Warning! Spoilers ahead for Robin #1
In DC Comics' new Robin series, the son of Batman Damian Wayne is facing some of the greatest fighters in the DC Universe, though he's also contending with his own ghosts as well. In the first issue, Damian has already fought the formidable King Snake in order to get his ticket to the mysterious Lazarus Tournament, a contest that will see Damian testing his might against some of the most capable and formidable warriors DC Comics has ever seen. However, Damian Wayne still has much to learn about how this particular contest works, and his pride and ego may very well be his downfall.
Unfortunately, Damian hasn't been by Batman's side for awhile now. The recent death of Alfred at the hands of Bane very much traumatized the young boy, and the Dark Knight has been too caught up in his own grief and work as Batman to care. This put a rift in their relationship, and Damian has since gone off the grid, leaving no way for his father or the rest of the Bat-Family to find him. He then speaks with his mother Talia, which was when he finds out about the Lazarus Tournament: a means for him to prove himself apart from the shadow of his father.
In Robin #1 by Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov, Damian finds himself squaring off with King Snake as the first test of his might. Upon his victory against the warrior (who is coincidentally Bane's father), Robin receives his token, granting him passage to Lazarus Island. Upon his arrival, Robin finds himself surrounded by equally formidable fighters and assassins such as Ravager and Respawn. However, Robin is way too eager, oozing misplaced confidence and his pride and ego came out in full force, throwing out challenges before any tradition or ceremony can be displayed by the tournament's officiants.
Unfortunately, Robin is quickly put in his place by a new rival known as Flatline, who rips out Damian's heart in only a few short moves. However, it seems likely that death isn't so permanent on an island called "Lazarus," so fans shouldn't be too concerned over Robin being killed in this first issue. However, it does point out that Robin needs to seriously kick back a bit if he wants to win (if he's even still in the tournament after this major defeat).
Robin is clearly compensating for his grief and trauma, and all of his ego is masking his desperate need to prove himself. Furthermore, it doesn't help that he's been seeing the ghost of Alfred, who's effectively serving as Damian's conscience while also making him feel guilty for leaving Gotham. In any case, Damian's future is very unclear, but this first issue is far from the end for Robin. Damian Wayne has too much to prove to himself, his father Batman, and to the entire DC Universe at large in future issues as the series continues.