease reading further.

I think Damian Wayne was a mistake.

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If you’ve landed on this page just for the sake of chaotic dramas, then you might be curious: who is Damian Wayne? Kudos to you for your appreciation!

In 1987, Mike W. Barr wrote and Jerry Bingham illustrated an intriguing Batman tale: Bruce Wayne had a child with Talia al Ghul, Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter. Although this story was deemed non-canonical during the “Zero Hour” crisis (a lesser-known DC comics event), over an extended period of time, even seemingly insignificant details resurface. More recently, Grant Morrison took over Batman and reintroduced this intriguing plotline.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d put it this way: Morrison is an author known for turning obscure comics references into significant plot points with a wink and a smile. Working alongside artist Andy Kubert, Morrison brought Damian Wayne, Batman’s son hidden from Bruce until he was ten, to the forefront of Gotham City’s lore. Replacing Tim Drake as Robin, this young prodigy has remained the youngest member of the team under Morrison’s guidance.

Damian, on the written page, has established a consistent persona. Raised as an assassin, he faces challenges adhering to Batman’s edict: no killing whatsoever. His upbringing instilled veneration for his mass-murdering grandfather and heroic father, leaving him grappling with contrasting ideologies. He experiences complex emotions towards his mother, who has created clones or manipulated his spine to replace him or compel him to eliminate Batman. Furthermore, Damian shares a delightful friendship with Superman’s son.

Damian is a complex teenager with conflicting emotions, often appearing grumpy and in need of guidance, yet pushing it away at the same time. His outer layer is that of a superhero, but inside he’s figuring out who he truly is. When writers and artists capture this essence, Damian adds an essential element of racial diversity to the mythos of Gotham. I can’t deny being drawn to such a character – a child raised as a weapon striving to break free from that destiny. This theme genuinely captivates me.

I have one issue with Damian’s character on its own – he portrays an infuriating double standard, which is actually a criticism of sexism in fandom and society as a whole. In other words, if Damian were a female character named Damienne Wayne, who had the same skills, lived at Wayne Manor, and was accepted as Robin despite having killed someone, she would be harshly criticized and labeled as a “Mary Sue.” This label is often applied to overpowered female characters in stories.

The issue I have with Damian Wayne goes beyond his personality, but rather the impact it has on Batman tales. With Damian being Batman’s sole biological son, his presence has resulted in a lessening of Bruce’s bonds with his foster children. Ever since Morrison and Kubert introduced one blood relative into Batman’s circle of wards and companions, numerous narratives have emerged where Damian is portrayed as Bruce’s top priority and eventual heir as Batman.

As a long-time fan of Batman comics, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing many intriguing storylines throughout the years. One that stands out to me is the arc where Batman embarked on a global journey in search of a way to resurrect his son Damian, who was tragically killed by a clone created by his mother. This came after Damian’s death at the hands of a clone – standard fare for Batman comics, I know.

In the Harley Quinn cartoon, some decisions were made for practical reasons, such as Damian being the youngest and current Robin or the humorous concept of a small, murder-obsessed kitten as Robin. However, these choices do not change the fact that Damian is seen as Batman’s true heir and the Robin whom Batman feels most connected to. After all, Damian is Batman’s genuine son.

I’m really irritated by that message for two reasons. First, it questions the integrity of my beloved superhero, Batman. But what makes me even more angry is the fact that the concept of a non-related superhero team was pioneered in Batman comics.

Since Robin first appeared in 1940, the formation of deep bonds outside of blood relations has been a major appeal of superhero narratives. Batman’s storyline initially introduced the sidekick-mentor dynamic, but the focus on his solitary existence gave way to the exploration of Batman’s extensive non-biological family in Gotham City tales during the 1980s and beyond.

Approximately four to five Robins, one to three Batgirls, and a number of fluctuating romantic-villain adversaries such as Talia and Catwoman were among the cast. Additionally, there were secondary vigilantes like Huntress, Azrael, the Question, or Batwoman, whose roles varied from being accepted to disliked depending on the situation. Overseeing it all was Alfred Pennyworth, with his sarcastic humor, compassionate words, and stern reprimands when necessary.

Damian’s presence has significantly impacted Batman’s life, making him Batman’s most significant son in various subtle ways. This change raises questions about Bruce Wayne’s moral character among creators, leading them to portray his relationships with his other children as more ordinary and less complex.

Since Morrison’s tenure, comics have seen a trend moving away from intricate interpersonal relationships between Batman and his sidekicks. This shift has led to simpler dynamics among the Bat-family. For instance, if Damian refers to Batman as “father,” it follows that other orphaned members of the Bat-family should be portrayed as understanding they too are Batman’s children, not just trainees. Dick Grayson’s tension under Batman’s leadership is now resolved. If Damian’s character includes grappling with the morality of taking lives, it seems inconsistent for Batman to criticize Jason Todd for doing the same. Tim Drake’s concern that his double life and found family are creating a rift between him and his widowed father can be set aside; Tim is now an accepted member of the Bat-family.

Let me clarify that I don’t mean to downplay the charm of lighter stories like “Wayne Family Adventures.” But when it comes to thrilling superhero tales, I believe the Bat-family thrives on complexity. X-Men fans know that the intriguing relationships are a significant part of the allure, with conflicts between characters like Charles Xavier and Magneto adding depth. In contrast, Batman fans can relate to the deep bond between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, which they might not express in words but rather convey through emotional and moving actions repeatedly.

The dynamic between the Bat-family members is most intriguing when it’s a complex web of deep respect tainted by hidden frustrations. For instance, Batgirl queries, “Why are you here?”, and Nightwing retorts with a sarcastic tone, “Just sticking to my well-worn path of compulsive behavior, nurtured since childhood.” This scenario suggests that the Robins have had enough of Batman’s emotional suppression once and for all, only to confront a villain with their unified declaration, “We were trained by the greatest.” Essentially, they are a collection of individuals with an extensive emotional history, yet they remain united by an unwavering commitment to one another.

As a dedicated fan of Batman lore for decades, I have seen various interpretations of the Dark Knight and his Robin sidekicks. Yet, none has stirred up as much controversy and frustration for me as Damian Wayne. I’ve watched him grow from an arrogant, unruly boy into a skilled and formidable warrior. But what I can’t relate to or accept is his father, Bruce Wayne, favoring him above all other Robins.

Damian’s tales have an uncanny effect of transforming Batman into a villain, but it’s important to remember that this isn’t Damian’s doing. The true pity lies in how the larger Batman narrative had to adjust significantly to restore his heroic image.

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2024-07-18 21:19