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| “ | Don't look so stunned, father. I'd thought you'd be taller. | „ |
| ~ Damian meets Batman |
| “ | Justice, not vengeance. | „ |
| ~ The mantra Damian adopted because of his father |
Damian Wayne, also known as Robin, is a main character of the DC Animated Movie Universe. He appeared in seven of the fifteen movies within the franchise.
He's a son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. He was trained since birth by the League of Assassins, but was forced to flee with his mother to Gotham City when his grandfather was murdered by Deathstroke. After meeting his father, he later became the second Robin. In Justice League vs. Teen Titans, he joins the Teen Titans and by Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, he's the love interest of his fellow Titan Raven .
He's voiced by Stuart Allan.
Biography[]
Son of Batman[]
Damian Wayne is the biological son of Batman and Talia al Ghul. Deathstroke executed a coup in the League of Assassins, leading to the permanent death of Damian's grandfather, Ra's al Ghul. Talia was forced to seek help from Batman, and took Damian to put introduce him to his father and keep him safe, while she leads a counterattack against Deathstroke.
In Gotham, Damian began his own investigation, hunting down his grandfather's traitorous right hand, Ubu. He fought Ubu so viciously that the man fell into a coma, and his death was prevented by the timely arrival of Nightwing, who was forced to fight Damian into submission.
Despite his desire to keep Damian out of danger, Batman accepted his son's commitment, so allowed him to become Robin, however, with the stipulation that he would avoid using lethal force.
They discover a connection to Dr. Kirk Langstrom, as he had been forced by Ra's and now Deathstroke to recreate his Man-Bat formula, but with greater mental clarity when transformed. When they find Langstrom, he revealed his wife and daughter had been kidnapped, thereby Deathstroke forced him to tirelessly work on an improved formula and more of it.
Through a call Langstrom had with his family, details of their prison allow Robin to deduce the location from his knowledge of League strongholds. Batman and Robin storm the castle and rescue the Langstroms from behind a secret doorway. The daughter hugged Robin in what seemed to be gratitude, but it was to pass a video device that Deathstroke gave her, and threatened her if Robin told Batman about it.
Robin surreptitiously viewed the device, which displayed Deathstroke holding his mother, Talia, as a hostage. Deathstroke challenged Robin to face him for the right to rule the League of Assassins.
While Robin snuck away to infiltrate the offshore League lair, Batman discovered his deception, so pursued him, while Nightwing assisted Dr. Langstrom in making an antidote for the Man-Bat formula.
Robin infiltrated the offshore lair, and reached the deepest level to find it was a trap, with Deathstroke waiting with the restricted Talia. He explained that the lair was built on a Lazarus Pit, and he was pumping it out in preparation of selling to the highest bidder; he also revealed the cave ceiling was covered by Man-Bats.
Batman also reached the cave; he managed to create a distraction by triggering a device that generated a high-pitched sound only perceptible to the Man-Bats, which caused them to flee in distress, with their clumsy mass unleashing a flood of sea water that threatened to set off a chain reaction that would destroy the lair.
Out of spite, Deathstroke fatally shot Talia, then fled; while Batman tended to her, Robin chased Deathstroke. Against his better judgement, Batman submerged Talia in the Lazarus waters.
Deathstroke and Robin engaged in a fast-moving and aggressive sword fight, with both suffering numerous stabbings and abrasions. By using the environment, Robin defeated Deathstroke; the mercenary goaded the boy into killing him, since that's what Ra's al Ghul and he personally would do, however, Robin refused out of respect for his father's way.
Outside, Nightwing and Dr. Langstrom fire darts ffrom the Batwing with the antidote at the escaping Man-Bats, reverting them back to their original human selves.
Batman and Talia find Robin, who is relieved to see his mother alive, which was reinforced by his atypical display of affection in a hug.
Despite Robin's mercy, the collapsing lair seemed to drop Deathstroke to his doom. Father, mother, and son escape from the crumbling off-shore rig.
While Talia invited Robin to join her in rebuilding the League, he was conflicted due to bonding with Batman. His parents allow him the choice, so he decided to remain with Batman for the time being. Talia gave her blessing, and seemed to leave in peace.
Batman vs. Robin[]
(A rift between Batman and Robin is exploited by the Court of Owls and its acolyte Talon.)
Robin stole the Batmobile to head to a destination that he detected was the hideout of the Dollmaker; Batman phoned him to chastise him, but Robin said he should offer gratitude instead. Robin discovered cages of trapped children, when he was met by the Dollmaker; Robin demanded to know where the others were and what he had done, which Dollmaker answered that he saved them, so they wouldn't be hurt by monsters like his father hurt him. Dollmaker unleashed his Dolls, who were children drugged, brainwashed, and mutilated into being weapons. While holding his own, Robin was joined by Batman; Robin claimed he had the situation covered, though Batman repeated his comment of gratitude back at him.
Due to Batman, the Dollmaker fled, with Robin chasing after him; Batman was unable to advance due to fighting the Dolls, and aiming to stop them without hurting them worse. Batman threw down a sleeping gas bomb that disabled the Dolls; he then went to free the caged children. Robin knocked Dollmaker on the ground, threatening to kill him; Dollmaker pleaded that he was trying to help the children. While Robin was tempted to kill him, he chanted Batman's creed "justice, not vengeance," so turned away from the Dollmaker. The Dollmaker had tried to sneak up for an attack, but his heart was ripped out by a mysterious assailant. He told Robin to not doubt his instincts, then vanished. When Batman arrived, he believed that Robin had killed the Dollmaker, which made the boy enraged that he would be doubted to such an extreme extent; Robin spat that he could have killed Dollmaker, but didn't out of respect for his father; when the boy left, Batman found an owl feather in Dollmaker's mouth.
Days later, Bruce Wayne was having a dinner with Samantha Vanaver at his Manor; he invited her to view the scale model of Gotham, which had holograms to reveal his planned improvements. When she initiated flirting, she was stopped by the noise of snoring, which came from Damian on a nearby couch. Damian acted mildly startled, before Bruce begrudgingly introduced his son simply as a ward for whom he hadn't completed the adoption process yet; Samantha gave a somewhat condescending affection as a greeting, before she departed because a meeting alert on her phone. When she was gone, Bruce noted that Damian was only pretending to be asleep; Damian observed that Samantha appeared pleasant, but smug. As Bruce noticed Damian was reading Charles Dickens, he invited his son to join him in the home theatre to watch a film adaptation of one of Dickens works, so they could bond.
Later that night, Robin tried to escape Wayne Manor, but a series of traps delay him, until on stopped him; Bruce appeared to scold him, but Robin irritably stated that if he couldn't go out into the world as Damian, then he should at least be permitted to patrol as Robin. Bruce claimed that he believed they were bonding, but Robin dismissed it as just watching a movie together, which wasn't enough to build a strong connection.
To Bruce's anger, Alfred disabled the Manor's security system and traps, which allowed Robin to leave into the city, although Alfred argued that Robin felt like a prisoner in his own home, and if Bruce displayed unconditional trust, then the boy would grow to feel like he was trusted and welcome to come and go as he pleased, therefore a leap of faith would help repair the fractured bond between father and son.
Due to finding the owl feather, Bruce's old suspicions about the Court of Owls, an order of ultra-wealthy Gothamites that seek to control the city, were brought back to the surface; when his parents were killed, he researched and investigated in an attempt to locate the conspiracy, however, there was no tangible proof that the Court caused the deaths of his parents, let alone exist. However, in present day, Batman went to a natural history museum to find the rare owl from which the feather was taken; he was ambushed by unnaturally durable assassins that badly wounded him. The assassins seemed to dissolve before Nightwing arrived to recover Batman.
When Robin aggressively beat two robbers and attempted assaulters, he was met by the man that killed Dollmaker, who encouraged Robin to kill them; however, Robin merely knocked them unconscious. The man told Robin that he should trust his instincts to kill, while introducing himself as Talon; Robin followed him to his safehouse, where he was offered a deal to join a powerful organisation, but was allowed time to consider it. Robin was permitted to take one of Talon's sais.
