WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1!
DC’s bold and highly controversial decision to age Jon Kent into a young adult in mainstream continuity dealt a major blow toSuperboyandRobin’sonce-iconic friendship. Left inSuper Sonswithdrawal, I thought nothing could fill the void—until one comic gave me a new ‘Super Friends’ duo to obsess over.
…we might witness the rise of a new hero trinity: Robin, Superboy, and Thunderheart.
One of my biggest gripes with DC will forever be theirdecision to age Jon Kent up, effectively destroying his friendship with Damian Wayne. To me, the bond between Superboy and Robin was so much more than two super kids having wild adventures—it allowed both Jon and Damian to truly flourish in each other’s company.
While both characters have developed relationships with others over the years, I’ve always felt unsatisfied. However, thanks to Jeff Parker and Lukas Ketner’sBatman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns#1,I’ve found a new Justice League kid duo to obsess over: Robin and Wally West’s daughter, Irey“Thunderheart”West.
Robin’s Team-Up With Thunderheart Gives Him the Perfect New BFF
Justice League Kid Friendships of the Big Seven Just Hit Different
I have always been a die-hard fan of the Justice League’s Big Seven, which typically includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, and Green Lantern. These iconic heroes are the foundation of my love for the DC Universe, and as a result, I’ve always been drawn to their storylines. Naturally,when it comes to the next generation of heroes, I’ve been most interested in the children of this legendary lineup.That’s why I was absolutely enamored with Jon Kent and Damian Wayne’s friendship.
Ever since Jon was aged up, both he and Damian have developed a wide range of relationships with other heroes and even villains. Yet, none of these newer friendships have truly captured my interest, especially in Damian’s case, as none of his closest bonds have been with the children of the Big Seven. Hence, my obsession with seeingthe next generation of Justice League kidsform their own friendshipsmade it impossible for me to resist the dynamic between Thunderheart and Robin inSanta Claus: Silent Knight Returns.Their brief interaction checked all my boxes for a Justice League kid friendship, and despite its short duration, I’m already rooting for them to become the best of friends.
Santa Claus: Silent Knight ReturnsGives Fans an EPIC Robin & Thunderheart Moment
I’m Convinced Damian Wayne and Irey West Are Destined to Become BFFs
InSanta Claus: Silent Knight Returns#1, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern John Stewart, Queen Nubia, Mera, Thunderheart, and Robin find themselves on the losing side of their battle with the Silent Knight. As they near defeat,Batman orders Thunderheart to get herself and Robin out of the containment zone that the Silent Knight is creating before they are trapped.This leads to a humorous moment where Robin argues against the decision, wanting to stay and help. Thunderheart, however, responds with the simple but valid reply:“My dad told me to listen to your dad,”before sweeping him away.
Before Thunderheart can get herself and Robin to safety, though, one of the Silent Knight’s minions grabs her. Realizing their escape window is closing,Irey selflessly decides to ensure Robin gets out, even if she can’t.Despite Damian’s reluctance to leave her behind, she pushes him past the barrier, making a brave sacrifice. This moment, along with the care and natural banter between the two young heroes, has already made me fall in love with their dynamic. I can only hope that DC will give us more Thunderheart and Robin adventures in the future.
DC Reveals Which Young Hero Will Lead the Justice League Once Its Modern Heroes Retire
The next generation of heroes is on the rise, and DC has just confirmed which hero will become the Justice League’s new leader in the future.
Jon Kent Is Being De-Aged, Fixing Superman’s Most Controversial ‘Mistake’
Jon Kent Will Be De-Aged inShazam!#20 (2025)
While I’m already obsessed with the potential for a Robin and Thunderheart pairing and hoping for more, there’s also a glimmer of hope that we might see the return of theSuper Sonsdynamic between Damian and Jon. This possibility arises from the synopsis forShazam!#20, which teases thatJon will be de-aged back to a child. While it’s unclear whether this change will be permanent, if it is, fans could be in for the return of one of DC’s most iconic duos. Even better, we might witness the rise of a new hero trinity:Robin,Superboy, andThunderheart.
Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1is available now from DC Comics!
