WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Jeffrey Brown's Batman and Robin and Howard, on sale now from DC Comics.
In the middle-grade graphic novel Batman and Robin and Howard, a young Damian Wayne realizes just how disconnected he is from the world as he navigates middle school. He's got a lot to learn as a crimefighter but he's also so far removed from society that he doesn't understand how he alienates potential friends with his ego. However, as the graphic novel unfolds, Damian discovers a new mentor who is able to help him mature, and coincidentally doesn't masquerade as a vigilante in the darkest hours of the night.
In the children's novel, Damian meets Howard, a young Black kid who initially tries to befriend him, only for Damian's elitist ways to initially turn him away. Howard sees Damian as an arrogant kid who always tries to outshine everyone in whatever way he can, which of course alienates him from his fellow students.
He's overcompensating and seeking approval as his father has grounded him, but in time, Damian learns empathy and compassion from Howard, who eventually warms up to the young Master Wayne and shows him the value of teamwork. This results in them shining on science projects together, rallying their team to goals, and even gaming at the Wayne Manor, which warms Alfred's heart.
Damian finally opens up about his mother Talia al Ghul, the neglect and fighting in his family, and his secret life. The young Robin feels comfortable with Howard, who acts like the brother he's never had, spurring Damian to do some investigative work when his father goes missing. They solve the case and rescue Batman, who grows to see Howard as a great and powerful influence for his son.
In this story, Damian is allowed to feels like a normal kid for a change, and he experiences vulnerability, selflessness, and altruism as a result. This is an important part of childhood that the youngest Robin lacks in the mainstream books, and it comes mostly because of Howard's willingness to listen.
Damian Wayne has always had his demons, but Howard has no interest in weaponizing those demons. He instead shows a genuine desire to get to know Damian, which appears to be the missing link that the young Robin has needed to become a much more human hero.
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