Robin III Part 53: Batman #480 (Late-June, 1992)

Tim gets a new father-figure in his life: his father.

I have this issue.

Tim takes his father Jack out to visit Janet Drake’s grave only to find it vandalized, causing Jack’s respiratory problem to flare up.  Tim grabs the portable oxygen tank, and after his breathing eases Jack promises to become more directly involved in Tim’s upbringing – starting with wanting his son to move out of Wayne Manor and begin learning the family business, Drake Industries.

While he adjusts to the news, Tim comes across members of the Y-Dogs Gang…the same gang responsible for desecrating his mother’s tombstone…and deals with them accordingly.

That night Tim overhears Alfred address his concerns to Bruce, but suits up and goes on patrol as usual. He tells Bruce that he wants to follow up with the Y-Dogs, who it turns out are selling stolen medical-grade drugs. Tim and Bruce follow the distributor to their source - Drake Medical Incorporated. The man behind it all, Phil Martin, has been CEO of Drake Industries while Jack’s been hospitalized, and plans on blaming the financial loss on the company’s newest employee: Tim Drake.

They make quick work of the thieves, and while Bruce waits for the police, Tim goes to take care of the Y-Dogs.

The next morning, Tim tells Bruce and Alfred he’s decided to leave Wayne Manor and move in with his father, knowing that Robin will be off the streets for a while.

Tim asks Alfred to drive him to the hospital to meet his dad, and on the way the butler lets him know that there’s a house for sale…right next to Wayne Manor.

Notes of Interest:

1) Tim meets his first Drake Industries employee…Phil Marin.

2) We learn Bruce has taught him how to read lips.

3) Jack Drake is at this point 80% paralyzed and has breathing problems.

4) Apparently, Tim’s father owns a penthouse in Robinson Park.

WTF? Moment: I liked the heart-to-heart Tim had with Bruce while on patrol. What made it so interesting is that Bruce didn’t offer advice or tell Tim what to do. He was more of a sounding board, allowing Tim to work things out on his own.