When Robin arrived home, he found Bruce receiving medical treatment from Nightwing and Alfred; when Robin expressed concern for what happened, Bruce furiously chided him for leaving. Bruce demanded to know where he got the sai, but Robin refused to honestly answer; Bruce confiscated it and locked it in safe box. Bruce said if Robin didn't start behaving to a standard deemed acceptable, he would be sent to a military school in the Swiss Alps, as Bruce knew the principal, who was a former general that was knowledgeable about raising young men and discipline. As Damian was leaving, he overheard Bruce lamenting that perhaps biological ties weren't enough to make a father a parent, or a son a child.
When driving to a date, Bruce was ambushed by a few cars driven by people wearing owl masks; despite his efforts, he was forced into a crash, with one of the figures drugging him unconscious. When he awoke, Bruce found himself in the Court of Owls lair; the Grandmaster introduced themselves and the Court, explaining how they are the true power in Gotham, having remained hidden, but now aiming to take control of the city entirely. The Grandmaster invited Bruce to join the Court, providing an owl mask; Bruce feigned interest, while simultaneously hiding a tracking device on the mask and requesting that he be allowed time to contemplate the offer. Grandmaster agreed to his terms, with Bruce being drugged unconscious again, and reawakening to find himself in his wrecked car on his Manor driveway.
Unbeknownst to Damian or Bruce, the Grandmaster was Samantha Vanaver, who was in a romantic relationship with Talon, a man originally a street rat that her father took in to be their warrior. Talon was cursed to become an undead assassin, like the other Talons in storage, however, he and Samantha conspired to recruit Robin to fill that position of mindless slave. Due to his lower class origin, Talon doubted the Court's willingness to accept him as Samantha's partner, but she arrogantly declared that they will have no choice, as the Vanaver family had ruled the Court for generations.
Over the next three nights, Robin accompanied Talon in tackling organised crime figures, however, Robin refused to kill each time, claiming that there was enough evidence to lock them away forever. However, Talon argued that the mob bosses had numerous lawyers that would help them avoid that fate; Talon then revealed that he judged Robin's mercy as Batman's weakness, and challenged him to move beyond it if he wanted to reach his full potential. Before they part, Batman announced his presence, ignoring his son in an attempt to interrogate Talon about the Court of Owls; however, being overlooked again and Talon's goading drove Robin into challenging Batman.
Robin fought Batman, who was returning hits, although at lower impact than he would usually use. Their fight caused them to fall down into a greenhouse, with Batman positioning himself to cushion Robin. After they hit the ground, Robin recovered to wield a batarang, which he held at Batman's throat; Batman yelled at him to do it, if that was what he really wanted. Robin threw the batarang, which stuck in the ground adjacent to but away from Batman's neck. Robin disowned himself from his father and left.
When Batman attempted to follow his beacon into the Court, he unwittingly inhaled hallucinogenics, which triggered a vivid recollection of his childhood trauma when he lost his parents; however, it then replayed with him as the victim, and a gunman using his mantle of the Bat. He was shot until he tore the gunman's mask off, revealing an adult Damian. Child Bruce solemnly declared that Batman had created a monster full of rage that would use that rage to burn Gotham to its core; Bruce witnessed adult Damian standing upon a pile of bodies of his friends and allies. Bruce embraced his adult son, who continued to shoot into torso; Bruce consoled Damian, telling him it was okay, which drove the hallucination to tears. Bruce woke up at home, having been recovered by Nightwing; Bruce realised that his own actions of doubt and fear had pushed Damian away, and had hoped to rectify it before it was too late.
Talon introduced Robin to the Court of Owls, who welcome him. The Grandmaster ordered that Robin remove his mask, which he was hesitant to do, until Talon reminded him of his decision to join them. When Robin removed his mask, the Grandmaster/Samantha Vanaver recognised him as Damian Wayne, thereby was able to deduce that Batman is Bruce Wayne. While Damian tried to deny this in a panic, bars shot out of the floor around him, growing to seal him in a cage. The Grandmaster commanded that Damian be killed, as it would destroy the Batman before battle even began; however, Talon raged that the boy was meant to take his place as general of the undead army, which made Damian realise that he was being exploited from the start by Talon.
When Talon prepared to strike down Damian, he saw his own helpless childhood self on the boy's face; instead of completing the execution, Talon began slaughtering the Court. When the Grandmaster was cornered, she tried to appeal to Talon through their years of romance together, however, he stabbed her in the heart, claiming that she would have done the same thing to him. After the massacre, Talon told Damian that he destroyed his own world for him, and expected him to be loyal in return; Damian condemned Talon as insane, but the latter delusionally claimed that was Batman's influence, who shall be killed to "free" him. Talon locked Damian in an empty Talon chamber, while Talon unleashed the entire undead army to lead to Wayne Manor.
Batman's security system was triggered by the arriving undead assassins; he noted that he didn't know if they were arriving for Batman or Bruce Wayne, however, would be met with a fight they can't defeat. While Alfred prepared a mech suit in the Batcave, Batman and Nightwing cooperate to battle the invading undead army, being able to use lethal force due to them being unstoppable otherwise, as well as being technically already dead, thus it wouldn't betray the non-killing code.
In the Court storage, as the chamber was filling with fluid to force him into hibernation, Robin was able to retrieve a tool from his boot, which he used to unlock the chamber's clamp, forcing it to drop and shatter open on the floor. Robin rushed back to the Manor, while Batman forced Nightwing to retreat into the Batcave, as he fought off the assassins. Talon himself arrived to challenge Batman; the Dark Knight angrily damned Talon for manipulating his son, which Talon merely replied that if he did, it was only because Batman made it so easy.
Batman was forced to retreat into the cave, blocking access to delay Talon and his forces. Alfred fired a shotgun at various attacking undead, while Batman operated the mech suit to easily dispatch many more of the undead army. Robin appeared and informed Alfred of the undead's vulnerability to cold temperatures. Alfred used the environmental controls to change the cave's temperature into freezing; the undead stagger until freezing solid. Despite overcoming the army, Talon hijacked the Batmobile, ramming into Batman's mech suit, causing both to crash to the cave floor.
While injured, Batman was able to fight Talon, although was at a disadvantage due to exhaustion and the crash. Talon knocked Batman to the ground, but before his killing blow could hit, he was blocked by Robin, wielding the sai he had been given by the Owl. Talon accused Robin of being an ungrateful brat, then continued the fight, only against him. Robin defeated Talon, holding the sai at his neck to prevent his further attack. Talon smirked, telling the boy not to doubt his instincts, grabbed Robin's wrist, and impaled the sai into his own throat. Robin recoiled in shock and anger, while Talon bled to death.
Bruce recovered enough to stand, and hugged his son, telling him that he was proud. However, Damian pushed him away, as he revealed his struggle with an identity crisis, as he heard voices from Ra's al Ghul. Talia, and Bruce, yet he didn't know where his own sense of self was. Bruce mentioned that he knew of school, which Damian retorted as knowing, as he recalled the Swiss military academy. However, Bruce corrected him by noting the school he meant now was actually a monastery in the Himalayas; Bruce explained that he went there during his years of training, and the monks were able to help him achieve a sense of clarity and inner peace. While acting defiant, Damian conceded to considering going to the monastery.
While Bruce revealed to Alfred that he was suspicious of Samantha Vanaver, he now knew how corrupt she really was; Alfred wondered if letting Damian leave alone into the world was a sensible idea, but Bruce expressed his absolute confidence and faith in his son, repeating Alfred's suggestion that sometimes one must take a leap of faith. In the Himalayan mountains, Damian had hiked far enough to be in eyeshot of the monastery in which he hoped to gain some sense of balance and self.
