The spunky Robin that thrilled readers in The Dark Knight Returns came extremely close to being Batman’s partner in the main DC Universe, but sadly it wasn’t to be. Thankfully, Batman and Robin writer Peter Tomasi has shined a light on what exactly happened.
The Dark Knight Returns was one of the most well-known comics of the ’80s and is credited for helping usher in the modern age of comics. While the elderly Batman featured in the series restarts his war on crime alone, he isn’t for long after he saves a young high school student named Carrie Kelley from a gang of Mutants. Buying a Robin costume, Carrie joins Batman as his newest sidekick and becomes one of the most important characters in Frank Miller’s Dark Knight series. However, despite her popularity, it seemed she would largely be contained to Earth-31.
All of that changed with Batman and Robin #19 by Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason Mick Gray, John Kalisz, and Carlos M. Mangual. After the tragic death of Robin in Batman Inc #8, Bruce Wayne discovers that Damian had been taking acting lessons from a college student who turns out to be Carrie Kelley. She appears for a few more issues, curious about Damian’s sudden departure, but Bruce is able to ease her mind by telling Carrie the boy is studying overseas. Despite the focus she receives during the “Requiem for Damian” saga, Kelley suddenly disappears with nothing more said. It wouldn’t be so out of the ordinary if it wasn’t for the fact that the original solicited cover for Batman and Robin #24 featured Carrie alongside Batman and Jim Gordon. However, upon release Carrie was removed and replaced with Harvey Bullock. In response to a question about the change, writer Peter Tomasi said that while Carrie was originally part of an approved storyline, the decision was later revoked.
Tomasi emphasizes that there were big plans for Carrie Kelley at one point, which holds up considering she was featured in her Robin uniform on the full cover of Batman and Robin #19. Fans would get to see Carrie not too long after in The Dark Knight III: The Master Race. But it’s quite the perplexing situation that a fan-favorite character like Carrie was teased to fans, but ultimately never followed up on.
It’s interesting to look back on Carrie’s brief inclusion in the main DC universe. Had she been allowed to stay, there’s a very good chance she may have been able to become a canonical Robin. However, if she did there’s also a chance Damian may not have come back, or at least not return to his role. Around wo years after Carrie’s departure, the slain Damian was revived, giving Batman his Robin back. Given how Damian would quit being Robin later in Teen Titans anyways, it’s hard not to see this as a missed opportunity. While its unfortunate it’s unclear why Carrie was taken out, the decision may have helped bring back Damian sooner than readers expected. Hopefully one day, fans will be provided answers to why The Dark Knight Returns ambitious Robin never got to join Batman the DC Universe.
