HERE BE SPOILERS!

Batman: Hush first appeared in Batman issues #608 to #619 between 2002 and 2003. Written by Jeph Loeb and brought to life through the dynamic artwork of legendary DC artist Jim Lee, this story arc stands as one of the most celebrated entries in the Batman anthology. It weaves an intricate tale about Bruce Wayne's past and present, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy. The story does more than just pit Batman against the usual suspects — it challenges the very foundations of Bruce's life and morality.

The story begins with Bruce as Batman pursuing Catwoman (Selena Kyle) after she steals the ransom money meant to free a kidnapped boy. Going up against Catwoman, his on-again-off-again nemesis/love interest/person he just can't quit, is perhaps representative of the overarching theme of Batman: Hush. The story is a landscape of trust and betrayal, depicting Batman's allies and adversaries in shades of gray until even The Dark Knight is unsure who he can trust and who he cannot. During the chase, Batman fractures his skull when his grappling line is mysteriously cut. To treat this life-threatening injury, Alfred Pennyworth follows Bruce's instructions and calls upon the expertise of Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Elliot, a childhood friend. 

Both Bruce and Tommy have similar privileged backgrounds, and both inherited their vast family fortunes at a young age after the tragic deaths of their parents. While Bruce cultivated a public image as an aging playboy to hide his secret identity, Tommy rose to public prominence as a gifted neurosurgeon. Tommy's expertise saves Bruce's life, but their unexpected reunion conjures memories of a complex past filled with unresolved issues and hidden resentments.

It is ultimately revealed that it was Riddler who used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of a deadly disease when Tommy Elliot was unable to help him. But immersion in the Pit's magical waters had an unexpected side-effect: it provided The Riddler with an epiphany about Batman's true identity. Sharing the revelation with Tommy, the two villains plotted together to bring down their common enemy by manipulating friends and foes alike. 

In many ways, Tommy Elliott represents the antithesis of Bruce Wayne — personifying a path Bruce might have taken had he grown up in an abusive and manipulative environment and been afforded the same wealth and resources. Where Bruce channels his resources and trauma to fight for justice, Tommy capitalizes on his intelligence and wealth to enact revenge. 

(And if you're wondering about the inclusion of Jason Todd, well, his subplot in Batman: Hush was later retconned  in the "Under the Red Hood" by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. See Jason Todd's Empty Grave for more on this.)

​In a nutshell, Batman: Hush is a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, mystery, and character depth. It's a must-read for capturing the essence of Batman's enduring appeal—his resilience, his humanity, and the never-ending battle against the darkness, both external and internal. If there’s one deficit, it’s simply that the plot is often over-complex with too many characters plays a role. Frankly, a simpler plot would’ve move along better. That being said, I give major kudos to Jeph Loeb for really embracing the “Batman as detective” concept. The book does play out like a master whodunit, complete with red herrings and enough clues that the reader can probably figure it out on their own if they’re paying attention. It’s no wonder why Batman: Hush remains one of the most iconic comic series of all time.

OTHER EDITIONS OF HUSH, PART 1: Batman: Hush (New Edition, 2019) , Batman: Hush: DC Compact Comics Edition, Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition, Absolute Batman: Use (New Edition), Batman: The Hush Saga Omnibus

Dick Grayson, the former Boy Wonder is unstoppable as Nightwing — one of DC Comic's most beloved characters! And Nightwing fans can look forward to plenty of new book releases between now and 2026! Available titles in order of release:

Damian's resentment towards Dick, whom he perceives as both a usurper and the "favored son," increases the tension. But despite their differences, the duo manages to work effectively, with only Comissioner Gordon and a few top members of the Gotham City Police Department suspecting that the man behind the mask may not be the original. Their initial mission involves capturing Mister Toad, a drug dealer who ominously promises revenge as they haul him off to jail. Soon after, there's an attack on the GCP headquarters by the Circus of the Strange, a group of criminals with grotesque deformities, led by Professor Pyg. Many officers are killed, due partly to Damian's rash behavior.

