Summary

• Tim Drake's future as Robin seems stagnant, raising questions about his growth and evolution within the Bat-Family.
• The Joker's auditory virus takes over the world in a catastrophic event, with Batman and Catwoman working together to protect the infected.
• The uncertainty of Tim Drake's future highlights the importance of finding a balance between personal growth and loyalty to the Bat-Family.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman #143!A glimpse into Robin's future paints an unfortunate picture for Tim Drake. In the years ahead, the DC Universe is going to undergo one of its worst catastrophes ever. But is this new potential future an accurate reading on the path ahead for one of the most famous Boys Wonder?

In Batman #143 by Chip Zdarsky, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Andrea Sorrentino, a glimpse into the future shows the Joker has taken over the world with an auditory virus that 'Jokerizes' people by spreading through laughter. Batman investigates the villain and follows him to the Gotham City Police Department.

Batman reunites with his greatest love, Catwoman, and she reveals a shocking secret: Selina has been safeguarding the Bat-Family who have been infected by the virus. Damian Wayne is seen in his future Batman suit and Dick Grayson is still Nightwing. But it appears that Tim Drake is still Robin in the future.

Tim Drake is Never Going to Grow Out of the Robin Role

For Tim Drake, there was no greater moment in his life than when he earned the Robin mantle. Batman had sworn off ever taking on a Boy Wonder ever again, but Tim fought and clawed his way into showing Bruce that he had what it took. Drake's hard work paid off as he wound up becoming the third Robin to work with Batman. However, Tim had to leave the title when Bruce's son Damian came into the picture. But after a period serving as Red Robin, Tim ultimately went back to his old superhero identity.

It's hard to say for certain that's Tim Drake in the , but the process of elimination seems to imply it's Tim as Robin. What's unfortunate is that everyone else has seemed to grow or stay on a path of evolution. Tim, on the other hand, still clings to the Robin mantle decades after he should have reasonably gotten a new identity. But assuming that the Robin isn't Tim, then that just raises another question: Where is he and why is he not with the Bat-Family? Either way, it seems like Tim Drake has a dark future ahead of him.

Is Tim Drake's Bat-Family Future Set in Stone?

Whether he's stuck in the Robin role or drifting apart from the Bat-Family, neither option is good for Tim. He's more than earned an identity of his own and deserves to grow beyond just being a Robin well into his adulthood. But even if he does get a new identity, the Bat-Family needs Tim because he's one of the few people who tries to hold his team together. While this glimpse into the future is by no means definitive, it's a reminder that Tim needs to find a balance between growing beyond being Robin and sticking with the Bat-Family.

Batman #143 is available now from DC Comics.