Warning: Spoilers for Batman Inc. #8 and potentially Batman and Robin #19.
A few weeks ago, Robin died. Bruce Wayne’s son met an unfortunate end and the Dark Knight has been left without a sidekick since. In the wake of his passing, there has been much speculation about who would replace the character and who would become the new ‘boy wonder.’ So consider us surprised when the New York Post revealed the full cover to next week’s issue of Batman and Red Robin and the person next to Batman’s side is none other than Carrie Kelley.
For those unfamiliar with the character, Carrie Kelley served as Batman’s sidekick in the out-of-continuity comics The Dark Knight Returns and The Dark Knight Strikes Again, but has never appeared in the ‘regular’ DC universe before. Kelley will make her debut in the New 52 continuity next week and will be slightly different from how we know her in those other comics.
“She’s a college kid who’s got spunk and speaks her mind,” said writer Peter Tomasi. “This is not an alternate-earth Robin, this is simply a girl named Carrie Kelley, who we learn knew Damian, which in turn weaves her into the fabric of the DC Universe for the first time in 25 years.
“What you’ll find out once you crack the book, is that she’s not exactly the ‘new Robin,’ but I don’t want to spoil the story and her introduction into Bruce Wayne/Batman’s life. In regards to how long she’ll be around, let’s just say that it’s a helluva lot longer than ‘one issue.’ I’ve got plans for Carrie that play well into the future.”
Tomasi maintains that this isn’t a stunt but has been planned for some time now, and that this isn’t the last we will see of the character.
“It’s all real,” he said. “It’s all in continuity. It’s all part of the Batman universe in the here and now. Carrie Kelley has found her way into The New 52 and she’s here to stay – in what capacity is anybody’s guess – except mine of course.”
What do you think of Kelley’s appearance in the comics? Will she become the new Robin? Sound off below!
