When Batman vanished for a time, Duke took up with a youth movement inspired to become Robin in his absence. This We Are Robin group was short-lived, but Duke made an impression on Batman once the hero returned to Gotham City. He made Duke his latest partner but promised him a different destiny than previous Robins.
Making good on his promise, Batman gave Duke a new costume and code name, and Duke became known as the Signal. Unlike most of Batmans Gotham City allies, Duke has discovered he is a metahuman, with light-sensory powers in his eyes. Now hes uniquely positioned to defend his city in a way thats utterly unlike any other member of the Batman Family.