Batman: Bad Blood[]
Talia, seemingly corrupted by her submersion in the Lazarus Pits, attempts a world domination scheme using a mysterious muscular man called the Heretic, and recruiting a bunch of Gotham supervillains, while also brainwashing Batman into being her servant. While Damian felt spiritual and mental balance at the monastery, he had become bored; upon learning of Batman's disappearance, he departed to Gotham.
To hide Batman's disappearance, Dick Grayson dons the mantle; Robin arrived to join his attack on an illegal weapons shipment orchestrated by Black Mask. As Black Mask fired a grenade launcher at the heroes, Robin blocked the barrel with a Talon's sai, causing both weapons to explode, fusing Black Mask's mask to his head, making him flee in panic and pain.
Damian argues that he was closer to being Batman, and criticised Dick for likely enjoying taking the role, but Dick angrily exclaimed that he hated wearing it, as he had spent his life trying to leave Bruce's shadow.
The League of Shadows team led by the Heretic break into Wayne Enterprises, forcing Lucius Fox to open the secret arsenal by threatening his son, Luke. Batman and Robin arrive to stop the heist. The Electrocutioner caught Robin by surprise, pumping electricity into him; the Heretic ordered that he stop, but the Electrocutioner didn't hear him, so in retaliation, Heretic killed him. The Shadows retreat with the equipment they needed. Later, when alone in the Batcave, the Heretic abducted Robin.
In chains, Damian awakened to see his father suffering mental programming directed by the Mad Hatter, who had paused the torture in preparation for another subject. The Heretic unmasked, revealing that he was an adult clone of Damian, claiming that he was one of many but the only to survive, and revealed that he wanted his genetic origin's memories to feel like a real person. Before the process can begin, Talia al Ghul entered, angry that Bruce's brainwashing had been halted; Damian was horrified to see how his mother had replaced him with a hollow duplicate.
Talia threatened suffering to Heretic for his rogue actions, but the clone broke down, exclaiming that his whole existence had been suffering; Heretic admitted that he wanted Damian's memories so he could become the son she could love and so that he may know her better in return. While Talia offered middling comfort, she shot Heretic in the head, making Damian even more repulsed by her actions.
Batman allied with vigilantes who "borrowed" the Bat icon, Kate Kane, a childhood friend who recently became Batwoman and Luke Fox who became Batwing, as they siege the false church that served as a front for the League of Shadows forces. After significant struggle, they rescue Damian and Bruce Wayne, and retreat to the Batcave.
Bruce acted more harsh than usual as he chided Dick for allowing Batwoman and Batwing into the fold, and declared that they didn't need anyone outside of their established group. Dick believed it was typical Bruce behaviour, while Damian was concerned, yet hoping it was only the trauma of the kidnapping making his father coarser than usual, and being in denial about anything wrong.
Kate's father was brainwashed to kill her, but she managed to knock him out to break the spell. As Batwoman, she called Nightwing and Robin to discuss what happened, since only they and Bruce knew Kate was Batwoman, that meant that Talia learned it from Bruce, thus his programming wasn't incomplete, it was successful, revealing Talia had allowed his escape as an option due to the brainwashing giving her complete control over him. Therefore, the vigilantes prepare for the next step of Talia's plan by aiming to intercept Bruce at the new UN embassy.
As a gathering of UN delegates commenced, a promising new embassy was revealed as the meeting hall was a part of a new flying machine called the Watchtower. Since Bruce was an investor in an innovative translator earpiece, he was in attendance, however, as the brainwashing was confirmed to remain, as he aided Talia's takeover, which used the new translator earpiece and Mad Hatter's frequencies to begin indoctrinating the important leading figures from around the world into becoming obedient to the League of Shadows.
Nightwing, Robin, Batwoman, Batwing, and Alfred infiltrate the flying embassy, with those who couldn't fly using the Batwing (plane). The group divided to disrupt the brainwashing of the delegates and defeat the employed villains. During the separate battles, each of the villains end up accidentally killed. Robin fought against Tusk, but the thug fell from the elevated platform; Robin caught him with a grappling line, and exerted to pull the weight of the bulky criminal, while saying the credo of "justice, not vengeance." However, the grappling line became lighter, and Robin was irate to learn that Tusk had been chopped apart by the massive propellers.
Alfred had sabotaged the wiring in the Mad Hatter's machinery, which unintentionally caused a power surge that killed the Calculator and resulted in the Hatter's head exploding. The violent end also ceased the brainwashing broadcast, leaving the UN delegates confused, but freed from the manipulation.
Talia had Bruce change into his Batman uniform, and ordered him to fight Nightwing; while Batwoman fought Talia. Robin arrived to assist Nightwing, and was unhappy to see what his mother had done to his father. Nightwing confessed to Batman that he was grateful for his adoption and training, and withdrew his statement about Batman being destructive, rather Batman's actions had always been noble and compassionate. Robin condemned Talia for betraying Ra's al Ghul's vision for a better world, noting that it had become all about control for her. Talia tossed a gun to Batman, commanding him to shoot Nightwing; when Robin objected, she ordered his death too, callously saying that they could always replace their son with another.
As Nightwing's words and Robin's appeals got through to Batman, he regained enough control to point the gun at his own head; Talia angrily tried to swing her sword at Nightwing, but Batman shot the hilt, knocking the blade from her hand. Batman dropped the gun and fell to his knees. With her plans thwarted, Talia spitefully questioned how she could have ever loved Bruce or Damian, although Bruce pondered if she even ever did.
Talia proclaimed if she couldn't have Bruce in life, then she would in death, as it appeared she dropped herself out of the large hole in the Watchtower; however, the suicide was a deception, as she had contingency of a flying craft that caught her mid-drop. While the Bat Family initially believe that she had escaped to fight again later, Heretic's right-hand, Onyx, had hidden in the craft; seeking to avenge Heretic, Onyx struck at Talia, who struck back. Regardless of the fight having an end, the craft's controls were broken, forcing it into a violent collision against the ocean, exploding it and killing any still alive, with the Bat Family witnessing in shock.
Later, while Damian sat solemnly in the Wayne Manor gardens, Bruce sat next to him, putting a supportive hand on his shoulder. As Dick and Alfred observe, the butler presumed that despite Talia's madness, she was still Damian's mother, thus he would mourn for her decline and death.
Justice League vs. Teen Titans[]
During a battle between the Justice League and the Legion of Doom, Batman had Robin on crowd control, much to his disdain. After the Legion is bested, Weather Wizard is possessed by an unknown dark entity, becoming a powerful threat, capable of hurting Superman due to magic. Robin steals the Batwing, programming it to crash into the Wizard, as well as detonating its arsenal; the Wizard is knocked off kilter by the crash and explosions, and is caught by Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth, however, the possessing entity dissipated, leaving the Wizard scared and confused.
Batman chided Robin for his disobedience, but the boy argued that he got results; Batman disputed he didn't work as a team player, but Robin countered he only saw "ineffectual grandstanding." Frustrated with his son, Batman requested that Nightwing drive Robin to Titans Tower, so he can learn how to be an effective component of a team, rather than always acting alone. On the drive, Robin expressed resentment about being punished by being sent to children, but Nightwing tries to assure him that he isn't being punished, as it is for his benefit; Nightwing also corrected that the Titans aren't children, but teenagers, which the young teenage Robin deemed to be even worse.
Robin is antagonistic to his new teammates and showed a negative attitude towards the leader, Starfire; Beast Boy and Blue Beetle believe that he was angry, but Raven corrected that he was just sad. The following day, after hogging the training simulator, he argued with Blue Beetle, then demeaned Starfire for being an exile. Angered by the disrespect, Blue Beetle challenged Robin, so they fight; Robin appeared to achieve the advantage, but when he gloated, the Scarab reacted aggressively, and blasted half of Robin's face, causing critical injuries. Raven used her healing powers to completely heal him, although her empathic powers forced her to experience the emotions from throughout his entire life, causing her to pass out.