Although Morrison's book often feels muddled by numerous subplots and too many minor characters, it shines when Dick attempts to mentor a defiant Damian, with Alfred playing the role as confidante and counselor. This is reminiscent of Alfred's relationship with Bruce, and it's enjoyable to watch Dick struggle on how to get through to Damian — especially since most things come very easily to Dick. The story certainly contributes to the evolving Batman Family dynamics, but the introduction of Jason Todd feels like a missed opportunity. When Dick reaches out to the former Robin and encourages him to give up his murderous ways, he's rebuffed. 

"I tried really hard to be what Batman wants me to be... which was you," he tells Dick. "But his world... this dirty, twisted, cruel and ugly dungheap had... other plans for me." 

Honestly, I wanted more from Jason when he goes up against two other Robins for the first time — certainly more than just self-pity. 
​
As for Damian, his recklessness results in a high body count, but it may also serve as a catalyst for growth. Damian doesn't like or trust Jason, but they do have one thing in common: a philosophical disagreement with Batman's no-kill rule. But when Damian gets the extreme violence he seems to crave, he's the one lying on the ground bleeding. Will the injury be enough to temper his hubris? 

​Overall, Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, Volume 1, offers engaging insights into the Batman Family dynamic, though it may not be the most cohesive story in the Batman universe. Volume 2 was released in September 2025 and details on it can be found in the call out box below. 

RELATED: Batman Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing Collection | Red Hood Collection | Jason Todd's Empty Grave | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems | 

On the verge of Halloween, let’s dive into the shadowy, mysterious world of Carmilla, a novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a 19th century author known for his works of gothic horror and mystery. Written as a newspaper serial between 1871 and 1872, Carmilla is one of the earliest known works of vampire literature, predating Bram Stoker's Dracula by a good 25 years. So, let's sink our fangs into this lesser-known yet profoundly influential novella.

Carmilla embodies the quintessential elements of Gothic fiction: supernatural figures, old castles, dark and rambling forests, and superstitious townsfolk. The story unfolds in an Austrian castle, where a young woman named Laura lives a lonely, isolated life with her wealthy and widowed father. But everything changes when a carriage accident outside their home introduces them to Carmilla, a girl of Laura's age. Mysteriously, Carmilla bears a striking resemblance to a girl Laura dreamt about in her childhood. From the get-go, there's a magnetic pull between the two, hinting at the exploration of sexuality that makes Carmilla so groundbreaking.

Carmilla isn't just any vampire—she's the prototypical example of the lesbian vampire. Her relationship with Laura is emotionally intense and, theoretically, sexually charged. (It was the Victorian era, so don’t expect any overt sexuality within the text!) Unlike the male vampires of the era, Carmilla is deeply involved with her victims, establishing a mutual connection that defies the negative stereotypes of lesbianism prevalent in the 19th century. Le Fanu's portrayal of women challenges the Victorian view of women as mere possessions.
​
As the story unfolds, Laura begins to notice Carmilla's eccentricities. She never joins in household prayers, sleeps much of the day, and seems to sleepwalk outside at night. Meanwhile, young women in nearby towns begin dying from a mysterious malady. Laura herself suffers from nightmares featuring a large, cat-like creature leaping onto her bed, and her health starts to decline. 

In a quest for answers, Laura and her father journey to a nearby town to seek medical help. En route, they uncover an old tale of a girl who suffered in a similar way as Laura after a mysterious girl named Millarca came to stay with the family. The chilling revelation comes to light that Carmilla and Millarca are anagrams of the same name—and a vampire in disguise.

The tale reaches its climax with the intervention of a legendary vampire hunter who locates Carmilla's tomb and destroys her while she sleeps, immersed in blood. Laura's father takes her on a year-long Italian tour to help her recover, but the trauma lingers. Carmilla leaves an indelible mark on vampire lore, influencing countless adaptations over the years.

In 2023, Dark Horse Comics released Carmilla: The First Vampire, a fresh take set in 1990s New York City. Written by Amy Chu with artwork by Soo Lee, this graphic novel integrates snippets from the original story as the main character investigates a series of murders. The graphic novel went on to win the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel..

​So, if you haven't yet ventured into the eerie, seductive world of Carmilla, now's the time. It's a tale that not only entertains but also challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of human relationships. Happy reading!

