Tim Drake recognized the true power the costume of Robin holds when he was preparing himself to take on the role of Batman's latest sidekick. Drake had longtime studied Batman and his operation, analyzing what made him such an effective crimefighter. In his days before donning the iconic green and red uniform, the young hero discovered what Robin brings to Batman and why the outfit was so important.
For as long as there’s been a Batman, there’s almost always been a Robin by his side. His original sidekick, Dick Grayson served in the role the longest before becoming the hero Nightwing. Jason Todd adopted the moniker for his short lived stint as the Boy Wonder before his death at the hands of the Joker in the classic story “A Death in the Family.” Tim Drake came onto the scene shortly after Jason's death, and would quickly demonstrate the insight that set him apart from his fellow Robins.
In Batman #456 by Alan Grant, Norm Breyfogle, Steve Mitchell, Adriene Roy, and Todd Klein, Tim Drake spends Christmas Eve assisting Batman in solving a mystery in order to prove his worth of being the next partner to Batman. He agonizes over not being able to crack the case and spends the holiday in the Batcave with the Robin costume hanging over his head. It's clear that for Tim, the costume isn't just a way of protecting his identity as a crimefighter. The teen detective idolizes what it stands for, saying that "The suit is magic. It hides your weakness. It makes you give it everything you've got." and markedly says that the suit "makes you a hero."
Tim Drake was a much more different Robin than Dick or Jason. The previous sidekicks were brought into the fold by Batman to give them a sense of direction when they needed it. Tim, on the other hand, is a bright and self-assured young man who sought out to become Robin because he recognized the potential such a role could help someone realize. He knows that Batman stands as a symbol of fear and that the hero needs a complimentary element that emphasizes lightheartedness and adventure. When Tim finally becomes Robin in Batman #457, he steps into the role with a greater awareness of his purpose and embarks on the next phase in his life ready to honor the legacy he has the opportunity to contribute to.
Tim stands out among the many legacy heroes because rather than be forced into the role, he spent the time to reflect inwards on what being the hero he lionized meant to him. This introspection sets Tim apart from his fellow Boys Wonder because he understood the value of being a Robin and treated the role with the privilege it was when he finally donned the iconic yellow "R."