Batman’s sidekick Robin says he’s confused over his sexuality, experiments with men in new comic book series
In a new issue of the monthly anthology comic series “Batman: Urban Legends,” Batman’s sidekick Robin admits he’s not sure about his sexuality and goes on dates with men.
The sixth issue of the series shows Tim Drake, the third character to take up the Robin mantle in DC Comics history, agreeing to go on a date with a man. In the comic, Drake visits the house of Bernard Dowd, an old friend he’d met for dinner before having to suit up as Robin to take care of a villain.
“I’m really glad you got home okay. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, about that night, and I — I don’t know what it meant to me. Not yet. But I’d like to figure it out,” Tim says to Dowd about their dinner date. “I was hoping you would. Tim Drake…do you want to go on a date with me?” Bernard asks. “Yeah… Yeah, I think I want that,” Tim replies.
Many fans have declared Robin is now bisexual, considering in past comics he dated women.
This makes Tim Drake’s Robin a part of a small group of LGBTQ+ characters in the DC Comics universe, joining Kate Kane’s Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Renee Montoya, Alan Scott the Green Lantern, and a few other supporting characters.
“Batman: Urban Legends” writer Meghan Fitzmartin said, “My goal in writing has been and will always be to show just how much God loves you. You are so incredibly loved and important and seen. Forever grateful to be trusted with Tim Drake and his story and honored to work with the amazingly talented @BelenOrtega_ and @loquesunalex.”
Artist Belen Ortega also made a statement after the comic was released, saying, “#Batmanurbanlegends #6 is already out and with it our last chapter of ‘Tim Drake: sum of our parts.’ It’s overwhelming all the comments and love I’m receiving from you guys, thanks for your support on my very first series with @DCComics.”
“Tim Drake finally coming out is so inspiring, DC never wanted a queer Robin but after years and years of campaigning from writers and fans it finally happened A big thank you to Meghan Fitzmartin, Belén Ortega and Alejandro Sánchez for making this moment so beautiful,” said one fan.
“Told my wife that DC is making Robin bisexual in the next Batman comics. She said it seemed unheard of to take a gay character and suddenly have him liking girls,” joked Erick Erickson.
“To everyone so upset that Robin will be expressing his sexuality You do know that representation matters right? That bisexual people are attacked by ppl in both the queer and hetero community That we have extremely high rates of depression as a result of being constantly attacked,” said one fan upset with those attacking the newly queer superhero.
“I’ve seen a lot of bisexual characters where their bi-ness is a reflection of their flaws (lust, greed, etc.), moral weakness, demonic possession, or vampiric debasement. Robin being both a good person and bi means a lot!” said another.
“wtf. robin is bisexual!? whats next @DCComics ? Superman wears a spandex coz he doesnt have balls?” quipped someone else.