RELATED FEATURES: Horror Book Collection | Supernatural Book Collection | Review: Summer Shadows Book 1 | The Bram Stoker Novel That Inspired The Mummy

MY ORIGINAL REVIEW OF THE NOVEL:

Within the first paragraph of Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Boys, I was worried I had made a mistake. After all, the first things Maggie tells us about her female protagonist, Blue Sargent, is that she comes from a long line of psychics and that it's been foretold by said psychics that she'll eventually kill her true love with a kiss. Poor Blue has grown up with this grim specter and it's become even more frightful now that she's 18 and seriously interested in boys. At this point, I admit that my cynicism for young adult fiction took over. 

Ah shit, I thought, I just spent money for another tedious YA paranormal romance. There will be nothing for me in this novel but a rising sense of irritation.

Fortunately, I was dead wrong. 

The Raven Boys turned out to be a highly engaging novel which both surprised and pleased me by not indulging in the usual YA paranormal tropes about a demure girl with special powers who's loved by a contingent of dangerous, damaged bastards but is afraid to love them back. In fact, props to Stiefvater for not only providing authentic male characters, but also presenting young male culture as being both supportive and welcoming (because it can be, you know). 

The meat of the novel revolves around Blue's family gift and its connection to a mysterious energy corridor called a ley line which runs near her hometown of Henrietta, Virginia. Blue's not overtly clairvoyant  but when she visits the ley line on with her aunt on St. Mark's Eve — a night when the spirits of those who will die in the next year march by — she has a ghostly vision of a young man who identifies himself as "Gansey." As it turns out, "Gansey" is Richard "Dick" Campbell Gansey, III, a wealthy student at the prestigious Aglionby Academy. The students at the all-male prep school are cumulatively known as "raven boys" by the Henrietta natives who view them with a mixture of intolerance and envy. Blue would normally eschew "raven boys," partly because of their reputation, partly because of that whole I-will-kill-you-with-a-kiss thing. Instead, she's drawn into Gansey's circle and his obsessive quest for a legendary Welsh king called Gwendower he swears is buried someone along the ley line. According to myth, anyone who awakens the sleeping king will be granted a supernatural favor. Gansey's Gwendower fixation and Blue's ominous vision of the boy eventually culminate in an uneasy partnership shared by three other Aglionby students and — unbeknownst to all of them — their unscrupulous Latin professor.

Stiefvater's prose is rich and highly atmospheric, sometimes straying close to poetry in a way reminiscent of Neil Gaiman. Her vision of the fictional Henrietta, a southern town curiously populated by powerful psychics and affluent schoolboys, becomes a fascinating backdrop for a variety of subplots. Stiefvater should also be complemented for tying up enough loose threads to make The Raven Boys a satisfying novel on its own while simultaneously leaving enough unresolved so the reader is craving the next book in the cycle.

​Check this one out!

RELATED: Review of The Dream Thieves: The Raven Cycle Book 2

REVIEW OF THE RAVEN BOYS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Raven Boys Graphic Novel, adapted by Stephanie Williams and illustrated by Sas Milledge, breathes visual life into Maggie Stiefvater's bestselling YA supernatural fantasy, The Raven Boys. Originally published in 2012, the novel embarked readers on a mesmerizing journey through The Raven Cycle, a four-book saga steeped in myth and mystery. This graphic novel adaptation, released in August 2025, seeks to capture the enchantment and suspense that endeared the original to countless fans.

Williams's adaptation is a testament to the power of storytelling through visuals. The necessity of condensing Stiefvater's intricate plot into a graphic format inevitably simplifies certain elements, akin to a book being translated into a film. As a result, some of rich complexities, especially the nuanced relationships between the Aglionby Academy students—Gansey, Noah, Ronan, and Adam—and Blue, the girl entwined in their quest, are somewhat diminished. Despite this, the core narrative remains intact: a slowburn quest to find the legendary Welsh King Glendower and the looming prophecy over Gansey's tragic fate.

Sas Milledge's artwork employs heavy ink work and a limited color palette, perfectly complementing the novel's dark supernatural plot mixed with subplots about abuse, grief, trauma and murder. While Milledge's artistic interpretations may diverge from what readers of the original novel might have imagined, this divergence adds a unique dimension to the story, offering fresh perspectives on beloved characters.

