WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for The Boy Wonder #3!Red Robin has triumphantly returned to comics, reviving one of Tim Drake’s most beloved costumes and codenames, along with the nostalgic feelings often tied to the moniker. This return also presents the perfect opportunity to delve into the third Boy Wonder’s numerous vigilante identities over the years, starting with his time as Robin.

Tim Drake’s Red Robin has officially returned to DC Comics in Juni Ba’s Black Label series, The Boy Wonder #3. Although this series isn’t part of mainstream continuity, it’s still a treat to see Tim once again take up one of his most beloved codenames and costumes.

Ba’s series stands out due to his phenomenal portrayal of the various Boy Wonders, capturing the best of their characterizations. Hence, it’s no surprise that Ba chose to revive the Red Robin persona for Tim, given that this identity is one of the most iconic and character-defining versions of the third Robin.

Tim Drake’s Red Robin Returns in The Boy Wonder #3 (But Is It Time For Red Robin to Return to Main Continuity?)

Comic Panel From The Boy Wonder #3 (2024) by Juni Ba

The Boy Wonder #3 focuses on Damian and Tim’s relationship, both as the youngest Wayne heirs and as Robin and Red Robin, exploring their unique dynamic. The issue begins with the brothers in their civilian personas attending one of Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot’s galas, but soon has them suiting up to face one of Ra’s al Ghul’s demons. Tim’s return as Red Robin is especially welcome, as fans are treated to the classic costume with its cowl, red and black color scheme, yellow cross-chest utility belt, and iconic wings.

Given that the Red Robin moniker has been absent from comics for some time, it’s great to see one of the best iterations of Tim Drake return. As previously mentioned, though, Ba’s The Boy Wonder isn’t part of mainstream continuity, so Tim’s return as Red Robin is isolated to this series. However, this does raise the intriguing question of whether Tim should reclaim the moniker in mainstream continuity, where he is currently known as Robin once again. This question is best answered after delving into the long and winding road of Tim’s various identities.

Tim Drake’s First Appearance in Comics & His Stint as Batman’s Third Robin

Comic Panel From Batman #457 (1990) by Alan Grant & Norm Breyfogle

Tim Drake made his first appearance in Batman #436 (1989), by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, as a young boy, who attended the Flying Graysons’ act at Haley’s Circus the night Mary and John Grayson died in front of their son, Dick Grayson, who would later become Batman’s first Robin. Tim’s journey to becoming the third Robin is notable for his deduction of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson’s identities as Batman and Robin after witnessing Robin execute a rare quadruple somersault. This led Tim to follow their vigilante careers closely and eventually deduce that Jason Todd was the second Robin.

After Jason’s death at the hands of the Joker, Tim witnessed Batman becoming increasingly violent. Concerned for the Dark Knight, Tim approached Dick, who was now Nightwing, urging him to return as Robin and be Batman’s partner because “Batman has to have a Robin.” When Dick refused, Tim had no choice but to become Robin himself to save Batman and Gotham. Bruce initially refuses to take Tim on as his partner, but after Tim saves him from Scarecrow, he agrees to train him. Tim officially became Robin in Batman #457 (1990) by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle.

Tim Drake’s Character-Defining Run as Red Robin (Featuring The Grail Storyline)

First Comic Panel Comes From Red Robin #1 (2009) by Christopher Yost & Ramon Bachs

Despite his iconic tenure as Robin in the ’90s and early 2000s, Tim is perhaps even more recognized among fans as Red Robin. He adopted this moniker following the events of the Battle for the Cowl when his position as Robin was given to Damian Wayne by Dick Grayson. Tim debuted as Red Robin in Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs’ Red Robin #1, which kicked off the dark storyline known as The Grail. In this arc, Tim journeys across Europe in search of clues that Bruce Wayne is lost in time rather than dead, contrary to the hero community’s belief.

Yost & Bachs’ Red Robin run was widely acclaimed by fans and stands as one of the most character-defining and pivotal arcs in Tim’s comic history, second only to his beginnings as the third Robin. The series introduced a new identity and costume for Tim, which quickly became a fan favorite. Additionally, it reshaped Tim’s dynamic with one of DC’s prominent Batman villains, Ra’s al Ghul, and firmly established Tim as the world’s second-greatest detective. Moreover, the series delved into some of Tim’s darkest moments, adding layers of trauma and complexity to his character that resonated deeply with fans.

Tim Drake’s Short Stint as “Drake” and His Return to Robin in Mainstream Continuity

Second Comic Panel Comes From Young Justice #14 (2020) by David F. Walker & John Timms

In addition to his roles as Robin and Red Robin, Tim adopted the moniker Drake in 2019. This persona change came about after Tim encountered his evil Earth-3 counterpart, with Bart “Impulse” Allen suggesting he embrace the name of his doppelganger. Along with the Drake codename, Tim introduced a new costume—a skintight brown suit that received mixed reviews from fans. Fortunately, Tim’s ‘Drake’ Era was short-lived, as Stephanie “Spoiler” Brown and Batman persuaded him to return to his Robin role shortly before the start of The Joker War.

Tim once again taking on the Robin role is largely attributed to Damian’s absence from Gotham and his perceived deviation from the Robin values while working with the Teen Titans. Thus, Tim filled the void left by the younger boy because, as everyone knows, Batman needs a Robin. As of 2024, Tim remains Robin and played a significant role in Chip Zdarsky’s recently concluded Dark Prisons storyline in the ongoing Batman series. With Damian now back in Gotham, serving as Batman’s partner and wearing the Robin mantle, it could be the ideal moment for Tim Drake to reclaim the Red Robin identity.

The Boy Wonder #3 is available now from DC Comics!