Timothy Jackson “Tim” Drake

Timothy Jackson “Tim” Drake, also known as Robin and Red Robin, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick and first appeared in Batman #436 in August 1989. 

As a young boy, Tim was in the audience the night Dick Grayson’s parents were murdered and later managed to discover the identities of Batman and the original Robin through their exploits. After the death of the second Robin, Jason Todd, and witnessing Batman spiral into darkness, Tim attempted to convince Dick to resume the role of Robin, stating that “Batman needs a Robin”. However, Dick refused to return to being Batman’s sidekick, and instead, Tim was appointed as the third Robin.

Tim Drake is known for his superior detective skills, which are more similar to Batman’s than any other Robin. His abilities include genius-level intellect, expert martial artist and hand-to-hand combatant, highly skilled acrobat and gymnast, master detective, master strategist, tactician, and knowledge of high-tech equipment and weapons. He succeeded Dick as the leader of the Teen Titans and later led his team, Young Justice. He was briefly followed in the role of Robin by Stephanie Brown, and later, for a longer period, by Batman’s son, Damian Wayne, during the time Tim operated as Red Robin.

Tim Drake was a toddler when he attended the circus with his parents. To ease his wife’s concerns that the circus might frighten Tim, Jack Drake asked to take a picture with the Flying Graysons, who were the starring act. It was here that Tim first met Dick Grayson, who offered Tim special attention, and even promised to dedicate his performance to him. Soon after, Tim and his family bore witness to the murder of Dick’s parents John and Mary, alongside Bruce Wayne. As his parents rushed him out of the circus tent, Tim managed to catch sight of the mysterious Batman consoling Dick. Feeling sorry for Dick, Jack and Janet sent him a copy of the photo they had taken before the murder.

Drake became an openly bi character after the release of Batman: Urban Legends issue #6 (2021), where he rescued an old friend from a cult that was kidnapping teenagers around Gotham City. At the end of the story, Bernard confesses having feelings for Drake and asks him on a date, after which Tim says yes and implies he’s had feelings for him as well for a while. The story was later retold in the commemorative Pride issue from 2022 DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1.