***SPOILERS FOR BATMAN BEYOND #18 AHEAD***
It was just a matter of time, but Batman Beyond has officially crowned a new Robin, and it’s none other than Terry McGinnis’ little brother, Matt McGinnis.
The writing has been on the wall for a few issues now, as Matt McGinnis started his own Robin training behind both Bruce and Terry’s back, examining Batcave recordings of Bruce training his son, Damian Wayne. But the official debut comes in Batman Beyond #18 when Terry finds himself outmaneuvered by the villain Payback.
Seeing his big brother in need of help, Matt makes good on the issue’s cover art, and smashes open the display case holding Damian’s costume, and dons it himself.
The issue concludes with Matt taking parts of Damian’s costume and a hover motorcycle to rescue his brother, meaning his first official fight as Terry’s Robin will come in Issue #19. Once the threat of Payback is concluded, series writer Dan Jurgens will turn greater attention to Matt’s own journey.
One that Bruce Wayne is familiar with, having trained multiple successors and sidekicks. But one that Terry is… less enthusiastic about. Jurgens explains to Newsarama:
First of all, there really aren’t that many siblings that function as superhero partners. The idea of Batman having a kid brother as a Robin felt fresh — certainly different than Bruce taking a young person off the street and giving them a costume. Secondly, it forces Terry McGinnis to be somewhat protective as Batman. That’s a bit counter to being a hero, right? Most heroes are supposed charge into battle in selfless fashion.
Suddenly, we have Terry who, as legal guardian of his brother, is bound to be protective of him… Let’s just say it won’t be the instant “Dynamic Duo” that people might expect. There are bound to be growing pains here.
Let me know what you think of this reveal. Are you excited to see Matt as the new Robin? Do you like the idea of Batman Beyond having a Robin in general? Let me know in the comments!!
