Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for The Boy Wonder #3!The iconicRobinrivalry between Tim Drake and Damian Wayne has been reimagined in a new and incredibly fresh way with a cutting insult from Tim that lays the groundwork for what could inspire the duo’s ideal live-action dynamic. But before Damian Wayne fans mobilize against Tim Drake stans for daring to insult their beloved ‘smol bean,’ there’s more than just this single line to consider.
The Boy Wonderoffers a fresh perspective on their rivalry and shifts focus to Damian’s character rather than Tim’s personal grievances.
Juni Ba’s Damian Wayne-centric series returns withThe Boy Wonder#3. Following the previous issues that featured Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, this installment explores Damian’s early relationship with his older brother, Tim Drake.
Highly anticipated due to the legendary rivalry between these characters and their dedicated fan bases, Ba exceeds expectations in portraying the two Boy Wonders.He revitalizes their rivalry by anchoring it in a new way while also masterfully capturing their brotherly dynamics and growth, making this comic a perfect source of inspiration for future live-action DC projects.
Juni Ba Gets Rid of Tim Drakes’s Personal Grudge Against Damian Wayne (& It’s For the Best)
While attending a gala together, Damian and Tim engage in a heated argument about Tim’s lack of trust in the younger boy. When Damian challenges him on this, Tim responds sharply, saying, “I can’t pin you down, kid. I can’t tell if you value life. I can’t tell if, when push comes to shove, you’d put your life on the line for someone else.”This statement cuts deep, questioning Damian’s suitability as Robin and implying doubts about his potential heroism. This fresh perspective on their rivalry shiftsfocus to Damian’s characterrather than Tim’s personal grievances.
In previous comic series, therivalry between Red Robin and Robinhas often centered around Tim’s personal grudge against Damian, stemming from Damian ‘taking’ the Robin mantle and his previous attempts on Tim’s life, along with Damian’s generally sour demeanor. Ba cleverly shifts focus away from this animosity, instead highlighting Tim’s distrust of Damian’s suitability as Robin, questioning whether Damian possesses the heart and right motivations for the role. This approach allows for gradual character development and dynamic growth, moving beyond past grievances that had stagnated their relationship in mainstream continuity for years.
The Boy Wonder#3 Sees Robin and Red Robin Learn to Trust Each Other (& It’s Cinematic Perfection)
Ba not only establishes a new anchor for Robin and Red Robin’s rivalry but also elevates their relationship.Early in the issue, Tim expresses his distrust of Damian. However, when Red Robin witnesses Damian confronting one of Ra’s al Ghul’s demons, he acknowledges Damian’s commitment to doing what’s right. While not an explicit declaration of trust, it marks significant progress. The comic’s standout moment occurs when Damian saves Tim by stepping into harm’s way, creating a full-circle moment where Damian proves his willingness to risk his life for others. These character dynamics make Ba’sRobin-centered story an ideal source of inspiration for future movies.
The Boy Wonder #1 Perfectly Reinvents the Robin Origin Story of Bruce Wayne’s Son (Review)
Juni Ba’s “The Boy Wonder #1” is an emotional deep dive into the psyche of Damian Wayne, gorgeously reimagining his Robin origin story.