At night, Damian interrupted Raven's meditation to provide coarse gratitude, which she accepted with doubt. He then criticised her for reading his mind, although she retorted that as an empath, she more felt it than saw it, thus had been meditating to remove the negative sensations. Raven then labelled Damian's grandfather as wicked, but he argued that he was a great man, which she disputed with her conclusion that he was a demon, and she knows demons well. Damian said he was meant make the world better and rule it with his grandfather, though Raven dryly noted she knew that game already. Damian then revealed that when Raven was looking into his mind, he could see into hers, and saw a man that seemed like something much more. Raven defensively derails the conversation and departed in a huff through a teleportation portal.
Damian bluntly, although indirectly, apologised to Blue Beetle for engaging combat without understanding his capabilities.
Damian used Starfire's computer to acquire data on the team, though she chastised him for this; he expressed concern about the lack of data on Raven, then argued how it was unsafe to keep her on the team without properly knowing their backgrounds and powers. Starfire countered that everyone on the team had endured some sort of significant hardship, yet are learning how to overcome them together on the team, and everyone deserved home without conditions. Although, Damian merely scoffed, then left.
Talking with Nightwing, Starfire expressed frustration about Damian's attitude, even feeling like he reminded her of her egotistical sister. Nightwing inadvertently gives the idea about taking the team out for a group activity, much to Starfire's enthusiasm.
Starfire escorted the team to a carnival. They ride the Ferris wheel, with Beast Boy and Beetle exuberantly cheering together, while Damian and Raven quietly look around, before being self-conscious when their eyes met. Damian and Raven then tease each other with funhouse mirror reflections. With the abilities of the team members, they easily win at various carnival booths. Damian used his tickets to get a toy sword, although upon seeing a young girl interested in it, he gave the toy to her, which only Raven witnessed. Raven bought cotton candy, sharing a piece to Damian, who cynically noted its lack of nutritional value; she tried to joke about it, yet he remained unresponsive; she clarified she was joking, which he said he knew, but argued that if she really knew him, she wouldn't bother trying. Raven pensively noted that neither of their lives were funny, however, she revealed that she knew something about him that he might not know himself, which was beneath his coarse exterior, he was compassionate and selfless. The positive description surprised Damian, possibly proving Raven right that he was unaware of his capacity for kindness.
Damian accepted Beast Boy's challenge to a dance off, to the delight or amusement of everyone, which eventually ended in Damian's triumph. However, people are briefly possessed to direct Raven into the woods, where she encountered the spectral form of her demonic father, Trigon, and a few demons that called themselves Sons of Trigon. Raven expressed disbelief since Trigon should still be trapped, but he boasted that it was only temporary and she is his blood, thus destined to ensure his return.
Raven engaged in battle with the Sons, which leads back to the carnival, scaring the civilians away. Damian had to rush to the car, breaking a window to retrieve his sword. The Titans suit up to prepare to battle, with Starfire asking Raven what the Sons were, which she explained were demons that can heal from any damage, but their energy was akin to batteries, thus they can be drained empty. The Titans cooperate to dispatch the Sons, continuing to damage the regenerating demons; eventually, the Sons run out of power, so vanish out of existence.
Damian sternly questions Raven, which the others try to deflect, though similarly admit the need to know answers. Raven teleported the team to another dimension of a ruined civilisation. She explained how her mother, Arella, was gullible, so fell into a cult; the cult chanced upon a real summoning ritual, thus conjured Trigon, who appeared as a tall, muscular, handsome human man. Arella and Trigon were wed, but on their wedding night, he shifted into his true demonic visage, much to her horror. Without a conduit, Trigon vanished back to his home dimension, but Arella was still left feeling lost and horrified by being impregnated by the devil; Arella wandered, until a compassionate people from a realm known as Azarath invited her to stay with them in safety. Arella was able to give birth to Raven, and they lived a peaceful life in Azarath; however, Raven didn't feel like she belonged, feeling isolated and unsure about herself. When around 10-12, Raven summoned Trigon to learn about her true nature, but when he arrived, he obliterated the dimension, leaving him and Raven as sole survivors. Trigon took her to his Hell dimension in preparation for his next conquest, but when he dropped his guard, she sealed him into a large magic crystal. Raven kept watched, but eventually felt it was secure enough for her to leave, and she longed for connections.
Raven revealed the destroyed realm she took the team was the ruins of Azarath, before portaling everyone back to the Titans Tower on Earth. Raven admitted that she placed wards on the team to prevent Trigon possessing them, though apologised for doing it without permission, as well as being apologetic for endangering everyone for selfishness. Although, the team reassure her that she wasn't selfish, she shouldn't feel responsible for her father's actions, and promise they will help her face Trigon.
Before Raven could answer, a boom tube opened for the entrance of Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and Flash; Batman revealed that Superman had been possessed by some demonic entity, and through cryptic phrases shared and noted magical events, they had deduced that Raven is involved, so have arrived to collect her. The Titans, first and foremost Damian, reject this decision, proclaiming that Raven is their teammate and they can protect her. After an impasse, Raven panicked as she understood Trigon wanted this meeting to happen, which is announced when more of his Corruptors appear to possess the Justice League, except for Batman who envenoms himself with a neuro-toxin, which appeared to vanquish his Corruptor. The others, however, are possessed and engaged in battle against the Titans. Despite a resilient effort, the possessed League defeat the Titans, and threaten to kill them if Raven refused to obey. Raven sadly accepted, her face turning red and four-eyed like her father; she opened a portal to travel to the demonic shrine, solemnly saying goodbye to her friends. Before the portal closed, Blue Beetle shot a probe at Cyborg's neck, unleashing a powerful electronic current that appeared to purge his Corruptor.
While the Titans and Cyborg regather to contemplate a plan, Damian noted his father's self-inflicted disabling, irritably criticising the rest of the League for failing to show the same level of dedication that Batman did. Even so, from Batman and Cyborg, they discovered that sufficient injury will destroy the Corruptor. Although, the team fret about not knowing where to go, though Damian aloofly noted she was in a desert near Kahndaq, which he knew because of a tracker he placed on Raven, just like he did for the rest of the team. The Titans are unnerved, but focus on the priority; however, they worry that there is no way to hurt Superman enough to end his possession, yet Damian smirked as he did have a way.
Cyborg boom tubes the Titans to Kahndaq, joining to help them; when possessed Superman flies up to intercept, Damian stabbed a shard of kryptonite into him. When they hit the ground, the Corruptor had been destroyed, and Superman politely asked that Damian remove the kryptonite, which he complied and sealed it in a lead pouch on his belt. Superman broke one of Flash's legs, which freed him, then used the Lasso of Truth to emancipate Wonder Woman.
With the League freed, they rush to the shrine that had been drawing energy from Raven; it stopped, and Starfire caught her before she hit the ground. Believing Trigon thwarted, the team are shocked when Raven revealed it wasn't over, as the ritual was complete, enabling the dimensional gate to open, allowing Trigon to stand upon Earth to begin a march of destruction. The League offer to delay the demon's path, while Cyborg and the Titans enter Trigon's home dimension to undertake Raven's plan to seal Trigon back inside the crystal.
The team cut through swarms of demons and more Sons of Trigon; though the team volunteer to fight the creatures, so Raven can be free to fly to the realm's central location, to use the crystal positioned there to recapture Trigon. When Raven arrived at the crystal, it was suddenly shattered by a flying sword that returned to the hand of its wielder, who then kicked Raven to the ground. Damian arrived to help Raven, and is stunned to witness his teammate's attacker, who was his undead grandfather, Ra's al Ghul; Ra's claimed that the Lazarus Pits were created by Trigon, so the demon became his sustenance. allowing his return to life once more. Ra's requested that Damian join him once again, and execute Raven, thereby they will obtain rule of Earth once Trigon had completed its purge. Damian admitted that he would do anything to see his grandfather again, but Trigon is evil and his scheme is just violence without end. Angered at his defiance, Ra's condemned him as no al Ghul, to which Damian retorted that he was a Titan.
