The Origin of Robin: The Boy Wonder Inspired By Superman?

I’ve been reading earlier issues of Action Comics, and discovered some interesting things. However, nothing has been more bizarre than the story found in Action Comics #7. Not only were Superman’s boots colored yellow throughout the entire issue, but Superman decided to join the circus. Yes, that’s right, Superman decided to fight for truth, justice, and trapeze artists.

What Would Possess Superman to Join the Circus?

Earlier stories of Supes were often simplistic and dealt with Big Blue solving street-level crimes. The story in Action Comics #7 is a perfect example of such exploits as Superman decides to help a circus sell more tickets. Hilariously, Superman destorys circus property to convince the financially-distressed circus owner that he’s the right man, or should I say, alien, for the job.

Money begins to pour into the circus as patrons come to see their hero lift an elephant, juggle a strong man, and perform other carney acts. There is only one problem – not everyone is thrilled to see the circus succeed.

As the story continues, a slimy businessman (with a villainous mustache) wants to own the circus on the cheap. However, now that the circus is succeeding, the circus owner has no desire to sell. In classic bad guy fashion, the businessman decides to sabotage the safety of the performers because without them the show can’t go on, and the owner will have to sell to him.

A Super-Sized Trapeze Disaster

Unbeknownst to the Man of Steel, the next circus event turns into a horror show as numerous performers almost meet their maker. Thankfully, Superman was scheduled to perform, and thwarts the plans of the businessman.

Of interest is that one of the near death events involved a trapeze artist who’s swing-bar was sabotaged almost leading to her doom. Sound familiar? It should because it’s a scenario eerily similar to the event that lead to Dick Grayson becoming The Boy Wonder.

Coincidence, Plagiarism, or None of the Above

Action Comics #7 had a cover date of December 1938. The first Batman story was published several months later in March 1939, and the first appearance of Robin occurred in Detective Comics #38 published in April 1940.

So the question is this: Was Bob Kane and Bill Finger inspired in some way by the earlier Superman story?

The answer: Maybe so…

A Superman Creator Wrote Stories for Detective Comics

It is well documented that Jerry Siegle wrote Spy, a series that ran in Detective Comics from issue #1 to issue #83. It is possible that Siegle crossed paths with Kane and Finger while working on Detective Comics, and past stories/ideas were shared.

We may never know the true answer, but let it be known, that Robin might of hatched from a Superman story.

Speaking of Batman, interested to hear my thoughts about how HBO’s The Penguin series will lead into the new Batman movie? Take a listen to me chat about The Penguin show with my best friend, Eric.