The sixth issue of the all-new Batman: Urban Legends comic book series has changed one of the franchise’s most iconic characters. Tim Drake, otherwise known as the third individual to become Robin in Batman lore, has apparently become curious about his sexuality. In particular, the character admits his uncertainty and that he’s gone on dates with other men. As such, it appears that Robin is now bisexual.
This was revealed in the sixth issue of Batman: Urban Legends, where a bisexual Robin has dinner with a friend named Bernard Dowd. The following line of dialogue that Robin in the form of Tim Drake delivers to Dowd says it all:
“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.
At this point, Bernard Dowd asks Tim Drake out.
“I was hoping you would. Tim Drake…do you want to go on a date with me?” Bernard asks.
Tim Drake, in a move that now suggests Robin is actually bisexual, agrees.
“Yeah… Yeah, I think I want that,” Tim replies.
While it might be easy to consider the character might simply just be gay, it’s worth noting that past comics featured Tim Drake dating women. As such, and considering his own confusion, fans have considered that Robin is officially bisexual. Or, at the very least, bi-curious. At a time when DC is gradually developing their roster of LGBTQ characters, it seems they’ve now found a way to bring Robin into the mix.
This was stated by Batman: Urban Legends writer Meghan Fitzmartin regarding her new take on the Robin character:
“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.”
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
pic.twitter.com/h2BMotX0Iq
— Meghan Fitzmartin (@megfitz89) August 10, 2021
Meanwhile, artist Belén Ortega gave the following statement:
“#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.”
#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
See you soon Tim!
— Belén Ortega (@BelenOrtega_) August 10, 2021
And, as you can see from the responses below, many fans were happy with the change as well:
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
pic.twitter.com/xb5YugEYd9
— Neb |
(@NebsGoodTakes) August 10, 2021
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.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) August 11, 2021
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— McAmberdawn / Curvy Red Gurl (@McAmberdawn) August 12, 2021
Bisexual Robin!
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! https://t.co/XFs1aTE9Nn
— Mata Haggis-Burridge (@MataHaggis) August 12, 2021
Some didn’t like the change:
Speaking as a bi man: stop rebranding existing characters. We’re sick and tired of getting the leftovers, when what we really want is original characters.
— IronMonger (@monger_colin) August 11, 2021
wow, who cares about ones sexual preference. whats next? Batman will proclaim to be muslim or hindu? soooo irrelevant
— Donatello DiMelo (@DimeloTello) August 11, 2021
How is this kinda shit even important to the story? Just write good comics and stop doing things for shock value.
— Arbitrary Babble (@Random_Nonsense) August 11, 2021
This is the death of Red Robin. It won’t last long. DC will be forced to abandon this farce like Catwoman and Harley Quinn and ivy. It never lasts.
— Leonard Dement (@DementLeonard) August 11, 2021
how sad you think turning super heroes in too gay or bi would make a different in sale or excepting it think again this is more the cause too stay angry comics must stay away from political agenda’s from both sides a comic is comic nowadays its fuelled with politics and crap
— kiko (@kiko67054948) August 11, 2021
It’ll be interesting to see how the Batman and DC franchises use this newfound development moving forward.
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