Damian and Ra's commence a sword duel, while Raven picked up a piece of the shattered crystal. Damian managed to decapitate Ra's, whose head and body transformed into a demonic form, which indicated either it was a demon impersonating Ra's or the real one had deformed into a demon due to allying with Trigon; regardless, the now literal Head of the Demon begged for help before he was dragged by hands from the pillars, trapping him with the other demonic bodies.
Raven completed the spell, her Soul Bird's shadows dragging Trigon from Earth, and sealing him within a dimensional prison inside the piece of crystal.
The team defeats the demons, and everyone reunited upon the central structure; despite everyone feeling the danger was over, Raven corrected it won't ever end, since Trigon would forever keep trying to escape again; ergo, Raven believed it would be safest for her to remain in the Hell dimension to prevent Trigon's escape, although the Titans, Damian in particular, reassure her that her home is with them, and she can guard Trigon while living with the team on Earth. Raven placed the gem prison on her forehead like a chakra for security.
Despite Damian's initial disdain, he grew to respect and even like his fellow Titans; he becomes especially close with Raven, due to their similar backgrounds and worldviews, her interesting demeanour, and her capability to understand him better than he believed he understood himself.
Ten days after the incident, the Justice League communicates via visual link to commend the Titans for their efforts and Starfire for her leadership; Robin and Raven smile at each other. Batman expressed his pride for the team, though hinting particularly for Damian, which the boy noticed and was surprised to hear.
Teen Titans: Judas Contract[]
(Hired by Brother Blood, but motivated by revenge, Deathstroke uses a mole in the Teen Titans, Terra, and captures most of the Titans, so that Blood can siphon their powers and skills.)
During a raid of a HIVE facility, the henchmen are defeated, leaving the team to awkwardly witness Nightwing asking Starfire to move in with him in his new place, and so she accepted. Later, Damian gave his indifferent but overall supportive approval to Nightwing, noting that Starfire is an exceptional individual.
In a training match, Beast Boy turned into a snake, and playfully wrapped around Terra, who suffered a PTSD episode that made her almost kill him, if not for Nightwing and Blue Beelte saving him. Even so, Beast Boy apologised for being disrespectful, while most of team inquire if Terra was okay, however, she was baffled by their kindness, finding it insane, so fled to be alone. Damian, however, was wary of Terra.
At night, Terra had a nightmare that triggered her powers to nearly damage the Titans Tower, however, the team manage to wake her up before it happened. Raven offered to use her powers to soothe Terra, but she aggressively rejected her. When Terra had left, Damian strongly asked if Raven read anything suspicious in Terra, however, Raven criticised him for being too callous, reminding him that Starfire is the leader, not him, and then concluding with he should aim to be compassionate, since they all have storied pasts.
When Terra went into the city alone, Robin followed via rooftops; although, she created a column of earth to meet him on the warehouse roof, explaining that she could sense the vibrations from his movements, even on a roof. Robin offered that he could help out with whatever was bothering Terra; he used himself to explain that he understood being standoffish, but the Titans only want to help. Deathstroke announced his presence by mockingly congratulating Robin for being so thoughtful. Robin spitefully noted that Deathstroke must have gotten to a Lazarus Pit, which he confirmed with a boast about how he was periodically using one to enhance his strength.
Robin attempted to defend Terra from Deathstroke, slowly forcing the mercenary to the disadvantage, only to be caught off-guard by her betrayal, as she created a restraint of stone. Damian is kept imprisoned in Deathstroke's base; the mercenary taunts him, mocking him by noting the Titans are having a fun party without him, though Damian retorts in a bid to provoke his release as to fight directly, which merely resulted in a beating and derision for perceived failure to be an al Ghul. Damian condemned Deathstroke for betraying the League of Assassins, although he hatefully countered that he felt betrayed first, as despite all of his hard work from the gutter, an entitled child was given everything that he believed he personally deserved. Deathstroke claimed that since Damian "stole" his old family, the mercenary will steal his new one in retribution.
Terra felt conflicted about her mission due to a budding relationship with Beast Boy, so went to antagonise Robin in an attempt to validate her deception. Robin chastised her for betraying the Titans for Deathstroke, someone who was only using her; Terra refuted the claim by declaring that he loved her and cared about her. However, Robin was able to surmise language and tactics that Deathstroke used to groom Terra, and he also explained that she would be betrayed herself eventually, which provoked her into almost killing him, if not stopped by Deathstroke.
The other Titans are captured via deception and ambushing that Deathstroke orchestrated through his year of data gathering through Terra and from his own observations from afar. However, Nightwing eludes capture; as Brother Blood's transference machine needed six people, Deathstroke betrayed Terra - fulfilling Robin's prediction - allowing her to be trapped in the machine with the others. Blood pressured Deathstroke to remain as witness, then had the machine activated, absorbing the prisoners' powers and skills.
Nightwing infiltrated Blood's temple, then used an explosive to blow up the machine, which allowed the rest of the team escape; they defeat Brother Blood, despite his partial absorption of their gifts. Raven casts a spell that purges their abilities from Blood, leaving him weak, therefore his right-hand, Mother Mayhem, executed him to spare his immortal life from endless prison.
Meanwhile, Robin was first to battle Deathstroke, and he was shortly joined by Nightwing, with both leaving the mercenary on the defensive.
The team's confrontation with Deathstroke is interrupted by Terra, who desired vengeance for the betrayal; seeing Beast Boy filled her with guilt and remorse for her deception, so she manifested a wall to block the Titans from reaching her, and caused the temple to collapse in suicide and to ensure Deathstroke's seemingly final demise, too.
Atop Titans Tower, Damian holds Deathstroke's mask, ruminating on his past trauma and vendetta with his adversary, pondering how to feel about him seeming dead again, and also unsure due to his recent return from death; however, Damian is distracted by Raven as she presents a puppy as a gift, to his perplexity, but he appreciated it and named him Titus.
The Death of Superman[]
Superman died defeating Doomsday, and during the memorial, Damian offered a comforting hand on Bruce's shoulders.
Batman: Hush[]
Due to being with the Teen Titans, Damian is unable to assist Batman during the Hush mystery; he does, however, have a video call with him, with Titus at his side. The purpose of the call was to offer relationship advice about being careful considering his past problems with Talia, although he also offered doubtful approval to his father having a relationship with Catwoman, even though he thinks she may be a "trollop."
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War[]
The Titans watch the transmission of Superman detailing the plan to invade Apokolips to destroy Darkseid. Raven appeared to briefly experience intense pain, much to Damian's concern, but she reassured him that she was okay. While Damian had great concerns for the invasion plan, Dick convinced him to keep them to himself and have faith in Superman.
After the failed attack on Darkseid, he countered with an invasion that destroyed much of Earth with a force of Parademons and Paradooms (hybrids of the prior creature and Doomsday), The counterattack killed every Titan, except for Damian and Raven, and the unofficial member, Superboy. After the attack, Damian invited Raven to join him in leading the League of Assassins, but she refused without explanation; nevertheless, he respected her choice, so Damian alone returned to the League, becoming its leader with his second-in-command being Lady Shiva. Darkseid, with a far stronger method than used by Talia, brainwashed Batman, whose intelligence and tactical nuance boosted the New God's hold over Earth, as well as conquer other worlds.
Two years later, a de-powered Clark Kent and Raven, weakened by Trigon draining her life to escape his astral prison in the gem, along with an indifferent Etrigan and a reluctant John Constantine, undertake a plan to finally defeat Darkseid. Upon teleporting to Assassins stronghold Nanda Parbat, they are considered trespassers, so are attacked; however, when a ninja almost strikes Raven, they are ordered to stop by Damian. From the shadows, Damian (with Titus) and Raven reunite; Damian is angered upon seeing Clark, but before he can draw his sword, Raven asked him to stop, then collapsed, with him gently cradling her from falling. Damian permits a truce, inviting the arrivals inside, while he carried Raven to place her to sleep on barracks bed. When seeing Raven's distressed sleep, Damian asked Constantine if she could be healed, which the sorcerer confirmed as simple, however, it could cause - as Damian himself concluded - the unleashing of Trigon, much to the Wayne's dismay.
