There is nothing to like about Damian Wayne. Nothing. He’s a homicidal little monster who I don’t believe ever shows any remorse for all the murders he’s committed — or even thinks that killing is wrong, beyond “Father and Grayson don’t like it”. If that weren’t enough, he’s an irritating arrogant snot who constantly treats everyone like dirt, never showing any humility or gratitude. If THAT weren’t enough, he’s also been handed the mantle of Robin despite being the complete opposite of what Robin is supposed to be, do and represent. And if THAT weren’t enough, he’s constantly being pushed in the Batman books so you can’t even try to ignore him and pretend the character doesn’t exist, and he has a legion of apologists on the internet who keep insisting that everyone has to love him. (“Read Morrison’s run! Oh, you did, and you still hate him? Well, read Tomasi’s run, that’s sure to make you like him! That didn’t work either? Well, read the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing — sooner or later you’re sure to love him, honest!”)

Of all his Rebirth appearances, I have actually enjoyed his brief involvement with Deathstroke the most. His personality seemed to work there. His time with Jon Kent is tolerable, but still far from likeable and his pairing with Dick is similarly ok, but not great.

Damian is just flat-out annoying and seems analogous to Wesley Crusher, Data and Seven of Nine in Star Trek in that they are all just overly competent to the point of rendering other characters less consequential. The worst, to me, is his leadership role in the Teen Titans. I know it’s because Robin (in whichever iteration) is traditionally the leader, but if he HAS to lead, Starfire needs to leave. Having an adult follow the orders of a pre-pubescent boy doesn’t make him look competent as much as it makes her look stupid.

I’d love to see Damian become a likeable, good character, but I’m not holding out much hope other than Rebirth somehow completely rewriting his personality.