Summary

• Through the years, many individuals have taken on the iconic role of Robin, from Dick Grayson to Matt McGinnis, each with their unique story.
• Damian Wayne's stint as Robin is particularly unique since he served under Dick Grayson's Batman.
• Stephanie Brown made history by being the first female Robin, briefly holding the title before transitioning into the role of Batgirl.

Everyone knows Robin, the most legendary duo in comic book history. However, due to firings, deaths, and unexpected acquisitions of children, it can be challenging to keep track of who has been Robin, who currently holds the title, and who may inherit it in the future. Thankfully, this list provides a thorough Robin timeline, showcasing all the individuals who have donned the iconic pixie boots and scaly green shorts throughout the years.

Below is a list detailing all seven versions of Robin from DC's main universe, arranged chronologically based on their tenure as the Boy (or Girl) Wonder, starting from the first Robin, Dick Grayson, to the Robin of the future, Matt McGinnis. This list provides core facts and some intriguing tidbits that may surprise even the most die-hard fans. Recognizable favorites like Tim Drake and Damian Wayne are featured, alongside those who garnered fan adoration post-Robinhood, like Stephanie Brown and Jason Todd. And, of course, the former Robin, Duke Thomas, who deserves more fandom love.

1 Dick Grayson, The Original Boy Wonder

Trailblazer for Child Sidekicks, Former Robin, Former Batman, Current Leader of the Titans

Like Bruce Wayne, Dick witnessed his parents' murder. Feeling a kinship with the boy, Bruce took him in as his ward and eventually trained him as his crime-fighting partner. After his tenure as Robin, Dick assumed the identity of Nightwing, carving out his path as a hero independent of Batman. Since then, he has taken on diverse roles, such as a super spy, police officer, and leader of the Titans. Notably, he even filled in as Batman, with Bruce's son Damian serving as his Robin, during a time when Bruce was believed to be dead.

2 Bruce Wayne, "When Batman Was Robin"

The Flashback That Revealed The 'Original' Robin (And Origin For His Name)

According to Detective Comics #226, Bruce Wayne was the original Robin, though this was later retconned in Post-Crisis canon. Before this change, Bruce trained under Detective Harvey Harris, who taught him the basics of detective work in the guise of the future Robin identity. What’s particularly intriguing is that despite not knowing Dick Grayson, Bruce still adopted the classic Boy Wonder costume in the exact form it would later take. It was also Harris who coined the sidekick's nickname, noting Bruce's skills: "Since you're brilliant as a robin redbreast in that costume, I'll call you-- Robin!"

3 Jason Todd, The Second Robin

Died on the Job, Came Back Better

Jason Todd assumed the role of Robin following Dick's departure. However, his tenure as Robin was marked by controversy, and DC Comics famously conducted a poll allowing fans to determine if he'd live or die in the A Death in the Family storyline. Unsurprisingly, the majority of fans voted for his demise, leading to Jason's death at the hands of the Joker. However, that wasn’t the end of Jason Todd, who eventually came back to life via unknown forces. After a dip in a Lazarus pool and training with the League of Assassins, Jason took up the Red Hood mantle.

4 Carrie Kelley, 'The Dark Knight Returns' Robin

Frank Miller's Girl Wonder, And Future Batwoman

Chronologically, Carrie Kelley was the third character to adopt the Robin mantle. However, she exists outside mainstream continuity, residing solely within Frank Miller’s alternate universe of The Dark Knight Returns (1986). Kelley made her debut as half of the Dynamic Duo after an aged Batman, fresh out of retirement, rescued her from would-be muggers. Inspired by his heroics, she acquired a Robin costume and armed herself with a slingshot loaded with firecrackers, thrusting herself into the Dark Knight’s world. Kelley notably played a pivotal role in defeating the resurfaced Joker and later assumed the mantles of Catgirl, Batgirl, and Batwoman.

