DC High Volume: Batman — Batman: The Gauntlet

Podcast by DC | Realm
Date: November 12, 2025
Episode Focus: An audio adaptation of "Batman: The Gauntlet" — Dick Grayon’s final test before becoming Robin, set against Gotham’s criminal underworld.

Overview

This episode brings to life the iconic DC comic "Batman: The Gauntlet," adapted from the works of Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, Jeph Loeb, and Tim Sale. Focused on Dick Grayson's last, most dangerous trial before officially becoming Robin, the story is set during a tense Fourth of July weekend in Gotham. Bruce Wayne (Batman) tasks young Grayson with eluding the Dark Knight until sunrise while criminals, led by gangster Joe Manette, turn the city upside down looking for evidence that could destroy their empire. The gauntlet quickly turns lethal as Dick becomes a target not just for Batman, but for Gotham’s most ruthless mobsters.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

Setting the Stakes and Introduction

• Dick Grayson’s Oath & Training: After losing his parents, Dick pledges to fight for justice alongside Batman, enduring grueling training and countless trials (00:56).
• The Gauntlet Is Set: Bruce gives Dick his "final exam": survive alone in Gotham for a night without being found by Batman—while staying within city limits and in costume (08:51).

Crime and Corruption in Gotham

• Joe Manette’s Reign: The criminal underworld, led by Manette, deals in drugs, vice, and violence. Batman describes Manette as "as deadly as a barracuda" (03:18).
• Corrupt Webs: When Batman saves Carlton Tate from Manette, legal loopholes and witness reluctance let the criminals walk free. Batman is frustrated with operating outside the law’s limits (05:12-05:27).

Dick Grayson Begins The Gauntlet

• Rules of Engagement: Dick recites his restrictions and objectives, showing Alfred he’s prepared, though Alfred worries for the boy’s safety and soul (08:51-10:35).

  • “Is Master Dick best served by becoming part of the Batman’s violent world?” — Alfred (09:49)

• Psychological Importance: Bruce defends Robin’s role as a healthy outlet for Dick’s grief:

  • “Robin will be his release valve…a way to exorcise that darkness before it can corrupt his soul. Nobody else can give him this, Alfred. Only I can. And I will.” — Batman (10:03)

The Mob Moves & Dick’s Cleverness

• Mob Paranoia: Manette is desperate to find Batman’s weakness, placing his lackeys on edge and mobilizing every informant and enforcer to keep their operations intact (06:35-07:50).
• Clue-Laden Chase: Dick skillfully lures Batman across Gotham with riddles and puzzles, staying a step ahead (11:02-19:32). Batman praises his "taunting" and intelligence but later warns of the dangers of forming predictable patterns.

Dick’s First Confrontations

• Crime Alley Incident: Dick intervenes in a vicious mob beating, saving undercover cop Ricky Terranova, but accidentally attracts even more criminal attention (11:09-14:33).

  • “Send for an ambulance, too. These jerks are gonna need it.” — Robin (11:29)
  • “Some kid wants to play hero. All right, Robin Hood, let us show you what it means to mess with the big boys.” — Del Kane (11:34)

• Now a Target: Manette learns of the “kid in costume” and fixes his entire network against Dick:

  • “Call Anthony… Have them comb the city. When they spot the punk, you go snatch him… I want this kid.” — Joe Manette (14:09)

Mob vs. Boy Wonder — Survival Chase

• Increasing Peril: As Robin moves through theater districts and charity offices planting clues, Manette’s forces close in (17:19-19:32).

  • “He has to follow my trail…wait till he sees the clue I planted at IDT. Even Riddler would have trouble figuring it out.” — Robin (17:19)
  • Batman realizes Dick is leading him on a wild chase, but warns “the danger of patterns” (17:52).

• Deadly Encounters: Robin is pursued through a warehouse, the bridge, and the Gotham sewers—outmaneuvering thugs and improvising escape routes, but is eventually captured and tied up.

  • “At least they can't reach me when I’m hanging below the bridge here.” — Robin (25:42)
  • “They must have thought he was helpless. It took him less than 90 seconds to free himself.” — Batman, impressed with Dick’s skills (29:41)

Climax: Showdown at the Fireworks Barge

• Manette’s Final Attempt: Robin tricks and evades Manette’s bruisers, culminating in a chaotic fight aboard a barge loaded with fireworks (33:02-34:48).

  • “You and your jackals have chased me from one end of town to the other, Manette. What do you want with a small fry like me?” — Robin, exhausted but resolute (33:44)
  • “I run Gotham City. Right, kid? You got past my best men. But not me.” — Joe Manette (34:03)

• Batman Intervenes: Batman observes Dick’s resilience and readiness from the shadows, prepared to step in but also realizing Robin can handle himself.

Resolution and Passing the Gauntlet

• Mob Arrested, Dick Recognized:

  • Commissioner Gordon’s men arrest Manette and his crew (35:11-35:20).

  • Batman and Dick reunite; Bruce solves Dick’s riddles and praises, but constructively critiques his risk-taking (35:59-36:43).

  • “I wouldn’t go that far. It may not be sunrise, but this looks like the dawn of a new day to me. Come on, let’s go introduce you to Commissioner Gordon. Partner.” — Batman (37:08)

  • Dick is officially recognized as Robin, Batman’s partner.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alfred's Doubt About the Path (09:49)

  • “He is just a lad. Have you considered the road upon which you’re placing him? Is Master Dick best served by becoming a part of the Batman’s violent world?” — Alfred

• Bruce on Robin’s Purpose (10:03)

  • “Robin will be his release valve… a way to exorcise that darkness before it can corrupt his soul. Nobody else can give him this, Alfred. Only I can. And I will.” — Batman

• Joe Manette’s Command (14:09)

  • “Call Anthony… Have them comb the city. When they spot the punk, you go snatch him… I want this kid.” — Joe Manette

• Dick’s Defiance During Capture (33:44)

  • “You and your jackals have chased me from one end of town to the other, Manette. What do you want with a small fry like me.” — Dick Grayson/Robin

• Batman’s Acknowledgment & Promotion of Robin (37:08)

  • “I wouldn’t go that far. It may not be sunrise, but this looks like the dawn of a new day to me. Come on, let’s go introduce you to Commissioner Gordon. Partner.” — Batman

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Highlight | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:56 | Backstory: Dick Grayson’s oath, Robin’s final trial is set up | | 05:12 | Batman’s frustration with the law’s inability to stop Gotham’s criminals | | 08:51 | Dick runs through the rules of The Gauntlet with Alfred—stakes of the test | | 10:03 | Batman explains why Robin is important for Dick emotionally | | 14:09 | Manette places a hit on Dick/Robin | | 17:19 | Robin sets clever traps and clues to evade Batman | | 29:41 | Batman is impressed by Robin’s escape skills | | 33:44 | Robin’s climactic face-off with Manette | | 37:08 | Batman acknowledges Dick as his new partner, Robin |

Conclusion

"Batman: The Gauntlet" is a thrilling, character-rich audio drama that brings a classic DC story to vivid life. The episode deftly explores Dick Grayson’s growth from grieving orphan to superhero partner, testing his wits and courage amid the criminal chaos of Gotham. Tense action, psychological depth, and clever puzzles highlight both Batman’s mentorship and Dick’s readiness for heroism. The episode closes with affirmation: a new day dawns, and Robin earns his place in Gotham’s legend.