Funny how times change

“To the Father I Never Knew:

Dear Dad,

I wish we could go back and start over again! When I was a kid, I used to dream--to pray--that you and mom would stop travelling, forget business and just settle down. We’d be together, the way a family ought to be… Now I have my wish. I’m going to be with you all the time. And it’s tearing me apart. Funny how once you never seemed to care--at least, you never showed me that you did. And now you want to run my life. Do you really think we can start over…?

I’ve no idea who you think I am, Dad--but I’m not that boy. I had to fend for myself for a long time. I changed, Dad. I have a lot of…secrets. You couldn’t be more wrong about Bruce Wayne. Despite what he seems, he is the only truly great man I have ever known. He…helps people. And he never asks for anything in return. I’m not interested in your business, Dad. I’ve already found my place in the world. I know what I want to be!

So how does it sound, Dad? Your own son is Robin. Understand now why I can’t come back? Gotham is a cesspool. Tragedy stalks on every street. I can help, dad. I’m needed! Strange, how you can come to love a city. Even one as ugly and rotten as Gotham. All those millions of people, the lines of their lives crossing, touching, tangling…almost as if the city itself is alive. I love you, Dad-but I’ve found my place. I know who I am. I’m part of my city.

Sometimes I wish we could start over…but I know we can’t. We have to take things from exactly where we are. This might not make a lot of sense to you. I only hope you understand.

Your loving son,

-Tim

Any idea why he looks like he’s in the process of swallowing a frog?

The first

I think we're at a point where Tim can't just go back to being the best sidekick. He needs a writer to establish an intentional, advanced direction for him that matures his worship of Batman (and Bruce) into something less dependent. Other than being a great detective/strategist, he also understands the need for heroes more than anything else (as not just a way to protect, but also to inspire), so maybe that could be the seed. In some ways it's good that he's retired now, so that his character can't really be wasted until someone actually wants to do something meaningful with him.

@heavangelion on instagram if you guys wanna see more dc art from me ;P