{"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Is this a done deal? Will Carrie be the new Robin for good? How long will she be around? Is this a one-issue thing or is Carrie going to be round for awhile?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Well, Dan, first things first, the kick-ass cover image by the book’s artist, Patrick Gleason, was the quickest and coolest way to announce to new readers, long time readers, and casual readers that Carrie Kelley of Dark Knight Returns is making her first appearance in the DC Universe’s New 52. What you’ll find out once you crack the book, is that she’s not exactly the “new Robin”, but I don’t want to spoil the story and her introduction into Bruce Wayne/Batman’s life. In regards to how long she’ll be around, let’s just say that it’s a helluva lot longer than “one issue”. I’ve got plans for Carrie that play well into the future."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Isn’t this too soon for a new Robin? It seems to be way too early for any readers to take this as anything more than a stunt. How do you respond to that?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The question is based on your assumption that Carrie is coming out of the starting gate as ‘Robin’ which is simply not the case, Dan. I’ll let readers make up their own mind whether they feel this is a ‘stunt’ or not, but the way we’re approaching Carrie’s introduction into the Batman universe is anything but a stunt. It’s organic and heartfelt and ties into Damian’s death."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Is this the same Carrie Kelly from ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ or a New 52 version of her? In other words, is Batman meeting up with an alternate-earth Robin?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It’s a New 52 version, but we’re staying close to Frank Miller’s visual template and personality of Carrie Kelley. She’s a college kid who’s got spunk and speaks her mind. This is not an alternate-earth Robin, this is simply a girl named Carrie Kelley who we learn knew Damian which in turn weaves her into the fabric of the DC Universe for the first time in 25 years."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hallucination? Dream? Imaginary story?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"None of the above, Dan. It’s all real. It’s all in continuity. It’s all part of the Batman Universe in the here and now. Carrie Kelley has found her way into the New 52 and she’s here to stay — in what capacity is anybody’s guess — except mine of course."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What does this mean for Harper Row, a girl introduced to the DCU in the last couple years, whom many fans think will become the next Robin? Or maybe a previous Robin, Tim Drake, returning to the role?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Who said Harper Row was becoming Robin? For that matter who said Carrie is becoming Robin? Hell, who knows there isn’t some new character lurking about in a future story that will become the next Robin? It’s all about characters and stories that stir the pot and present tension and new dramatic possibilities."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Does Batman need a Robin?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In my purely subjective opinion, yes, absolutely. I love a dark and stormy kick ass Batman more than anyone, but with such a wealth of Bat books available to readers on a monthly basis I feel that not having a Robin around would make for too many dark ‘Dark Knights’. The words ‘Dynamic Duo’ also applies to the different types of stories having a Robin around affords writers, and being the writer of BATMAN AND ROBIN it’s the kind of stories I’m partial to telling at this moment in time."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Was this your idea?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At a DCU story meeting on something entirely unrelated to Batman many moons ago, I started talking to our publisher, Dan Didio, during a break about Robin’s upcoming death and lo and behold here we are with a living and breathing Carrie Kelley in the pages of BATMAN AND ROBIN No. 19!"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Did you talk to Carrie’s creator, Frank Miller, about this?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Having Carrie Kelly show up is what the New 52 is all about – giving fans the unexpected and exciting. Readers shouldn’t worry. I’m going to take good care of Carrie and we have some great stuff in store for her. We hope Frank enjoys the stories we tell."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why is now the right time to introduce Carrie Kelly into the current continuity? Was it because of the recently released animated films that adapted ‘The Dark Knight Returns’?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It’s definitely not because of the animated films, that’s for sure, but I think it harkens back to my previous answer, which is not to say that Carrie, Harper, Tim, etc. will be the next Robin, but that I like the youthful dynamic in Batman’s life and felt it best to continue that aspect in some way. It adds another dimension that I feel illuminates the dark side of Bruce/Batman’s character in an interesting way and presents the reader with a different perspective/juxtaposition from the other Bat titles."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Since DC had a phone poll to kill one-time Robin Jason Todd back in the ‘80s, what are the chances that DC will have readers vote for a new Robin? Would you be in favor of such a thing?"}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Not sure about that, Dan. I know nothing’s been mentioned and that’s simply because the talk of a new Robin isn’t on the front burner. We’re about character building right now, and not fixating on who and when someone’s gonna wear the Robin uniform. Now if and when something like a phone/text poll came to past, I have to honestly say I would rather it be in the hands of the writers like myself and DC Comics."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":""}}]}

Dan Greenfield

NypDanGreenfield@RoundtableIO

Is this the new Robin?

Exclusive Q&A with ‘Batman and Robin’ writer Peter Tomasi