Damian gently awakens Raven, and invited her and Clark to show more consequences of the war; he revealed a padded cell in which he kept Nightwing, who was revived by a Lazarus Pit, yet was left insane - Raven was disappointed in him breaking a promise not to use them, which Damian accepted, though noted that he had to try to save his brother. Due to Darkseid's counterattack on Earth that killed billions, the deaths of most of his teammates, and Batman being mind-controlled, Damian rejected Clark's invitation to join another raid into Apokolips. Although, when Superman revealed Nightwing's death almost broke Batman's brainwashing, Damian reminisced about how Batman had broken himself from Talia's control, so could do it again, therefore he agreed to accompany them in the hope of freeing him, though is willing to kill him if it's needed, since Batman would rather die than be continued to be used as a pawn for conquest.
They arrive at Stryker's Island to regroup with Lois Lane, who was in the process of recruiting the Suicide Squad. The effort to teleport significantly weakened an already frail Raven, who Damian allowed to lean on him. During a conversation alone in the medbay, Raven apologised for seeming weak to him, but Damian asserted that she was one of the strongest people he knew. Damian asked how she ended up with Clark; Raven revealed that 2 years ago, when Damian left, she was alone, overwhelmed by grief and fear; she almost committed suicide, but was stopped by Clark, who became a surrogate father. Raven apologised for not going with Damian to Nanda Parbat earlier; yet Damian confessed that his invitation for Raven 2 years ago to join the League of Assassins wasn't merely due to her combat prowess, but because he had feelings for her, which he concludes that it was wise for her to refuse if she didn't feel the same; however, Raven strongly counters a lack of affection was far from the truth, rather she didn't join him earlier because her imprisoned father, Trigon, waits within the gem upon her forehead, and threatened harm upon Damian, which after everything they had lost, she couldn't risk losing another person she cared about, especially so dearly. Damian gently placed a hand on Raven's, and they sweetly smile at each other.
The heroes and the Suicide Squad siege LexCorp Tower, fighting through Luthor's troops; unfortunately, there are numerous casualties, including Lady Shiva, who Robin solemnly tells to rest in peace. Near the top of the Tower, Luthor intercepts in a warsuit; Robin mounted it, but when he stabbed his sword into it, Luthor activated an electric surge that knocked Robin down in pain. In a rage, Raven used her demonic powers to tear apart the warsuit, and almost killed Luthor if not for Clark's plea for reason. Luthor revealed that he was Sleeper, the double agent who had been feeding Lois Lane intel during the 2 year occupation; Robin accused Luthor of being an opportunist that switched sides to benefit himself, although Luthor disputed this and proved it by offering Kryptonite weapons to kill Paradooms and allowed access to the boom tube to Apokolips.
They divide forces between Earth and Apokolips. On Apokolips, the team fight the Furies - brainwashed cybernetic versions of heroes. While it took the death of Etrigan, Constantine was able to free Wonder Woman, who assumed the burden of fighting the rest of the Furies, so the team could continue into the fortress. The plan was to detonate a generator, however, the only generator was a cosmic treadmill-like device that had the Flash imprisoned and constantly running to provide power. They free the Flash, but without a generator to detonate there was no fall plan to destroy Apokolips, nevertheless they resolve to continue into the fortress in the hope of finding another strategy. When walking though a laser-rigged corridor, lasers fire randomly, with one clipping Robin's leg, which provoked Raven into using her powers to destroy the corridor and escort the team to the throne room. Robin checked on Raven, who was briefly possessed by Trigon and the demon threatened him.
In the throne room, they find Cyborg fused into the structure, who was chanting praise to Darkseid; Constantine used techno-magic to free Cyborg, which also released the Furies from their mental subjugation. Before another plan could be settled, the brainwashed Batman and Darkseid arrived.
Darkseid ordered Batman to kill the intruders; his son attempted to appeal to his father, but Darkseid's indoctrination only made Batman spitefully reject him, while disowning him as a burden. Raven tried to make Damian understand it was really Darkseid's words, but Damian was too emotional to listen, so fought Batman; during the fight between father and son, Damian seemed to be at the detriment, leading to his sword being taken from him by Batman, and he is stabbed in the leg. Darkseid commanded Batman to execute him, but seeing Damian helpless reminded him of his definitive moment of loss as a child, reminding him of his life and true self, thus broke the brainwashing. Batman pelted the sword at Darkseid, which impaled his eye and exploded, but left him otherwise unaffected.
Darkseid fired his omega beams at Batman, but Damian intercepted them, taking severe damage. Witnessing Damian suffer a fatal injury caused Raven to lose her grasp on Trigon's prison, beginning his escape; she demanded Constantine kill her to prevent it, but the sorcerer instead pulled the gem to his hand, dropped it, and stomped on it, creating a summoning circle. Trigon manifested as a black cloud without form yet four red eyes, so Constantine offered his own body to destroy Darkseid together. Trigon, however, possessed Clark, purging the liquid kryptonite from him to restore and enhance his powers; he then snapped Constantine's neck.
Batman cradled a dying Damian, who expressed appreciation to see his father back to regular himself; Damian acknowledged that he wasn't an ideal son, but was grateful for being accepted regardless, and being helped to follow a better path. Damian reminded Batman of his mantra of justice, not vengeance, and pleaded that he save everyone, and with his last breath pleading that he save Raven.
When Superman witnessed the broadcast of Lois's death, his grief allowed him to eject Trigon from his body, leaving the Old God trapped in a sphere created by the New God. Superman brutally battled Darkseid, allowing the others to strategise. Thanks to Zatanna in Heaven and the forces of destiny, Constantine is revived. Meanwhile, Raven embraced Damian's body, directly confessing her love for him; this also had the effect of unlocking her true powers, restoring not just herself but also Damian.
For Cyborg's plan to banish Darkseid and his forces into oblivion, a distraction is needed; however, as nobody was willing to sacrifice Superman or anyone, Constantine and Raven settle on the plan to conjure a new physical form for Trigon, so that he could fight Darkseid instead.
The heroes escape to Earth via boom tube, Damian stopping due to Raven, though she encouraged him she will be right behind him, which reassured him enough to leave; as Trigon hovered by, he expressed appreciation for the "gift" of fighting Darkseid, and wished his daughter well; after the first and only positive interaction with her father, Raven offered a sincere goodbye, then left through the boom tube, which closed after her. Cyborg remained behind as he was unable to be removed from the citadel, and he needed to be present to activate the planetary boom tube. After brutal battles, all over the world and Apokolips itself, Darkseid is restrained by the recently freed (and interestingly helpful) Trigon, as they and Apokolips are dragged into Cyborg's colossal boom tube into a void that obliterates Apokolips and traps them forever.
Despite the triumph, Darkseid had already caused cataclysmic damage to Earth, whose orbit will be destabilised, and cannot be restored before billions more would perish. The heroic survivors are spread over the grounds of the damaged Titans Tower, many of whom scarred inside and out by the war; Damian appeared saddened but accepting of Nightwing being calmed by resting on cyborg Starfire, and Titus provided emotional support to widowed Mera. Damian himself appeared peaceful with his arm over Raven, who lovingly leaned against him.
Due to the billions of deaths, the global destruction, and inevitability that the Earth's damage would cause greater losses, Constantine convinces the Flash to trigger a new Flashpoint, arguing a bad world is better than no world.
