Warning! Spoilers for Robins #1 by DC Comics
As the current and former Robins assemble in the DC Universe, a terrifying new villain claims to be the first person ever to use the superhero codename. In Robins #1, the issue ends with the appearance of a seemingly new character who says they are the first Robin and are responsible for the recent mayhem in Batman's sidekick's lives. But, is the Robin an imposter? Or could she be telling the truth about being the first Robin ever?
For more than 80 years, Robin has been the sidekick to Batman. However, over that time, several different characters have assumed the mantle. Initially, Dick Grayson was the first Robin before becoming Nightwing. Jason Todd then took the mantle but was killed off and resurrected as the Red Hood. Tim Drake would be the third Robin before becoming the Red Robin. Stephanie Brown would assume the role for a short time as the fourth Robin. Finally, Damian Wayne, the current Robin in DC Comics canon, would be the fifth hero to become Batman's top sidekick.
Earlier this year, DC Comics held a round-robin tournament with the winner in fan voting receiving a newly greenlighted series. Ultimately, Robins, a series that starred the main heroes who have dawned the role before, was named the winner. In Robins #1 by Tim Seeley, Baldemar Rivas, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Steve Wands, the five former and current Robins come together and stop a bombing in the sewers. However, they are soon warned about a new threat digging into their first cases and pasts. The comic reveals someone was watching the Robins and knows each of the real identities. That's when readers get their first glimpse at the villain claiming to be the first Robin.
The Robin, who has her own actual Robin sidekick, has a similar but much scarier costume than the main Robins. She claims that it was very poor form for the Robins to assemble together and "not invite the very first one."
It remains to be seen whether this new Robin is the first to use the name and is telling the truth. However, if they were the first Robin ever, it would undoubtedly make significant changes to Batman and Robin's canon - unless they're from a different part of the Multiverse. It's also possible the new/old Robin is someone readers have met before - but there's no indication yet of who they really are. For readers who want to see the villainous Robin in action, Robins #1 by DC Comics is in stores now.