Harper Row - A Potential Robin

I'm always mystified with the subject of Batman character Harper Row and now that Damian Wayne is Robin, there's a strong rumor going around the comics world that this might be the chance for Row to take center stage as a new replacement for Robin. 

She first got a major push from DC Comics back in Batman # 12 which is a stand alone story, a filler issue if you will, between major arcs "Night of the Owls" and "Death of the Family". 

In this story, she shows that she's a very independent and capable woman living with her brother. She's later seen helping out Batman in the sewers as he tries to do what he does best, kicking badguy butt. Later we also find out that Harper's been invited to a party in Bruce Wayne's house. 


It's actually the same party which Bruce together with his wards Dick Grayson, Tim Drake and his son and now former Robin Damian Wayne attended in Batman # 1...

Here's how Batman artist Greg Capullo drew Harper...

At the time this came out, I'm sure most fans must've dismissed her as a one-off thing, a kind of place filler for the magnificent art rendered by Greg Capullo for that issue. But we were all wrong. Dead wrong. The aforementioned Batman # 12 returned to this scene this time switching the POV from Bruce Wayne to that of Harper's.

So who is Ms. Row and why is she a recurring character? I can't remember which interview and from which site it was but Batman writer Scott Snyder was asked about why the focus on a new character like Harper Row. In his usually coy manner of answering he teased readers that she'll have an important role for Batman in the near future. That was more or less a year ago if I recall. 

Here now is Batman Inc. # 8 with the death of Damian Wayne and we're left to wonder who's going to fill out the role of sidekick for Batman?

And now it makes perfect sense that Row's name is one of the likely candidates. Here are other reasons why she might be the new female Robin:

•  She's developed a talent for 'fixing' things. This could mean a number of things but I'd like to believe that IF she ever becomes Robin, she'll be used as a way to 'fix' Batman and his broken-ness over the death of his son. 
• Harper Row's life was saved by Batman once, when she and her brother is attacked by local slum bullies. They later repay Batman by helping him out.

• It was Harper who also helps out Batman from flatlining by doing first aid with the use of a makeshift defibrillator. 

• Ms. Row's uncanny knack for electronics also complements Batman's dependence on technology. In Batman # 12 she discovers Batman's bat-box and makes modifications to the contraption.

Verdict: High Possibility. DC wouldn't mandate something like an introduction to a new character without huge payoffs. We've seen here that she works well with Batman. She's also suitable and independent. More importantly she's got heart. And it's that heart and compassion that makes her a good 'temporary' replacement for the Robin mantle.

Also I'd like to point out some similarities between her and the other Robins. 

• She's spunky like Damian and a younger Dick Grayson
• She grew up from the streets and has daddy issues similar to Jason Todd
• Like Tim Drake, she's very good with technology