When Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo end their epic Dark Knight run with Batman #51 next month they leave fans with amazing parting gifts in form of cool new characters in Gotham City.
Harper Row aka Bluebird, Julia Pennyworth, Duke Thomas are part of the new generation of allies in the Batman family introduced in The New 52.
As a boy, Duke helped Bruce Wayne in his Zero Year as a costumed crime fighter under Riddler’s reign. The breakout star led the We Are Robin title and movement. Will Duke have a new code-name and role in the DC Comics Rebirth?
We speculated more than a year ago, a member of new cast will become the next Robin. and debate who could become Bruce’s sidekick in our Robin Roundups.
As we wait for Snyder and Capullo’s final issue and Rebirth details, it looks like we may have a new Robin.
Before we continue here’s a SPOILER ALERT!
If you have not read Batman #50 stop reading now.
Seriously.
OK.
Here it comes.
After the Dark Knight’s victory against Mister Bloom, Bruce Wayne (not as Batman) said to Duke, “I have an offer for you.”
Does this mean Duke will become the new Robin?
Following young Duke’s Zero Year debut, the character turned up again in a possible story set five years in the future where he was wearing a Robin costume and fighting side by side with Batman.
Duke also showed up in a vision of Bruce Wayne as a costumed hero code-named Lark.
Damian Wayne is the current Robin and now that Bruce has his memories back he will remember his son. Damian might be co-starring with Jonathan Kent (son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane in an alternate universe) in a new book called The Super Sons in the Rebirth.
Duke is a compelling hero, he has the costume, he has the experience and he shares a tragic moment involving his parents that drives him.
DC Rebirth will introduce Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. Maybe Duke as Lark will join this team along with Harper Row/Bluebird? We may know more at the DC Rebirth event this Saturday at WonderCon and in Batman #51, the final issue by Snyder and Capullo.
The New 52 Batman creative team redefined the Dark Knight and gave him an extended cast of young heroes you want to root for. Let’s hope the new Team Batman will let Duke (as Robin or Lark) and Bluebird continue to soar.
By Editor