al superhero
that appears in comic book
s published by DC Comics
. Created by Bob Kane
and Bill Finger
and illustrator Jerry Robinson
, he first appeared in Detective Comics
#38 in April 1940.
The youngest in a family of acrobats
known as the "Flying Graysons," Dick watches a mafia boss kill his parents in order to extort
money from the circus
that employed them. Bruce Wayne, secretly the superhero Batman
, takes him in as his legal ward
, retconned in some cases as his adopted son, and eventually as his crime-fighting partner, Robin
.
"With you guys, it seems like I'm hot stuff ... a know-it-all ... but I've been back with The Batman again, and next to him I feel like I'm a stupid kid repeating fifth grade ... for the third time." (New Teen Titans 20, 1982; by Marv Wolfman|Marv Wolfman).
Donna Troy: You didn't have to do this, Dick, I would've understood.
Dick: And ruin my reputation as the teenage Ellery Queen? M'lady, when Deadeye Dick takes on a case, he doesn't give up. (The New Teen Titans (first series) 38, 1984; dialogue by Marv Wolfman|Marv Wolfman
"So is it me... or are the crooks getting lamer as we go? (Robin: Year One, 2001; by Scott Beatty|Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon|Chuck Dixon).
Two-Face You were the only choice for a comrade-in-arms?
Robin: I was the best choice. (Robin: Year One, 2001; by Scott Beatty|Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon|Chuck Dixon).
"Dear, Bruce... I guess it's time for me to move on. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do if I'm not allowed to help you anymore. Alfred doesn't need to worry about entertaining me and taking care of you, too. You don't want a partner. And you don't need a son. I'm sorry I failed you. I won't forget everything you've given me. Thanks for teaching me how to be strong. - Dick." (Robin: Year One, 2001; by Scott Beatty|Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon|Chuck Dixon).
Robin: Hey, Batman, what're we gonna do once we finally get rid of all the criminals and everything? Move to another city?
Batman: I don't think that's something you have to worry about, Robin