5 Tim Drake, The Third Robin

World's (Actual) Greatest Detective, Ex-Spleen Owner, Boyfriend of Bernard Dowd

Tim Drake inserted himself into Batman’s life, assuming the Robin mantle to assist a grieving Bruce, who was becoming increasingly violent after Jason’s death; recognizing that Batman NEEDED a Robin to function properly. Tim is renowned as the boy genius within the DC Universe, earning accolades from Batman himself, who acknowledged Tim's exceptional intellect, possibly suring his own. He has earned the respect of adversaries like Ra’s al Ghul, who dubbed him "Detective," a title previously reserved solely for Bruce. Tim took up the Red Robin mantle after Robin was given to Damian by Dick.

6 Stephanie Brown, The Girl Robin

Waffle-Lover and Proud Record Holder of Shortest Stint as Robin

Initially known as the vigilante Spoiler, Stephanie Brown made waves in the Batman universe when she briefly assumed the mantle of Robin, becoming the first female Robin in Gotham's history. However, her tenure as Robin was short-lived and came to an end when she was nearly killed by Black Mask. Surviving the ordeal, Stephanie's death was faked by Doctor Leslie Thompkins in an attempt to get the girl away from Bruce and his child-endangering crusade. Stephanie eventually returned to Gotham, where she later transitioned into the role of Batgirl, taking on a new identity while continuing her crusade against injustice.

7 Damian Wayne, The Fifth, and Current Robin

Ex-Assassin, Ex-Dead Boy, Ex-Meta, Ex-Teen Titan, Current Boy Wonder

Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne and supervillain Talia al Ghul, was raised as a child assassin by his mother before becoming the fifth child to take up the Robin mantle. What sets Damian’s Robin journey apart from others is that he was the Robin to Dick Grayson’s Batman, since Bruce was believed to be dead at the time. As of 2024, Damian is currently Robin and is partnered with his father. Like Jason Todd, Damian also died while serving as Robin and was later brought back to life; upon his resurrection, Damian possessed temporary superpowers for a short time.

8 Helena Wayne, The 'Earth 2' Robin

Daughter of Batman, Daughter of Catwoman

Helena Wayne, first introduced in Huntress Vol 3 #1, stands out as the daughter of Batman and Catwoman. While not a main continuity Robin, her lineage makes her a significant figure. Raised on Earth 2 with the intent of succeeding her father, Helena initially chose the name "Robin Hood" for herself before her mother persuaded her to adopt the simpler moniker "Robin," marking her as the first Child Wonder with Batman and Catwoman as her mentors. Notably, Helena and her best friend, Supergirl, found themselves stranded on Prime Earth for a time, providing her introduction to the main continuity.

9 Duke Thomas, The Meta-Robin

The Only Robin with Superpowers

Despite varying fandom opinions, Duke did receive an official Robin badge of honor during the We Are Robin storyline. Following an altercation that leaves Duke unconscious, he wakes up believing he's in police custody and is asked what he's willing to do to locate his parents, to which he replies that it's the duty of the police. Upon leaving the "interrogation," Duke stumbles upon a biker jacket with a yellow R, a cellphone in the pocket, and a motorcycle, signaling his status as a Robin. Duke's eventual inclusion in the Bat-Family further cements his legitimacy as a true Robin.

10 Matt McGinnis, The Future Robin

The Batman Beyond Robin

Matt McGinnis, the younger brother of the future Batman, Terry McGinnis, in Batman Beyond, shares the same lineage as his brother, being the son of Bruce Wayne due to an intentional mix-up involving Bruce's DNA. Following in true Robin fashion, Matt assumes the role of Robin by seizing the opportunity. When Terry finds himself in trouble as Batman, Matt intervenes to rescue his brother. In a bold move, he shatters a preserved display case containing Damian Wayne’s Robin costume and dons it himself, thus officially launching his career as Robin after spending countless hours training and studying for this moment.