As Flash disappears into the Speed Force, a white wave of energy is unleashed, undoing reality; before the wave floods over them, Damian and Raven share their first and final kiss, the Flashpoint erasing the destruction wrought by Darkseid, yet everything else as well, with no guarantee that everyone will even exist once the reality is restored.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Master Combatant: Damian has extensive knowledge of unarmed, melee and close quarter combat. While he never truly defeated Batman, is seems clear that he had the potential to one day surpass even the Dark Knight himself.
- Master Swordsman
- Blunt, Edged, Improvised Weapon Expert
- Expert Driver: Despite his age, Damian knows how to drive and could use the Batmobile after stealing it.
- Expert Pilot: Damian was also able to operate the Batwing and its weapons.
- Acrobatics: Damian is highly capable of acrobatic and gymnastic feats, such as parkour or free running moves, while he incorporates these skills in traversing urban areas and in fighting.
- Beyond Peak Stamina: He was capable of swimming 50 miles through ocean currents, yet still retain enough strength to enter exhaustive fights.
- High Pain Endurance: He was able to suffer numerous concussive, abrasive, and penetrating wounds, yet still hold perfect motor functions.
- Strategic and Tactical Expertise: From training in the League of Shadows to accompanying Batman, he achieves an exceptional knowledge and understanding of battle and warfare.
- Detective skills: While not at the level of his father, Damian is proficient at detective work and deductive reasoning.
- Computer Programmer and Hacker: He is able to activate complex programs and algorithms. At 6 years old, he was skilled enough to hack into NORAD (at least he claimed, and he is typically honest).
- (Formerly) Small Stature: His original stature upon becoming Robin was short, slightly less than average, but it allowed him to more easily dodge attacks, jump around, and could mount enemy weapons due to his strong sense of equilibrium.
Equipment[]
- Utility Belt: Damian was given a utility belt with various gadgets by his father, Batman.
- Grappling gun: Damian uses a line-launching handgun, along with his own natural mobility, to descend or scale several stories and to traverse several yards in seconds or less by shooting a retractable, detachable and replaceable line at a nearby structure and then retracting it.
- Batarangs: Like Batman, he has numerous Batarangs, with various sub-types, from conventional projectiles to explosives.
- Smoke Bombs
- Flash bangs
- Talon's sai: He briefly used the gifted sai as a secondary weapon, but allowed it to be destroyed as to completely reject Talon's influence.
- Sword: Damian's childhood in the League of Shadows had taught him mastery of the blade, thus he often used a sword in combat.
- Kryptonite Sword: For the final assault against Apokolips, he took a Kryptonite blade made by Luthor, which allowed him to kill Paradooms and impede the Furies.
Personality[]
| “ | But I'll tell you something about yourself that not even you may know: you may be insufferable, but in your heart, you are a kind and generous soul. | „ |
| ~ Raven telling Damian that despite his past and flaws, he is indeed a good person despite his doubts |
Due to being raised by the League of Assassins as the heir of Ra's al Ghul, Damian became incredibly arrogant and entitled; him being the son of Batman also boosted his ego and belief that he was owed the mantle of his forbears in both the League and Gotham. His arrogance lead to him having an abundance in confidence, which helped him confront danger fearlessly, yet also cause him to overestimate himself, which could lead to an opponent overwhelming him. From training in the League, Damian originally held no hesitation in using lethal force, and he tended to devolve into vicious mindsets in battle - though, once in Gotham, was often prevented by Batman and Nightwing, to his frustration and confusion.
Eventually, by bonding with his father, Bruce, his adopted brother, Dick, and family butler/grandfather figure, Alfred, Damian's belief in killing criminals became challenged, eventually he chose Batman's own no killing rule (albeit, still used significant force if needed), adopting his father's mantra of "justice, not vengeance." As he grew to question the League of Shadow's modus operandi, his pride was affected by a sense of shame and insecurity, as he felt he was not a champion to a great lineage, but inheritor of mere murderers and thieves; even so, he was in denial about Ra's al Ghul's true megalomania, as he remained convinced about its nobility until proven otherwise. His relationship with and admiration for his father managed to counter the shame of his mother's descent into insanity, possibly caused by the Lazarus Pit, although he considered himself as just a weapon, rather than a human, thereby continued to keep up emotional barriers for some time.
Damian was slow to open up to anyone, viewing it as a weakness to share information about himself, as well as distrust he held over the world because of the League's grooming and Batman's own scepticism. Even after establishing a bond with the Bat Family, he still struggled to work in teams and was still hesitant to connect with others, especially if he considered them less mature or less skilled than him. His involvement with the Teen Titans generally helped him become capable of being a strong and cooperative team member, although still holding himself to a higher standard than the rest (which was both helpful and detrimental).
He speaks formally, although had the tendency to be blunt, plus his repertoire of slang tends to be dated due to his insulated upbringing; his honesty often made him express any opinion he had, especially negative ones, about and at the person(s) he was addressing. As he grew to be more compassionate, he avoided his habit of unintentional insults, but still was direct in his opinions. The only element for which he wasn't honest was about his own intimate emotions, as it took him time and training at a monastery for him to express his feelings of appreciation and affection to his father, adoptive brother, and Alfred. His bluntness also often made him insult enemies, or use their own words to degrade them.
Despite an adherence to honesty, he remained with the habit to keep secrets like his father, typically about strategy and tactics, though there was one more personal aspect that he still wouldn't be honest about, which were his romantic feelings; spending time with Raven, he grew to admire her inner strength, and her compassion, plus he empathized with her due to their similar backgrounds as originally being heirs to a demon's schemes, thus he eventually fell in love with her. However, his inexperience and insecurity about romance made him unable to share his feelings, due to his mother's obsession with Batman, and Batman's poor history of romantic partners, especially Talia and Catwoman; after the Justice League's failed attack on Darkseid, who unleashed Paradooms upon the world, leaving Robin and Raven the sole survivors of the Teen Titans, he invited her to join him as he returned to the League of Assassins, failing to admit a significant motive was his love for her. Raven refused, herself withholding the fact that her father, Trigon, had been gradually breaking down the bonds of the astral prison in the gem upon her forehead; she similarly loved Damian, but feared for his safety as Trigon threatened him in particular.
Upon their reunion 2 years later, Damian is concerned by Raven's visible decline in health, which was caused by Trigon draining her lifeforce in a slow, but effective method of escape. Despite her apparent rejection earlier, he treated her gently and with concern, showing that his love was unconditional, and he now respects the decisions of others without judgement (barring poor strategies). He reveals that he had revived Nightwing in a Lazarus Pit, however, he returned completely insane; Raven is disappointed in Damian for breaking his promise about the Pits, but she sympathises with his hope to save his adoptive brother. Before commencing a counterattack against Darkseid's forces, Damian confesses his love for Raven, who reveals the reason she refused him earlier was due to the danger of Trigon, however, now reciprocates his feelings.
When meeting his brainwashed father, he appeals to his conscience and willpower, however, Darkseid's mind control made him express contempt for his son and disowned him, which goaded the typically stoic Damian into a duel with his father, being unable to hear Raven's reasoning trough his own despair; Batman defeats Damian, but upon seeing his son at the mercy of a monster like he was as a child, the brainwashing breaks. In defiance of Darkseid's orders, Batman throws a sword, stabbing the tyrant's eye, which explodes, but leaves no detriment. In retaliation, Darkseid fires his Omega Beams at Batman, but Damian sacrifices himself by intercepting them - reinforcing how far he had come from the selfish entitled child, becoming a selfless brave hero. As he lay dying in Batman's arms, Damian expresses appreciation for his father's acceptance and help in becoming a better person; he uses his last words to ask Batman to save everyone, especially Raven, showing his selflessness and love were his strongest attributes at the end.
Trigon escapes due to Raven's horror upon seeing Damian die. She cradles him, confessing her love more directly; her love awakens her dormant Azarathan powers, thereby reviving and healing Damian, as well as becoming healthy again herself. After Apokolips and Darkseid, the latter dragged by Trigon, are thrown into an inescapable dimensional abyss, Damian and Raven are among other survivors upon the lawn of the damaged Teen Titans Tower. Constantine argued that Flash should enact another Flashpoint, which he acquiesces to; as reality is rewritten, Damian and Raven share their first and final kiss, content to be with each other at the end of everything, never knowing if they will be together or simply exist once reality is restored.
