15 greatest sidekicks in comic book history

1. Robin

Of course, there’s no other sidekick more popular, than Robin. The name is synonymous with Batman and has been depicted in live action and animated forms alike. From the 1950s TV series to upcoming DC live-action series, Titans and everything in between. Even in Chris Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, there was some rendition of the hero who was played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Just like outside the comics, a number of individuals can claim the title.

In the comics, there has been five Robins not counting the alternate timelines and different Earths. The latest is the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul Damian Wayne. He’s a born assassin trained by the League of Assassins as an heir to the throne. That was until Talia was forced to send Damian to live with his father which flipped Bruce’s life upside down. Damian is much different from the Robins before him, Stephanie Brown temporary and before her, it was Tim Drake who wielded a bo-staff.

Time Drake because Robin after finding out the identities of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. He worked his way into Batman’s good graces despite him not wanting a new partner. He was an exceptionally gifted fighter who was trained by Lady Shiva. He would eventually lead the Teen Titans and adopt the name Red Robbin. As mentioned before, Tim became Robin at a time when Batman was still mourning the loss of another pupil, Jason Todd.

Jason was the second Robin who, like Damian was a little rough around the edges. He became Robin after he was caught trying to steal the wheels off the Bat-mobile. Although he was rough around the edges he excelled as Dick Grayson’s replacement. That was until he was murdered by the Joker. Jason would be resurrected by Ra’s al Ghul with a hatred for Batman after he failed to kill the Joker. He would adopt the name Red Hood and hand out justice the way he saw fit, to the displeasure of Batman. Still, there’s not a Robin who holds a candle to the original, Dick Grayson.

Dick was born into a family of circus people. After they were murdered, he was taken in and adopted by Bruce Wayne. Grayson’s thirst for justice coupled with his exceptional acrobatic skills made Bruce want to train him, and he did. After rigorous training, Dick became Robin the Boy Wonder and comic books’ greatest duo was formed. Dick would serve as Batman’s sidekick for years up until he felt that he has outgrown the role. When he became a young adult, Dick left Gotham for Blüdhaven, he was one of the founders of the Teen Titans. As time passed, with the help of Superman adopted the name, Nightwing. The popularity of Dick Grayson can’t be overstated especially when DC is double dipping on the hero with the upcoming Titans tv series and a Nightwing movie in the works. It’s the easiest case to make… Robin is the greatest sidekick in Comic Book history.

Next: 50 greatest super heroes

There are a number of sidekicks who didn’t make the list, like Falcon and Kato, However, they just don’t compare to the heroes that made this list. DC May have dominated as they loved to use sidekicks, but Marvel has some great ones as well. Let’s just hope that the use of sidekicks doesn’t stop and we get back to the days where heroes have them watching their back so our list can grow. Until then these are the greatest sidekicks in comic book history.