Batman's costume is dark so he can hide in the shadows. So why is Robin's costume bright colors?

Question

Seriously, my youngest son wants to know. Has this ever been addressed in the comic books?

Answer 1

The real answer is that the editors that created Robin way back when wanted to create a character that was appealing to kids, the main audience for comics then. And none of the editors since have had the nuts to say "Y'know what? That kinda doesnt make sense. Lets change that."

Its kinda like why superheroes still have costumes with their shorts on the outside. Its outdated stuff that the editors believe cannot be changed without ruining the character, when in truth we want silly things like that changed, for the better, for the more realistic.

Still the latest Robin costume and character is much darker, and Nightwing is too.

Answer 2

Robins Costume

Answer 3

Here is the correct answer.
Originally, Batman fought crime alone. Robin did not exist. Originally Batman was a vigilante and carried a gun in some comic episodes and would even kill criminals when he had to. Parents were getting upset with the violence and wanted the tone of the Batman comics to change and be more suitable for children. That was when Robin, and all the crazy criminals like Joker, Penguin, Riddler, etc were introduced into the comics, to lighten up the grim story of Batman, who was out to avenge the murder of his parents. Robins costume was bright to "lighten" up the dark colors of Batman, not just visually. The red also fell into his name, like a robin's red breast. By the way, the name Bruce Wayne was selected by Batman's creator because it resembled his own name.....Bob Kane.

Answer 4

So now that the reasons given in the story have been listed, here's some behind the scene.

When Bob Kane added Robin, in the first issue of Batman (before that Batman appeared only in Detective Comics) he wanted to add a sidekick. He choose the name "Robin" in honor of his childhood favorite "Robin Hood". And of course he had to have a "red breast".

Plus the printing process used at the time for comics only allowed four (clear and good looking) colors. Kane was already under pressure to change Batman because the grey in his costume did not print well. So he played it safe and when with the primary colors of red, green, and yellow that did print well. (He compromised on Batman and added the yellow utility belt and yellow circle around the bat emblem).

So now you know the rest of the story...

Answer 5

it hasn't been bright in years.
if you seen him resently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Drake it's only on the inside , the out side is black so unless it's out flapping in the wind and it's just covering him up, he all decked out in black as well. and none of the Robin's are gay

As that first guy said. They have a freaking black book of women they've dated ETC and that has been shown in the book's which show's that guy obviously know's nothing on these characters.

Beside the real birds called Robin are day bird's. it's a odd show of light and day. the batmans a night flying creature and the robin's a day flying one. and they used the original colours from those animals to some degree. So in some way's it makes sense.

If you want to see it that way that is. though .

Answer 6

This was actually addressed in Nightwing: Year One. The original Robin suit, created by Alfred, reflected the acrobatic heritage of the Grayson family (aka The Flying Graysons). The Robin motif was meant to reflect that the boy was to take wing and fly, putting his past behind him and looking towards the future (unlike a well-known flying rat).

Answer 7

The illogic of comic book fantasy can't always be explained. I don't know how old your son is but I can recommend two things. One is to congratulate him on a very astute observation. Good job, dude! Second. he reallly needs to know the difference between fantasy and reality.

I imagine you think he does, but the nature of his question suggests that he does not yet quite get it. If he actually expects the comic to follow the rules of logic and physics, then he may still need a little help. You can share in his appreciation of the story while helping him understand the license writers take with reality. I'm not saying to tell him there is no Santa Clause. I'm suggesting that you be sure he understands that HE cannot expect to stand at the edge of a building, toss a Batarang with a rope attached, to the nearest tree and swing across. He should not expect to dodge bullets and beat up a gang of bad guys single handed.

Answer 8

probably because Batman is a bat, so has a black costume. Robins are sometimes red, so he'd have a bright outfit to match the bird.

Answer 9

The creator of Batman and Robin screwed up back in day. Its been addressed kinda atleast once that i know of. I'll try to get back at ya bout that.

Answer 10

His costume is probably bright because he is a rookie and doesn't face the kind of danger Batman does.