Notably, the graphic novel retains the suspense and surprising twists that captivated readers in Stiefvater's original work. Whether you're a first-time reader or a long-time fan, this adaptation promises an engaging experience, allowing you to rediscover the magic and mystery of The Raven Boys through a new lens.
​
RELATED: Reviews of The Raven Boys (novel and graphic novel) |Review of The Dream Thieves: The Raven Cycle Book 2  |  Review of Blue Lily, Lily Blue: The Raven Cycle Book 3 | Review of The Raven King: The Raven Cycle Book 4  |  Supernatural Book Collection | Paranormal Book Collection

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood Outlaws: Vol. 2

Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 continues the Original DC Stories series by Webtoons, penned by Patrick R. Young and Nico Bascuñán. This installment follows the unconventional trio of Jason Todd, Artemis Grace, and Bizarro, who have traded their criminal pasts for a seat at the Justice League's table. Now operating from the Watchtower, a gleaming space station, the Outlaws face skepticism from the public and the challenge of filling the void left by more esteemed superheroes. Their latest mission pits them against two formidable villains: Medusa, the mythic gorgon whose gaze turns victims to stone, and Mirror Master, a cunning criminal with the power to manipulate reflections.

The heart of Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 ​ lies in the personal trials confronting each member of the team. Jason Todd, grappling with his traumatic history, strives to be the leader the Outlaws need while navigating a budding romance with Artemis. His journey is one of introspection and growth, as he balances love, leadership, and the shadows of his past. Meanwhile, Artemis faces her own demons, haunted by her brief and disastrous tenure as Wonder Woman. Her battle against Medusa is complicated by her feelings for Medusa's sister, Euryale, adding layers of emotional complexity. Bizarro, the team's enigmatic powerhouse, harbors a devastating secret about the destruction of his home world. His internal struggle adds depth to his character, showcasing the vulnerability beneath his formidable exterior.

While Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2  offers an engaging narrative, it stumbles in comparison to its predecessor. The Medusa storyline begins with promise but falters with a rushed conclusion precipitated by Euryale's sudden, unconvincing shift in allegiance. In contrast, the Mirror Master storyline forces the team to face uncomfortable truths, creating a compelling psychological battleground. The conclusion is clever, capitalizing on Bizarro's unique nature where everything is opposite, which turns the tide in an unexpected way.

​Artistically, the second volume maintains the vibrant and eye-catching style that fans have come to love from Bascuñán. The artwork is particularly good at capturing the emotional turmoil in the Mirror Man storyline. Despite its narrative shortcomings, Red Hood Outlaws: Volume 2 ​ remains an enjoyable read for fans of the series. It may not be the strongest outing for the Outlaws, but it continues to explore the complexities of its characters with heart and creativity.

​RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection  |  Jason Todd's Empty Grave  |  Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems  |  Superman Collection | Wonder Woman Collection

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Red Hood: Outlaws Vol 1 | Red Hood: Outlaws Vol. 2

If you're a fan of DC Comics and looking for a fresh take on some familiar faces, then check out the Red Hood: Outlaws graphic novels based on the popular WEBTOON series. The series throws you right into the thick of it with an unlikely trio: 
​

• Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne / Batman's second Robin and now the gun-toting anti-hero Red Hood.
• Artemis of Bana-Mighdall, a powerful Amazonian and former Wonder Woman.
• And Bizarro, Superman's well-meaning but grammatically challenged genetic opposite. 
  
  

Rejected by the mainstream superhero community, these three have formed their own mercenary band, aptly named The Outlaws. Their latest gig? A shady gangster named Franco Bertinelli hires them to retrieve a mysterious idol he claims was stolen from his ancestors. The catch? It's hidden on a dinosaur-infested island, complete with a labyrinth of booby traps and a surprising number of zombies. 

As if that wasn't enough, The Outlaw’s heist catches the attention of none other than Martian Manhunter and the Justice League. Jason and his teammates soon discover that Bertinelli has played them, and the idol is actually of Martian origin. Outraged by their irresponsibility, Bruce Wayne gives the three an ultimatum: oversee the Justice League's orbiting space station, Watchtower, for one month without a single screw-up, or face the consequences as true criminals. Jason, driven by his lingering resentment and rivalry with his adoptive father, unilaterally agrees to Bruce's terms.

