Tim “Robin“ Drake fans are going to feel robbed when they learn that DC nearly let the Boy Wonder graduate to an iconic mantle, and no, it’s not Batman, Red Hood, or even Nightwing. This is a mantle that fans of the 2003–2006 Teen Titans animated series will be especially fond of: RED X!
Red X could have introduced Tim Drake’s anti-hero era…
Joshua Williamson and Tom King recently appeared on ComicPop Returns’ All-Stars Thanksgiving Spectacular on YouTube, where they discussed all things DC. For fans who made it through the full episode, the 2:40:00 mark stands out.
At that moment, the question, “Do you think Tim Drake should have a new identity?” came up, and Williamson shockingly revealed that he and James T. Tynion IV had once planned to give Tim the Red X identity. That this never happened is absolutely crushing.
How a Teen Titans Fan-Favorite Almost Became Tim Drake’s New Identity
Why Red X Could Have Been the Perfect Evolution for Robin
For those unaware, Red X first appeared in the Teen Titans animated series (2003–2006), debuting in “X” (Season 2, Episode 10). In this episode, Robin (Dick Grayson) assumed the enigmatic identity as a disguise, allowing him to commit crimes to infiltrate villain operations. He wore a distinctive costume, including a white skull-inspired mask marked with a red X on the forehead.
However, the identity is eventually stolen by a mysterious criminal, whose real identity is never revealed in the series. The character beneath the mask brought a mix of mystery and charismatic “bad boy” energy, fitting perfectly with their anti-hero tendencies and quickly becoming a fan-favorite. The lack of a revealed identity also left room for endless creative interpretation.
It would have been epic to see the Red X identity debut in comics with Tim Drake under the mantle. Given its Robin association, inherent brand recognition, and the character’s nature (a mischievous, highly skilled thief with gadgets and martial arts prowess), Red X would have been a natural, badass fit for Drake, allowing him to finally graduate from the Robin mantle.
Why Tim Drake Never Became Red X and What Fans Missed Out On
The Lost Opportunity That Could Have Launched Robin’s Badass Anti-Hero Era
Williamson noted that there were several reasons the idea never moved forward. Ultimately, the plan for Tim to claim Red X slipped through their fingers before the mantle was used by other creators in narratives like Teen Titans Academy. Consequently, the identity eventually passed onto a character other than Tim Drake.
It’s disappointing that Tim never claimed the Red X identity, as it would have been the perfect stepping stone for the character. One of the biggest critiques of Tim is that he hasn’t moved on from Robin, something fans feel is long overdue. Furthermore, the Red X mantle wouldn’t have just been a new identity, but it could have launched Tim Drake’s anti-hero era.