Quotes[]
| “ | Deathstroke: Now your luck ends.
Robin: You call it luck, I call it skill. [spits in Deathstroke's eye] |
„ |
| ~ Antagonistic exchange during a bloody fight |
| “ | No. I'm my father's son, too. I'm Robin. | „ |
| ~ Damian rejecting Deathstroke's demand to kill him, as the boy takes his first real step towards becoming a hero. |
| “ | Shut up, damn you, or I'll tear your heart out! I'll tear it out! | „ |
| ~ Damian almost provoked to lethally retaliate against the Dollmaker for his horrific crimes and madness |
| “ | Robin: There is no way you're gonna pull this off without my help. Nightwing: (sarcastically) Modest as ever, I see. |
„ |
| ~ Debate between Damian and Dick when the latter had to act as Batman |
| “ | That's what it's all about in the end, isn't it, mother? Not the vision of a better world my grandfather had. It's just about control. | „ |
| ~ Damian's final words to his mother before Talia tried to have him killed and then dying herself |
| “ | "That's the difference between you and me: you wear a weapon. I am a weapon." | „ |
| ~ Robin's dismissive attitude to Blue Beetle, which provoked a violent response from the Scarab |
| “ | Faith is belief based on an absence of data. | „ |
| ~ Damian's cynical belief before his growth with the Titans |
| “ | Raven: Here, have some. [Raven offered cotton candy to Damian who takes and eats a small piece] |
„ |
| ~ Damian and Raven bonding in their unique way |
| “ | Now you'll be four times as lucky. If we can't save one of our own, who can we save? | „ |
| ~ Damian expressing that the Titans should help Raven against Trigon |
| “ | Robin: This is our job, father. You have to leave. Blue Beetle and Beast Boy: Father?! |
„ |
| ~ Robin defying Batman again, but this time on behalf of someone else. |
| “ | Robin: Grandfather, I... I would do anything to bring you back, but this... Ra's al Ghul: You hesitate. Why? Are you afraid? |
„ |
| ~ Robin conflicted about joining his grandfather, before ultimately siding with the Titans |
| “ | Raven: Unfortunately, this is my home. I have to watch him. Robin: It's not your home. Home is the place where... when you have to go there, they have to take you in. |
„ |
| ~ Raven consigning herself to remain in Hell to contain Trigon, but convinced to return to Earth thanks to Damian and the Titans. |
| “ | Slade! Look at what Hell spit out. | „ |
| ~ Robin's hostile reunion with his archenemy Deathstroke |
| “ | Robin: Big man. Why not get me out of here so I can defend myself properly? Unless, you're afraid Deathstroke: Really? You're down to hoping I'm gonna act like the biggest stooge in a B-movie? |
„ |
| ~ While imprisoned, Robin attempted to undermine Deathstroke through taunts |
| “ | Hey, "papa," here's your pipe! | „ |
| ~ Robin repeating Deathstroke's arrogant belief before attacking him with a lead pipe. |
| “ | If you steal anything, I'll cut off your hands. | „ |
| ~ After assuming leadership of the League of Assassins, Damian returned to his older violent tendencies, as he threatened Constantine, albeit to the delight of Etrigan |
| “ | Raven: You used a Lazarus Pit! You promised you wouldn't. Damian Wayne: I had to take the chance... He was my brother. |
„ |
| ~ Raven disappointed in Damian for using her father's dark magic, which he acknowledged yet noted he had to take the risk for his adopted brother, Dick Grayson |
| “ | He overcame my mother's brainwashing once. If anyone could survive Darkseid's programming, it'd be father... (Raven: So you'll try?) It's my responsibility to save him, or barring that, kill him if he can't be saved. He would want that. | „ |
| ~ Damian noting Batman's resilience, thus agreed to cooperate in Superman's subsequent attack against Apokolips, although with the resolve of executing his father if necessary |
| “ | Damian Wayne: When I asked you to join me in leading the League of Assassins, I wasn't doing it because you're a good fighter. I... I had feelings for you. If you didn't, you made the right decision. Raven: It wasn't that at all! I left because my father wants to kill you. After everything, I couldn't risk that. |
„ |
| ~ Damian and Raven confess their mutual attraction after 2 years apart |
| “ | Come then, end your burden. | „ |
| ~ Damian's emotions overrule his judgement as he reacts to Batman controlled by Darkseid. |
| “ | "Remember, father: justice, not vengeance. Save them. Save her." | „ |
| ~ Damian's dying words to show that he had embraced his role as Bruce Wayne's son, as well as pleading that he save his true love, Raven. |
| “ | Robin: You brought me back. Raven: I had to take the chance. |
„ |
| ~ After much suffering, Robin and Raven find a moment of joy in their recoveries |
| “ | Don't make this overly emotional, father. it wasn't your fault. | „ |
| ~ After being resurrected by Raven, Damian has a light-hearted and caring moment with his father |
Trivia[]
- Between the DCAMU movies Son of Batman and Justice League Vs Teen Titans, Damian has grown noticeably. Originally he stood as roughly half his father's height to being roughly a foot shorter than Bruce. This proves that the movies are following a certain level of continuity since Damian's introduction. From his debut in Son of Batman and later Batman vs. Robin, Damian is 10-years old, then later 12 in Batman Bad Blood. He's about 13-14 in Justice League Vs Teen Titans, and by his final appearance in Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, Damian is 16-18.
- Usually the mantle of Robin starts with Dick Grayson, then Jason Todd, then Tim Drake, then Stephanie Brown (although, her status is murky since she was "unofficial" after Batman disavowed her), and then finally Damian Wayne. However, in DCAMU, only two people have been Robin, Dick Grayson who - like the comics - becomes Nightwing, with Damian Wayne becoming the second Robin.
- This is the first version of Damian to enter a serious relationship.
- Albeit in the Robin solo comic series, he develops a mutual crush with Flatline, though whether it goes anywhere is still unseen
- Interestingly, like Raven, Flatline has a goth aesthetic, though a much more extrovert and energetic personality.
- In Elseworld DCeased, as an adult he starts a relationship with Cassie Sandsmark/Wonder Woman who was previously a fellow Teen Titan like Raven.
- While Damian and Raven had differences - him being overconfident, her being insecure; him initially believing in his grandfather's goal of controlling the world, her rejecting her father's upon learning about it; him being unafraid of socialisation, but blunt and often rude, her shy, but exceptionally compassionate and considerate - they also had multiple similarities:
- Bird-themed superhero names.
- Are highly disciplined, with Damian frequently training, and Raven habitually meditating to control her dark powers.
- Being descendants of demons: Raven's father being Trigon, a demonic Old God, and Damian's grandfather being Ra's al Ghul, which meant "The Demon's Head."
- Both being confronted by said family members, and openly rejecting their evil destinies (or in Damian's case, at least what seemed to be his grandfather).
- Created for the purpose of conquest.
- Having one noble parent, and the other being a monster.
- Both lost their mothers at a young age. Although, Arella was Raven's good parent, while Talia was Damian's bad one.
- Struggling to connect with others until joining the Titans.
- They are able to improve existing relationships through development together.
- The subsequent universe is the Tomorrowverse. Batman is so early in his career that he hadn't even met Dick Grayson yet, thus seeming to indicate that Damian no longer exists; unless Bruce met Talia during his decade of preparation, it seems unlikely that Damian will exist in the new reality, since Bruce is in a relationship with Selina Kyle.
- In Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Two, a version of Damian Wayne as Robin appears, although he is from an unspecified alternate world and is 12 years old.
- Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Three once again reboots reality, therefore making the existence of any supporting heroes being uncertain.
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