The following contains spoilers for Batman #127, on sale now from DC Comics.
The return of the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh certainly shook things up in Batman #126 (by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez, and Belen Ortega), however, the time spent with the character in the latest issue has done this even more so. It finally explained the origins of the Dark Knight's latest and deadliest villain and its connection to this backup Batman. During the frantic fight against Failsafe, a few more details were revealed about this unhinged Caped Crusader -- including the possibility of a secret Robin.
Tim Drake got a first-hand experience of what it's like to be the Robin to the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh in Batman #127 (by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey and VC's Clayton Cowles). That included getting to see a Batcave within a Batcave. Though much smaller, it contained a few interesting details. There was equipment, some info on Failsafe, and strangely, a Robin costume.
This backup Batman was made to protect the Dark Knight should he come under psychological attack. Having been tasked with creating Failsafe to stop Batman should he ever turn to evil and this Robin costume suggests that there may be a lot more to him than first meets the eye. It also very heavily hints at the existence of a Robin of Zur-En-Arrh, in some form.
There are a few ways of explaining the purpose of this costume. The simplest is that -- it's a costume. The Batman of Zur-En-Arrh may have predicted a situation just like this, where he is accompanied by one of the Dark Knight's partners, and they need a change of clothes. With Tim accompanying him here, maybe he half expected him to put on the costume himself so that the dynamic duo could wear matching outfits. Batman's backup personality may seem like he's prone to more ridiculous notions, however, the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh isn't exactly mentally stable.
That's the most innocent explanation. The others hold far more disturbing implications. A Robin of Zur-En-Arrh would most likely be like the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh -- in every way. Not only would he match his personality, which is dangerously unhinged, but also have a similar origin. Since this unexpected Dark Knight was created to come into play when Batman is under a psychological attack, he may have done the same for all his Robins. The most disturbing question with that theory though is if Batman did this without their consent.
An even more terrifying question would be which Batman was responsible for it. The original Batman may be totally unaware of what his other personality has done to his friends and family. Given how the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh treats the Robins as "soldiers" instead of as his children, the ethics surrounding such an act wouldn't concern him. The only thing that matters to him is the mission.
It may not be a case of every Robin being a possible Robin of Zur-En-Arrh, even if the backup personality theory is correct. It's also possible that only one Robin has this special defensive mechanism locked away in their mind. Perhaps one who would be willing to share the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh's more extreme values. Jason Todd would be a possibility. Although given that the original Batman of Zur-En-Arrh was encountered during the Silver Age, it may make more sense that his Robin would be the Boy Wonder of that time, Dick Grayson.
The final option is that none of the original Robins are the Robin of Zur-En-Arrh. The backup Batman could have gone out and recruited another, totally unknown individual who shares his vision of justice. They would be completely unknown to the true Batman and the wider Bat-Family, though they may know their secrets. The Batman of Zur-En-Arrah might not even know, as he stated in this issue that he erased his memory of creating Failsafe. This Robin costume is a mystery that may never be solved. However, the implications of its existence are far more disturbing than just being a fun reference to an other-worldly dynamic duo.