Red Hood: Outlaws Volume 1 is a surprisingly engaging read, largely thanks to author Patrick R. Young's ability to delve into the backstories of our three anti-heroes. He skillfully explores their shared sense of inadequacy when compared to their more famous Justice League counterparts – Jason forever in Batman's shadow, Artemis striving to live up to Wonder Woman, and Bizarro grappling with being the opposite of Superman. While Bizarro leans too heavily into the "dumb comic relief" archetype, the book truly shines with its snappy, engaging dialogue and a generous helping of humor. The artwork is another major highlight; it's vivid, beautifully rendered like expressive oil paintings that bring the chaotic action to life. Some purists might argue that this series offers a somewhat "watered-down" version of The Outlaws compared to previous iterations, but for new readers, it serves as an excellent entry point into the dynamic and often morally ambiguous world of these anti-heroes.

​All in all, Red Hood: Outlaws Volume 1 is a quick and enjoyable read, though perhaps not one that demands a lot of complex thought. There are two more books in this series, which I'm definitely looking forward to reviewing in the future! I'm particularly excited to see what else unfolds regarding that stolen idol and its connection to a lost Martian civilization. And on a personal note, I'm hoping for more interactions between Jason and Bruce, and the rest of the Bat-Family – especially Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne. There's also a fledgling romance between Jason and Artemis that’s still very much in its early stages. While it might not be the most profound comic you'll ever read, it's certainly a fun and fast-paced adventure that leaves you wanting more.

RELATED FEATURES: Red Hood Collection  |  Jason Todd's Empty Grave  |  Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problems  |  Superman Collection |  Wonder Woman Collection

Ten years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was still new. Interesting. Exciting. Tenuous.

By March 2015, the MCU holy trinity had been established consisting of Iron Man, Thor and Captain America. But within the mix of their stories , which spanned generations and galaxies, there were numerous supporting characters who were just as fascinating. One of the best was Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell. 

Introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Peggy was an agent for the top-secret Allied intelligence agency, the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR). She was central to Project Rebirth, an experiment to create American super soldiers which ultimately transformed Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) into Captain America. Not only did Peggy champion Steve for the experiment, she ultimately became his friend, his love interest and — through the intricacies of time travel and storytelling I won't recount here — his wife and mother of his children.  

But at first, it looked like Peggy's character was one and done. After all,  Steve is presumed lost and killed at the end of The First Avenger and Marvel fans presumed that was the last they'd see of Peggy, too. But fate intervened in 2013 with a short film called Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter. The film was a glimpse into Peggy's life after the war as she wrestled with her grief and being a woman in the male dominated espionage game. The One-Shot became so popular that it was turned into a weekly television series called Agent Carter in 2015. 

Although the show was praised for its snappy dialogue and astute character development, it only lasted two seasons due to low ratings. One particularly baffling review called the show "fascinating but boring."  But really, I think Agent Carter was probably ahead of its time. Having a female-led period piece  that dealt with issues such as feminism, race, grief and sexism within the framework of Cold War espionage tinged with science fiction was probably pretty challenging for American audiences ten years ago. This is especially true when you consider that Peggy had no super powers whatsoever. Her strength came from intelligence, ingenuity and creativity. Hell, in one episode she took out a goon twice her size by weaponizing a stapler!

Sigh.

Regardless, Peggy Carter remains a fan favorite in the MCU and has even found new life as "Captain Carter" in some of the franchise's alternate universes. So, in honor of Peggy, Marvel's greatest non-super superhero, I'm presenting a collection of books, videos and collectables about her — or characters and stories similar to hers.

Stay calm and carry on!

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Raven | Beast Boy | Beast Boy Loves Raven | Robin | Starfire

Starfire is the latest volume in the Teen Titans series by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo.

Kori is a college student studying astronomy. She lives in California with her older sister, Kira, younger brother and mother. The sisters are close — but also very different. While Kira is vivacious and outgoing, Kori is an introvert, a condition made worse by Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome ​(EDS), a painful connective tissue disorder that cause her joints to swell. 

Their mother is absent most of the time, preoccupied with her pending marriage to rich douchebag Lynch Fairweather, owner of Edge Pharmaceuticals. Kira is equally besotted by Lynch's nephew, Tate, and Kori doesn't like either one of them. Despite this, she allows Kira and Tate to talk her into participating in an Edge study about new treatments for EDS. While touring the Edge facility, Kori meets and befriends Victor Stone, a.k.a. Cyborg.  Victor also has misgivings about the Fairweathers and helps uncover that the Edge  EDS "study" is actually the an attempt to gauge the extent of Kira and Kori's superpowers at the behest of H.I.V.E.

