In the 1940s, DC Comics introduced the world's most famous sidekick. Robin was brought onto the Batman title in an effort to drum up interest in a younger audience. Robin succeeded in drawing in younger readers, and has since become a staple in the Batman comics. The name Robin has been used by several character over the years.
The hero, Robin, has been adapted to both animation and live-action several times. The character has always gone through some alterations when appearing on film. Some of the changes have been massive while others have been minor. And many of the changes have led to some misconceptions about the character, particularly for people who primarily watch comic book movies but don't read many actual comic books.
10 Robin Starts Being Robin As A Child, But Is Typically Already An Adult In Movies
In the comics, Dick Grayson was only 8-years-old when he became Robin. His age has fluctuated over the years, but he is typically a young child when he becomes a hero. On the other hand, Robin is usually older in the movies, only see as a young child in flashbacks to his origin.
When Dick was introduced in Batman Forever, he was already a young adult. A possible version of Robin was introduced at the end of The Dark Knight Rises, and that version was also an adult. While the original Robin was designed to appeal to children, the movies always make him an older character and forgo that point completely.
9 Batman Forever Gave Dick Grayson A Sibling For The First Time
Dick Grayson was raised in the circus. He grew up as a member of the Flying Graysons along with his parents, John and Mary. Batman Forever added a fourth member to their circus team.
In the film, Dick had an older brother. Dick's parents went unnamed in the film, but his brother's name was revealed to be Mitch Grayson. The film seems to depict the only time Dick has ever been given a brother.
8 Movie Robins Are Always Dick Grayson & Nobody Else...
Almost every time Robin has been adapted to the screen, Dick Grayson has been the one under the mask. Even though several people have used the name in the comics, these characters have barely appeared outside of comic pages.
A live-action version of Jason Todd appears in the show, Titans, but he's never shown in any of the movies. Neither Jason Todd nor Tim Drake have appeared in any of the official DC Animated Universe movies, though Damian did. Those who have only ever watched the films may not know that there are Robins other than Dick Grayson.
7 ...Except The Dark Knight Rises, Which Just Made Up A Whole New "Robin"
The Dark Knight Rises trilogy gave little room for the Bat-Family. As Bruce Wayne's time as Batman began to draw to a close in that universe, he began to search for an adequate replacement. When he met John Blake, Bruce decided to leave his superhero legacy to the young man.
At the end of the movie, John Blake revealed that his name was actually Robin. The implication of that name would have been understood to any Batman fan. While the character was original to the movie, he did draw inspiration to Dick Grayson. Blake's profession as a cop, was a clear reference to Dick's life in Bludhaven.
6 John Blake Wasn't Trained By Batman
The comics have shown every Robin being trained by Batman. The Robins have only been allowed to help Batman fight crime when the Dark Knight has deemed they were ready after extensive training under his tutelage.
John Blake would be an exception. John would never receive hands-on training from Batman. Batman would have left something behind to help prepare John, but John would never get to train with him in person. Unlike other Robins, John would have to learn a lot on his own.
5 Dick Grayson's Relationship With Batgirl Is Never Accurately Portrayed (If At All)
Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon have had a long standing romance in the comics. Their on-again, off-again relationship has become an important part of the Batman comics. Their relationship in the films hasn't always had the same tone.
A version of Barbara appeared in the film Batman & Robin. This Barbara is the niece of Alfred. She may flirt with Dick, but she doesn't seem to have the same level of affection as her comic counterpart. And the DCAU version of the character doesn't even have any scenes with Dick Grayson at all. Their romance hasn't been adapted to the screen very well.
4 Batman V Superman Seems To Combine Dick Grayson & Jason Todd Into A Single (Deceased) Version Of Robin
Those planning the DCEU decided to merge elements of Dick and Jason into one version of Robin. While Dick had been a popular character, Jason proved to be less popular. In fact, Jason's character was killed off just a few years after his introduction.
While several characters have used the name Robin within the comics, the DCEU only had one character use that name. The DCEU version of Robin was killed early on by the Joker, well before the events of any of the movies. Batman, deeply upset by his death, seemed to forsake adding to his family like his comic counterpart.
3 Dick Grayson Is Never Given A Chance To Grow Up
In the comics, Dick Grayson eventually grows up. He decides he doesn't want to be in Batman's shadow forever. He wants to grow up and be his own kind of hero. He leaves Batman for the Teen Titans and eventually starts using the name Nightwing.
Even though the casting directors often choose to cast an adult to play Robin, the character never gets to play Nightwing. In Batman & Robin, Dick Grayson chooses to wear a version of the Nightwing costume. However, the character is still called Robin.
2 The DCEU Might Have To Do A Retcon To Bring Him Back
The DCEU has shown a Robin costume that had been defaced by Joker. Behind the scenes, the costume was confirmed to have belonged to Dick Grayson. Dick's death seemed to mark the end of Robin within the DCEU.
Some changes will have to be made in the near future. Even though Dick Grayson was confirmed to have died as Robin, a Nightwing movie is being made. Somehow the DCEU is going to have to resurrect the character. His resurrection might mean a new backstory for the well-loved and established character, if not introducing a different Nightwing entirely.
1 The Robins Give Bruce Wayne A Family
In the comics, it is often stated that Batman needs Robin to help him stay grounded, as Robin helps balance out Batman's serious nature. Every Robin has helped improve Batman in some way, and they've all become a part of his family.
Batman doesn't seem to need Robin in the films. In the films, Batman comes across as a lone wolf. The films often leave out the supporting characters that help show what a multifaceted character Batman is.