Comic Title: Showcase Presents:Batman Vol. 4 TPB
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2009
On Sale Date: July 22, 2009 Direct Market Date July 22, 2009
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Direct Market Date July 22, 2009
Source: Previews, #247

Cover Price: $16.99
Page Count: 520
Editor: Sean Mackiewicz

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "The Origin of Robin"
Pages: 12

Feature(s):
Batman (of Earth-1)

Writer: E. Nelson Bridwell
Penciller: Ross Andru
Inker: Michael Esposito

Reprinted From:
Batman #213 (1969)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Detective Comics #350; next appearance in Batman #110)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (origin revealed; earliest chronological appearance; next appearance in Batman #110)

Villain(s)

• Boss Zucco (no further appearances)
• Zucco's men (Blade named; no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• John and Mary Grayson (both die in this story; no further appearances)

Cameo Appearance(s)

• Harvey Harris (in flashback)

Comments:
This story retells the origin of Robin including additional details from various sources. These details distinguish it as the definitive Earth-1 origin of the character though it is still based on the original origin from Detective Comics #38 which featured the Earth-2 Robin.

Synopsis:
Young trapeze artist Dick Grayson witnesses the death of his parents. He overhears criminals taking credit for their deaths as part of a protection racket against the Haly circus. Dick is tempted to go to the police, but Batman stops him. The Caped Crusade explains that Boss Zucco was responsible for the death of the Graysons and offers Dick a chance to avenge the murders.

Batman takes Dick to the Batcave and reveals his secret identity as Bruce Wayne. He then arranges to become Dick's guardian. Dick then begins training to become Batman's new partner, Robin.

Following a training period, Dick goes undercover as a newsboy to gain intelligence on Zucco's operations. He then gives the information to Batman who begins harassing Zucco. The crime lord finally decides to take part in the sabotage of the Canin building personally. Batman and Robin are there to meet him. Batman forces one of Zucco's henchmen to sign a confession to the Grayson murder, but Zucco pushes him off the building. Robin gets a photograph of the murder and uses it for evidence to get Zucco convicted. Dick then agrees to serve as Batman's permanent partner.