Scott Lobdell, like most comic writers now a days, as an idiot who has no respect for the authors that has come before him and created and cared for the characters he so cavalierly alters and plays with. Tim, just like every other Robin that has come before and after, is already distinguished from the other Robins. Each one brought something new and continues that same legacy.
Dick is the standard. Every Robin will in some way shape or form be compared to him and their successes and failures will always be measured to his. He was the first Robin, but also the first to strike out on his own and prove that there is life after living under “the shadow of the bat”. He also pretty much proved that sidekicks can become heroes in their own rights. And, despite suffering a similar tragedy as what shaped Batman, unlike his mentor, he did not let it completely consume him. Out of all the Robins, it can be safely argued that Dick is the only one to develop a real life outside of his costumed exploits. Dicks is the bright side of Bruce, the one that harbors hope of something beyond the mission.
Jason is the lesson, both to Bruce and to other Robins. Jason is what happens when you let that rage consume you. It also shows Bruce what could happen if you do not properly train and maintain vigilance and discipline on the Robins. A wild card and a loose cannon, Jason knows right from wrong and is as capable as any other the others, but he lacks their overall finesse. He is the brute in an otherwise skill orientated set and embodies Bruce’s overall strength and, when necessary, vicious brutality.
Tim is the prodigy. He brought an unprecedented natural talent in just about everything, a natural detective, a natural fighter, a natural athlete, but (at the time) he did not share the need for vengeance of any of his predecessors. He is the only Robin who took up the mantle out of a genuine desire to help and because it was the right thing to do. Batman needed a Robin, and Tim proved more than capable. Out of all of them, he is probably the most well-rounded. And let’s not forget he was the first Robin to adopt a different uniform in the role. He embodies Bruce’s keen intelligence and desire to do what’s right.
Damien is the only one who lacks any real sort of originality aside from being Bruce’s legitimate son. He is the worst aspects of all the other Robins exemplified and he has not been in the role long enough to differentiate him in any other way. I’m sure he’ll develop something, but for now, he is just a self-entitled, arrogant little punk upset that all of Bruce’s ‘fake’ sons get far more respect than he does, but has done nothing to earn anything else. Guess that’s what makes him unique.
There is no need to ‘make Tim special’ by taking away is Robin status. Authors need to stop screwing around with established characters, honor their predecessors, and work with what’s given to them. They want to do something different? Make their own characters.
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