Tag: harper row

Carrie Kelley the New Robin? Assume Nothing

Apr. 05 Characters, News Comments Off on Carrie Kelley the New Robin? Assume Nothing

According to the New York Times, it appears that Carrie Kelley may be the new Robin and will be introduced in next week’s Batman and Red Robin #19! The female Robin, who was first introduced in the graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns, will make her premiere in the New 52 DC Comics Universe in a matter of days. What are our thoughts?

Is Carrie Kelley the new Robin?

Is Carrie Kelley the new Robin?

Who is this Carrie Kelly You Speak Of?

In the DC Universe, Caroline Keene “Carrie” Kelly became the new Robin after saving Batman’s life in The Dark Knight Returns. In The Dark Knight Strikes Again, she assumed the identity of Catgirl. She has long had a cult following since she was the first official full-time female Robin. Carrie Kelley also appears in Ame-Comi Girls as she is the Robin in that continuity universe.

Carrie Kelly is New Robin from Now On?

Batman and Red Robin #19 writer Peter Tomasi claims “that she’s not exactly the ‘new Robin,’ but I don’t want to spoil the story.” Essentially, I take this as saying she is not being given the walk-on role of the new Robin. Of course, Carrie Kelley fans are going to hope she is allowed to assume the mantle of the most revered sidekick in all of comics.

The Swerves

The introduction of Carrie Kelley into the New 52 DC Comics Universe is a swerve, but I would expect there to be more swerves along the way in the upcoming months. Tomasi claims he is looking at having the character around for more than just one issue as he has plans for her in the future. Harper Row fans might still see the newer character assume the mantle. Others can still push for Damian to be tossed into the Pits and brought back to life.

No Assurances on Carrie Kelley as New Robin

At this point, we have not gained any pure assurances of Carrie Kelley truly becoming the new Robin. It would be premature of me to report her as such. While she will be pictured on the gatefold cover of Batman and Red Robin #19 as Robin, the extent of her in the role might be secluded to that cover page. We will not know anything for sure until DC Comics is ready for us to know. If DC Comics has proven anything so far is that we should not take anything for granted and we should not assume their moves. Remember, many of us were almost 100% sure Alfred was going to die in the “Death of the Family” storyline so we should not assume a new role for Carrie Kelley until we are told for sure.

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New Robin in Harper Row? Good and Bad

Mar. 19 Characters no comments

One of the hot topics in our Detroit comic book store is about the possibility of Harper Row becoming the new Robin in the upcoming months. While this is pure speculation, the amount of time dedicated to the character in Batman #18 could easily lead readers to suspect more from Harpo very soon. Is the character as the new Robin a good thing, or a bad thing?

Harper Row as New Robin?

Harper Row as New Robin?

Damian Fans and Harper Row

I could understand how Damian’s fans might automatically turn down the idea of Harper Row filling the boots left behind by Batman’s deceased son. Many are holding out hope that Damian will be tossed in the Pits and rejuvenated. This might still happen, but as we know from the upcoming changing titles of Batman & Robin – this is not going to happen right away. I believe DC Comics might have learned a lesson from the backlash Marvel received after bringing back the “deceased” Johnny Storm so soon after they made a big deal over his apparent death a few years back.

Harper Row as New Robin: Negatives

Is one issue enough to develop the store of the girl who might become Robin and headline one of the top DC Comics titles with Batman? Could DC Comic simply be trying to gain another pip in the press by assigning a female Robin? Even though Bruce Wayne is typically able to keep his emotions in check, can Batman move past the death of his own son so quickly?

Harper Row as New Robin: Positives

If Harper Row were to become the new Robin, she would give the female characters at DC Comics even more strength. This adds more inclusion as female readers (and potential readers) decide to give the character a chance. I don’t like the idea of rotating partners with Batman right now since it might harm the contiguous storyline so I am accepting of allowing for a new Robin in the coming months and see nothing wrong with making that character Harper Row as long as they are able to develop the character effectively.

Harper Row as New Robin: Needed Progress

As stated above, Scott Snyder needs to develop the character of Harper Row over the next few months. She needs to be toughened-up and she needs to be able to prove herself not only to Batman, but to the fans as well. She needs to spread out from the pages of Batman to other titles to give her more exposure and make her someone the fans can respect and accept as the new Robin.

Down the Road

When it is time to move on away from Harpo, DC Comics can resurrect Damian if they want to. Let the new girl have a run as the new Robin, if the powers-that-be see fit to grant her the mantle. Sometimes, change can be good and this is a transfer which I can get behind if Harper Row can be developed quickly enough.

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