Damian Wayne is dead. I shed exactly one single tear for the brave little soldier before eagerly speculating who the next Robin will be, because Batman without Robin is like S without M.
Rumours suggested Stephanie Brown would be making a return, as DC hinted they would be re-introducing a populare female character. This had me in two minds, as whilst I love Stephanie, I didn’t want her to go back to square one as a character. However, much to my ambivalence, DC revealed today that it is not Stephanie Brown who’s coming back, but Carrie Kelley.
Carrie Kelley was an alternate-universe Robin, created by Frank Miller (before he came off his meds) for The Dark Knight Returns. The 13-year-old child of neglectful stoner parents, she was rescued from a mugging by Batman and inspired to spend her lunch money on a Robin costume and track down the man himself. Batman took her on of course, because a 13-year-old in a fancy-dress costume who couldn’t fend off the calibre of muggers who target children is exactly what he needs!
Say what you will about Frank Miller, but at least he’s open about the fact that the Robins are Batman’s crew of diversions/human shields.
So, let’s have a look at DC’s released image of her from Batman & Robin #19:
Well, she’s holding a house party, so I’d wager she’s a bit older than 13; and in what may or may not be a nod to Barbara Gordon’s origin, what starts as a cosplay could turn into her hero identity. Batman & Robin writer Peter Tomasi has this to say about her:
[quote]She’s a college kid who’s got spunk and speaks her mind… This is not an alternate-earth Robin, this is simply a girl named Carrie Kelley, who we learn knew Damian… she’s not exactly the ‘new Robin,’ but I don’t want to spoil the story… let’s just say that it’s a helluva lot longer than ‘one issue.’ I’ve got plans for Carrie that play well into the future.[/quote]
Well, we figured she’s not Robin. Not yet at least. Issue 19 has been retitled Batman & Red Robin, with plans to have different guest stars/meat shields each issue. Whether Cassie will take up the position eventually, or fulfil a different role, or if this is just an elaborate troll by DC to distract us from the real Robin (Damian not dead? Harper Row? Dare I suggest… Squire?) is up for passionate fan debate.
Source: Bleeding Cool News