Yes, this is the same H.I.V.E. from the previous books — the shadowy agency who employs Slade Wilson and imprisoned and tortured Rachel and Garfield in Beast Boy Loves Raven. 

​Kira refuses to listen to Kori's revelations, but Kori finds kindred spirits when the Titans (Dick, Damian, Max, Garfield and Raven) show up with news that Slade Wilson is hunting her.  After coming together, the new team decides it's time to take the fight to H.I.V.E. 
​
One of the things I really appreciate about Kami Garcia's take on the Teen Titans is addressing superpowers as sometimes being medical or mental health challenges as well. This has been done a few times in the DC Universe, most notably with Tom King's Heroes in Crisis, which took a deep dive into how having the responsibility of superpowers can impact one's emotional well-being.

In Starfire, Kori's superpowers manifest originally as a disability. Yet she learns to see her challenges as part of her identity (in the same way Rachel did with her demonic pedigree, Logan did with his amino acid deficiency and Damien did with his abusive background and rage issues). Despite their varied backgrounds and problems, they manage to come together.

I don't know when the next volume comes out, but it looks like we'll actually see the Teen Titans as an organized super team!

RELATED: Comics Collections | Teen Titans Fans Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problem |  Nightwing Collection

OTHER REVIEWS IN THIS SERIES: Raven | Beast Boy | Beast Boy Loves Raven | Robin | Starfire

Here we are... on the fourth book in the Kami Garcia / Gabriel Picolo Teen Titans series — ROBIN! This is one of my favorite books so far, but I fully admit that's because I'm a huge Damian Wayne and Dick Grayson fan and both characters figure prominently in this edition. 

If you have read any of the previous Batman / Damian Wayne literature, you know that the youngest Robin and the oldest Robin have had a checkered past. Understandably, when Damian was first introduced to Wayne Manor, he was shocked to find that Bruce already had a son "occupying" his place there. And that initial shock  gave way to a seething resentment. 

Nevermind that Bruce adopted Dick long before he even knew Damian existed. Nevermind that Bruce went out of his way to extract Damian from the League of Assassins, its leader (and Damian's grandfather) Ra's al Ghul, and give him a purpose beyond killing innocent people. Never mind that Dick, who is generous and empathetic by nature, went out of his way to welcome Damian into the family. Because Damian is overly confident, insecure and narcissistic in equal measure — taught from birth that attachment and reliance on other people are profound weaknesses.

In time, however, Dick's compassion wins over Damian and they become very close. (You can see a lot of this fomenting in Batman & Robin Vol. 1: Batman Reborn, when Bruce is out of action and Dick has to take up Batman's cowl with Damian as his sidekick.) 

​However, in Garcia's version Dick and Damian are very much at the beginning of their association, having only met each other a few months previously. When the youngest Wayne heads out on his own to assess Slade Wilson's motives and ends up saving Raven and Garfield from a H.I.V.E. laboratory (see Beast Boy Loves Raven), Dick decides to follow him using a tracker secretly hidden in Damian's clothing. Having his unwanted big brother show up uninvited only makes things worse — especially because Dick inadvertently keeps cramping Damian's style in front of his new friends and the girl he likes (Max). 

It's Max and the others who point out that Dick not only seems sincere about wanting to build a brotherly relationship with Damian, but has skills and experience that are genuinely useful to them as they try to stay ahead of Slade. This is something Dick demonstrates several times when he fixes their mistakes or covers their tracks. Ultimately however, Damian's not convinced until Dick narrowly bests him in a series of physical and mental competitions... and rather than gloating is gracious in victory.  

While it's safe to say that there will be more friction between Damian and Dick in the volumes ahead, Teen Titans: Robin brings the brothers together at the end. More importantly, it introduces Dick Grayson, the guy who actually FORMED the Teen Titans in the first place into the mix. 

​RELATED: Comics Collections | Teen Titans Fans Collection | Damian Wayne Collection | Nightwing, Batman and Adoption Problem