Warning: This article contains a preview for Tim Drake: Red Robin #4!Arguably the best DC's writers are still struggling to give Tim an identity of his own. Previous Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd have both ditched the "and Robin" for good, but with Tim, the story's a little different. He didn't die or grow up. He didn't want to stop being Robin. But when the Son of the Bat came along, he was basically fired. Until he wasn't.
When it comes to Tim Drake's identity, he's gone through several costume and name-changes. While most know him as Robin, he's also adopted several other code names including: Red Robin, Gary, and infamously, Drake. In Tim's never-ending identity crisis, it seems like the perfect role for him is an out-of-reach dream. However, his boyfriend Bernard Dowd may have a few ideas.
Tim Drake Loves Superboy, In and Out of Costume.
In Tim Drake: Red Robin #4, by Meghan Fitzmartin, Riley Rossmo and Lee Loughridge, Tim is putting his detective cap on as he pieces together the clues of the Marina's various murders. Caught up in trying to solve a cipher, Tim barely notices the arrival of his boyfriend. When calling out Tim's name doesn't work, Bernard changes tack: "Superboy's biggest fan!" Ironically, the Boy Wonder responds to this just as easily as he might to "Robin." It's no secret that Robin and Superboy are close friends, but it's even funnier to know that in civilian mode, Tim still can't hide his love for his Kryptonian teammate—enough for his boyfriend to know he's a huge Superboy fan.
As fans of Young Justice and Teen Titans will know, Superboy Conner Kent and Robin Tim Drake are about as close as friends can be without becoming a single entity. Since their early days as heroes, Tim and Conner have always been there for each other. Tim's attachment to Conner was especially prevalent following his best friend's death in Infinite Crisis, leading to the formation of his Red Robin identity. More recently, Tim, Conner and the rest of the Young Justice team reconnected in Dark Crisis. While Tim Drake may be starting a new life for himself at the Marina and forming new relationships, it's clear that he's not neglecting the other people in his life. Conner will always be a massive part of Tim's life as his best friend (and favorite hero).
Future cameos from Tim Drake's friends are not only hoped for but expected in the future of Tim Drake: Robin. The same goes for seeing Tim with some Superboy-related merchandise—just like the old days. Fans had better keep an eye out while reading the issues of Superboy's Biggest Fan.
Tim Drake: Robin #4 will be available from DC Comics on December 27.
