The next article comprises spoilers from Robin #16, on sale now.
Damian could also be again on talking phrases with Batman, and even reconnected with the remainder of his household, however that does not imply he approves of all the choices they’ve made in his absence. Robin #16 (by Joshua Williamson, Roger Cruz, Norm Rapmund, Luis Guerrerro, and Troy Peteri) noticed Damian and Connor Hawke journey to Tokyo to seek out Flatline, throughout which they briefly encountered Hiro. When requested why he wasn’t with “Ghost-Maker Inc.” Hiro corrected them, saying it was nonetheless Batman Inc., however Damian disliked the concept that Ghost-Maker is in cost, labeling him a “pretender”
It is a surprisingly harsh condemnation of Ghost-Maker, somebody who Damian would possibly even have admired in his youthful years. It is even made ironic by the truth that Ghost-Maker actually likes Damian due to his rebellious angle. It is a fast second of disapproval, to remind followers that whereas Damian has modified, there’s nonetheless one thing of a snob in him. Nevertheless, his dislike of Ghost-Maker is likely to be motivated by extra difficult causes than easy satisfaction.
Damian’s declaration that Ghost-Maker is a pretender appears to indicate that he views Ghost-Maker as a knockoff Batman, or somebody attempting very exhausting to be like him. That alone can be sufficient to inspire dislike. Damian is quite territorial with regards to the Batman title, not solely viewing it as his birthright, but in addition as a title worthy of respect. To see one other attempting to emulate that in a lower than honorable means would possibly rub him the incorrect means.
This results in the following risk for Damian’s dislike of Ghost-Maker: his conduct. If this had been ten-year-old Damian assembly him, he may need really most well-liked Ghost-Maker over Batman. He was nonetheless wrestling with the notion of not killing anybody so to see an individual who had all of Batman’s abilities, and put down the monsters he and his father stored combating each night time would most likely have been inspirational to him.
Since then nevertheless, Damian has embraced Batman’s one rule. Greater than that, he’s specializing in turning into a healer as an alternative of somebody who inflicts ache on others. So, his distaste for Ghost-Maker is likely to be as a result of he understands that Ghost-Maker defies Batman’s guidelines on the sly. That makes him each untrustworthy and an unworthy accomplice of the Dark Knight.
Whereas these is likely to be the most definitely causes for his disapproval, Damian may have some pettiness motivating him. He is nonetheless a child in any case, and there needs to be some infantile motivation occasionally. On this occasion, it is likely to be easy jealousy. Ghost-Maker was picked up in Damian’s absence, doubtless not too lengthy after he had damaged ties with the Bat-Household. The recruitment of somebody who was not solely a extremely expert fighter, however shared Damian’s violent tendencies will need to have felt like Batman was searching for a alternative.
That could not be farther from the reality, however it’s not exhausting to see how Damian may need felt that means. His dislike nevertheless, is simply made amusing by Ghost-Maker’s apparent admiration for Damian. Through the Shadow Struggle, Ghost-Maker permitted of Damian’s defiance of Batman. Although whether or not this was motivated by the act of riot or Damian risking his life by leaping out of a airplane to power Batman to catch him, thus guaranteeing he joins the mission, is not possible to say.