Even Robin knows what set Stephanie Brown apart from the rest of the Bat-Family. Since her introduction, Stephanie has been a staunch part of Batman’s army, either as the Spoiler, Robin or Batgirl–but at the same time, she has stood apart from the rest of them. In 2009’s Batgirl #5, Damian Wayne, at the time a newcomer to the Bat-Family, becomes fascinated with Stephanie Brown–and realizes what makes her different from the rest.
Stephanie Brown first appeared in 1992’s Detective Comics #647 and an issue later became the Spoiler–the first of several different heroic aliases she would have throughout her career. Initially a love interest for Tim Drake, she would succeed him as Robin in 2004’s Robin #126. Her tenure was cut short, but she eventually returned as Batgirl. When Stephanie first assumed the mantle, then-Batman Dick Grayson was set against it, feeling Stephanie’s failed stint as Robin should disqualify her from future roles. However, Stephanie would prove herself and Batman agreed to let her operate as Batgirl–provided she worked under the tutelage of Barbara Gordon, who at the time was still the information broker Oracle. Stephanie also attracted the attention of Damian Wayne.
In the issue, written by Bryan Q. Miller and illustrated by Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott, Stephanie, as Batgirl, inadvertently causes Batman and Robin to botch a mission. Back at the Bat-Cave, a furious Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon argue over her future as a costumed hero; Stephanie is forced to sit in another room with Damian Wayne. Damian’s sharp tongue leads to a number of barbs against Stephanie. The next day, Domain confronts Stephanie while she is at school. He tells her he is trying to discern what makes her tick. He cannot resist putting her down, telling her she is not skilled at anything, and she has no interest in vengeance. Stephanie retorts that not everything need to be about fear, and sometimes hope works better.
Stephanie Brown is Different Than Other Batman Sidekicks
Robin’s analysis of Stephanie, while obscured by mean comments, is spot-on: she is not driven by a need for vengeance, as are so many members of the Bat-Family. Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood and many others are driven by a desire for vengeance, or at very least ensuring others never experience the traumas they did. Furthermore, almost every member of the Bat-Family was born in trauma: Batman watched his parents gunned down in front of him and Nightwing watched his parents die as well. Batgirl Barbara Gordon was shot by the Joker and Red Hood died a literal death. All of these traumas shaped these Bat-Family members into who they are; some sort of life-altering trauma seems to be the prerequisite for membership in the Bat-Family.
Yet Stephanie Brown does not seem to check any of these boxes. She did not witness a parent die in front of her nor any similar trauma; her father, a third-rate villain named the Cluemaster, was often absent due to incarceration, but Stephanie does not let this consume her. Instead of vengeance, Stephanie is motivated by a desire for justice; whereas Batman and others use fear to keep order, Stephanie believes in other methods, such as hope. Robin observed this, and realized it is what sets Stephanie Brown apart from the rest of the Bat-Family.