DC Just Revealed Batman’s First New Robin in 20 Years

DC has finally given Batman a new Robin for the first time in 20 years, and it's a shocking twist that fans were unlikely to have seen coming. The recently released DC K.O.: Knightfight #4 revealed who would be taking on the prestigious mantle.

DC K.O. Knightfight #1 launched back in November, and Issue #3 saw things ending on a massive cliffhanger. In the fourth issue, which hit comic book stands on Feb. 4, fans got to see more of the surprising reality where Damian ended up becoming Batman, after Bruce was transported to an alternate reality by the Heart of Apokolips. In this world, Damian makes a surprise revelation to Bruce: he has a son named Alfred, with the new issue revealing that Bruce's grandson, Alfred, is the one fighting like Robin in this reality.

Bruce Wayne's Grandson is the New Robin in K.O.: Knightfight

At the beginning of the series, The Dark Knight is forced to fight for the Heart of Apokolips, with Gotham being turned into a deadly arena where Bruce battles other Batmen of the future. In the alternate reality where Damian is Batman and Alfred is Robin, Gotham is in a much better position, no longer needing constant protection. Unfortunately, Bruce and Damian must fight in order for him to return to his own reality.

The new issue of Knightfight introducing Bruce's grandson as the new Robin is a heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) moment that proves just how iconic DC's comics characters have become over the years. The Alfred in this different reality was clearly named after the late Alfred Pennyworth, making the young character's crime-fighting journey an even more endearing reveal. Sadly, it's unlikely that fans will get to see much of Alfred's Robin in action after the events of Knightfight, but as is usual in the DC Universe, anything's possible.

Scott Snyder & Joshua Williamson Unite for DC's K.O. Event

Knightfight is a part of DC's ongoing 'DC K.O.' event, with Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder co-creating an epic saga where the gloves are off as DC's best superheroes enter an arena to test their strength and loyalty to save the universe from Darkseid. The event has its own five-issue limited series and has several tie-ins and one-shots spanning series like Titans, Superman, The Flash and more.

While Batman's adventures lead him to meet his grandson and a new Robin, other characters are facing an even more perilous fight. "Darkseid has evolved into something bigger and stronger than ever," Snyder teased of DC K.O. "You have to be merciless to win. And when you're out, you're out."

"Each level is a new challenge," Williamson added. "And the tournament will reveal unexpected heroes — some you won’t believe will go really far in the fights..."

The events of DC K.O. are certainly rocking the DC Universe to its very core with Darkseid's presence destroying the future, and Snyder has already teased just how massive the scale of the event will be. "Big events like this capture who we are as creators and characters," he teased. "And what’s coming after? It’s huge."

DC K.O. Knightfight #4 is on sale now from DC Comics.