In DC Comics’ new Batman vs Robin event, Bruce Wayne’s son Damian has become an incredibly powerful Robin with dark magical power that’s corrupted his mind. Having unleashed the Lazarus demon known as Nezha, Damian Wayne is now prepared to kill his father. However, he’s already taken out an entire League with ease in the first issue alone.
Previously in the DC Universe, Joshua Williamson’s Robin series concluded with Damian Wayne taking over Lazarus Island from his great-grandmother Mother Soul, a villainous woman who attempted to bring forth Nezha to cleanse the world in fire. However, it seems as though Robin inadvertently unleashed Nezha himself, becoming the puppet of Mother Soul and the dark demon lord.
Now, Batman vs Robin #1 from writer Mark Waid and artist Mahmud Asrar features Robin wielding incredibly dark magical power courtesy of Nezha. Taking possession of the young sorcerer Tim Hunter and Jakeem Thunder, Robin attempts to murder his own father (who’s surprisingly joined by a newly resurrected Alfred). However, Batman and Alfred manage to escape through the back of the Batcave. Seeking the help of the magician Zatanna, the Dark Knight and his butler are shocked to learn that the entire Justice League Dark has been incapacitated by Damian and his new mystical powers, having poisoned magic itself.
With a great number of DC’s most magical heroes out for the count thanks to Damian and Nezha, it’s safe to say that he’s become one of the most powerful Robins of all time. To make matters worse, the end of the issue reveals that Nezha and Mother Soul have gathered all manner of magical weapons and relics for Damian to wield against his father in the issues to come. Likewise, they’ve all taken residence within the supernatural Tower of Fate (having defeated Doctor Fate as well).
While it remains to be seen if Robin can be redeemed from his newfound darkness, the odds are strong that Alfred will be the one to make it happen (even if the exact means of his return are still a major mystery). At any rate, Batman is going to have to think of some creative (and likely magical) means to fight his son now that Robin is capable of taking down some of the most powerful magicians, sorcerers, and mystical beings in the DC Universe. Batman vs Robin #1 is on sale now.
