5 Characters Who Could Be the Next Robin

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Throughout his crime-fighting career, Batman has always benefited from having a Robin by his side. Introduced less than a year after Batman first appeared, Robin quickly became an inseparable partner. For many years, they fought crime together, and Batman didn’t work alone until Robin went to college. Robin isn’t just a helper; he’s a key part of what makes Batman who he is, offering a sense of hope and ensuring Batman’s legacy continues. As the original sidekick and a legendary hero in his own right, a Robin will always be an essential part of the Batman story.

The idea of Batman always having a Robin is being challenged. In Matt Fraction’s Batman (2025) #6, Tim Drake retired, and hints were dropped that Damian Wayne might do the same. This could leave Batman without a partner for the first time in a long time – aside from Damian’s brief period of acting out – and open up the position of Robin. We’re going to explore five characters who could potentially take on the mantle if Damian does leave, though hopefully he won’t. Let’s dive into some possibilities for the next Robin.

5) Carrie Kelley

Carrie Kelley is a widely loved version of Robin, despite not being part of the main Batman storyline yet. She first appeared as Batman’s Robin in the famous comic book series Dark Knight Returns. It would be easy to add her character to the main Batman universe, perhaps by having her take on the role of Robin when she sees a need in her city. She’s always been determined and eager to help others, so it would fit her personality to become Robin even without Batman’s permission. Because she’s so popular with fans, making her a permanent part of the official story would likely attract a lot of attention – which is always good.

4) Terry McGinnis

Terry McGinnis is a popular character known for taking on the role of Batman in a future version of Gotham City. However, his backstory doesn’t quite fit with the established Batman timeline, making it unlikely he’ll become part of the main story as is. A clever way to bring him into the current Batman universe would be to reimagine Terry as Batman’s new Robin. This would allow him to be integrated seamlessly into the existing story, creating a fresh dynamic between him and Bruce Wayne, and naturally lead to the possibility of him eventually becoming Batman.

3) Helena Wayne

Writer Matt Fraction believes the key to Batman’s disappearance isn’t a dramatic exit, but Bruce Wayne finding true happiness – and he’d find that with his children. Interestingly, their future daughter, Helena, has been traveling through time for years without ever meeting her father. A story where Helena becomes stranded in the past and teams up with a slightly lost Bruce, who’s feeling empty after Damian leaves, could be really compelling. It would give Batman a chance to be the father Helena never knew, and remind him that being Robin should be enjoyable. Ultimately, Helena represents a hopeful future, which is precisely what would bring Bruce Wayne the greatest peace.

2) The Joker

Fraction’s story has heavily focused on the idea of redemption, and for the Joker, that means a device to make him sane. This new Joker is friendly and considers Batman his friend, even while being held for testing. Once he escapes, he might genuinely want to assist Batman, and Batman could use a Robin – something the Joker actually did briefly in a separate, non-official story. While this partnership would likely be short-lived, it would offer a compelling look at both characters and how they perceive the possibility of the Joker’s redemption.

1) Original Character

I predict the next Robin will likely be a completely new character. Writer Tom Fraction has been developing the everyday people of Gotham, like Dr. Annika Zeller and Jack Dean, and could easily introduce someone new deeply connected to the city’s roots. He’s put a lot of effort into giving Gotham a distinct personality, and a character born and raised there would be a great way to showcase that even further. Historically, the Robin role has always been a launching pad for memorable, new heroes.

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2026-02-13 22:12