WARNING: The following contains spoilers for "Boy Wonders," a story in Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, by James Tynion IV, Javier Fernandez, David Barton and Carold M. Mangual, on sale now.
In Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, most of Batman's proteges receive a moment in the spotlight. Every story highlights a moment or an important event in each respective Robin's crime-fighting life, but none are more poignant than the Tim Drake Story "Boy Wonders."
In this retrospective tale, Tim Drake struggles with a decision to kick off the Gotham Knights protocol, which formed a huge part of Detective Comics after DC Rebirth. Before accepting the role, he discusses his concerns with the other Robins: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Damian Wayne. However, his discussion with Grayson segues into an interesting affirmation.
While beating up villains, Grayson tells Drake that he's the right leader to inspire the new group of heroes that he was a part of in DC Rebirth. The statement takes Drake aback, but he beams from the compliment. His subsequent thoughts then reveal that he believes the leadership role eally belongs to Grayson, who he considers a role model and the best of the Robins.
It's a bold declaration that may very well stir up Drake fans who see him as the superior sidekick. While Grayson is undoubtedly the first and most famous character to become Bruce Wayne's sidekick, Drake entered the fray at a precarious time when fans weren't too enamored the idea of Robin. In the shadow of 1989's Batman movie and Jason Todd's doomed tenure as Robin, Drake was a new kind of Rovin, who showed less aggression but more intelligence and likeability than his predecessor. Over time, his mind helped him gain a reputation as the best detective out of the Boy Wonders.
Drake also has a better relationship with Grayson than he does with the other Robins. Todd wasn't pleased with Drake taking over his mantle, which caused friction between the two for a long time, and Damian was openly jealous of his predecessor for holding a title that didn't belong to him.
Out of all the Robins, Grayson was the one who welcomed Drake with open arms and had honest conversations with him about what to expect being Batman's partner. It's a brotherly bond that Drake has struggled to form with the others, so it's only natural that he gravitates towards the person who has shown him the most affection.
Whether Grayson is actually the best Robin or not is debatable, but Drake certainly thinks so. And since he's the smartest Robin, that opinion should hold a lot of weight.