Modern YEAR NINE

1997

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–FLASHBACK: From Batman #683—originally told in Batman #255. Dr. Achilles Milo turns famous Olympic athlete Anthony Lupus into a werewolf. Batman bests both Milo and his werewolf.

–REFERENCE: In Legends #1, New Gods Vol. 3 #15, and JLA Secret Files and Origins #2 Part 2—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #112. Batman teams-up with Mr. Miracle (Scott Free) and his manager Oberon to explore the Egyptian tomb of Atun. Batman learns about Mr. Miracle’s fiancée Big Barda, and their alternate dimensional home planet of New Genesis, on which the benevolent New Gods reside. Mr. Miracle and Big Barda are but two of many New Gods. Batman also learns that New Genesis can be reached via interdimensional wormholes known as Boom Tubes. Boom Tubes are generally activated by sentient organic-computers known as Mother Boxes (also spelled “Motherbox” and alternately “Motherboxx” or “Motherboxxx” during Grant Morrison’s Seven Soldiers series).

–FLASHBACK: From Wizard #0 Special: Hush Interlude. Batman fights an escaped Two-Face, who shoots him in the back. Batman miraculously survives, but he’ll have two nasty permanent scars as a result.

–FLASHBACK: From JLA: Liberty and Justice and Final Crisis: Secret Files #1—and referenced in Identity Crisis #2. Originally told in Justice League of America #111. The JLA defeats The Injustice Gang (aka The Injustice Gang of the World), a team led by Libra and consisting of Mirror Master (Sam Scudder), Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Chronos, Shadow Thief, and Tattooed Man (Abel Tarrant). Note that the Injustice Gang is not to be confused with the Injustice Society or Injustice League, which are both separate teams. Unknown to the heroes, Libra had been given power by the evil New God Glorious Godfrey—with the approval of Darkseid.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #676—originally told in Detective Comics #441. The “Case of Judge Clay” occurs. Batman and Robin take down the corrupt Judge Clay after the judge accuses Batman of a crime for which the former is actually responsible. Batman keeps Judge Clay’s gavel as a trophy and displays in in the Batcave.

–REFERENCE: In JSA #2—originally told in Justice League of America #113. Decades ago, JSA member Sandman’s teenage sidekick Sandy Hawkins was turned into a hulking sandstone monster called a “Silicon.” Unable to help him, Sandman simply put him in suspended animation in a secret cell. Now, Sandy has finally broken free. The JSAers and JLAers chase and fight the rampaging Sandy across the country, eventually reverting him back to human form, although he’s still a teenager.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America Vol. 2 #58—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #115. This is a wild one. Batman tracks down a kidnapped girl to the secret HQ of criminal Buggsy Cathcart. But Buggsy is prepared and has the place wired, so when the Dark Knight tries to break into the building he gets a lethal jolt of electricity. Batman drops like a leaf and Buggsy and his thugs quickly dump his body. Minutes later, Batman is discovered by Gordon’s men (thankfully) and rushed to the hospital where they learn he is brain dead! Enter the Atom, who shrinks down, enters Bruce’s brain and is able to re-animate him enough to control his lifeless body. Like a puppeteer living inside Bruce’s brain, the Atom marches the zombie Batman back to Buggsy’s hideout, saves the girl, and returns him to the hospital. The Atom is then able to work his mojo inside Bruce’s brain and actually revives him! That’s right, Bruce was clinically brain dead for at least half an hour, but somehow the Atom zombifies him and then resurrects him! Awesome.

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 #22—and referenced in JSA Annual #1. Originally told in Detective Comics #443. Batman joins forces with Manhunter (Paul Kirk), Asano Nitobe, Interpol agent Christine St. Clair, and Kolu Mbeya to crush an army of Paul Kirk clones linked to The Council, a vast criminal enterprise that has existed clandestinely for hundreds of years. Manhunter sacrifices his life to defeat the Council and its evil leader Dr. Anatol Mykros, leading the surviving heroes to believe that the Council has been shut down. Of course, the Council isn’t really shut down and will continue its dastardly ways, as we will see later this year when Batman teams with Tom Tresser. Note that there is absolutely nothing in the comics that connects the Council from Secret Origins Vol. 2 #22 to the Council we will see in the future. However, there is nothing to the contrary either. We can assume that there are multiple cells of the Council that operate all over the world. Even if the Council that Batman faces in the future seems entirely different from this version of the Council, we can be rest assured that they are both a part of the same parent organization.

–REFERENCE: In JLA #115, JLA/Titans #1-3, and Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3—originally told in Justice League of America #116. Teenage superhero Golden Eagle (basically a sidekick to Hawkman) helps the JLA defeat Matter Master.

–Huntress: Year One #4-6 by Ivory Madison/Cliff Richards (August to September 2008)
Mid February—this item takes place around the Catholic holiday of Carnival, marking the beginning of Lent. Huntress: Year One is a horrific mess continuity-wise, but here we go.^[1] Helena Bertinelli, now twenty-years-old, becomes the costumed vigilante known as Huntress. She travels to Gotham to avenge the murder of her family, which happened when she was a little girl. After killing Stefano Mandragora, the man that ordered the hit on her fam, Huntress targets one of the actual hitmen, a vile assassin known as Omerta, who currently works for Nino Angelo’s mob. Huntress tracks Nino Angelo to a huge party being held at Wayne Manor. The party is a setup where Bruce can get more info about Angelo’s operations while Batgirl and Alfred listen in on wire taps. But of course, Huntress doesn’t know about the sting and crashes the soirée, much to the chagrin of Bruce. (As mentioned above, don’t forget that Babs is only nineteen-years-old at this point, but she’s already gotten one Master’s Degree, is working on another, and is running for Congress!) Batgirl tries to take down Huntress but gets her ass kicked, also to the chagrin of Bruce, who is so angry he temporarily fires her. (Batgirl’s “firing” only lasts about a day.) Batman (shown wearing the wrong costume) later confronts Huntress and tries to apprehend her, but Catwoman shows up and saves Huntress. Later still, Huntress unearths a plot by the Angelo family and Gotham’s corrupt politico, Mayor Hamilton Hill, who has Presidential aspirations. (This plot ultimately never gets linked to the mayor. Also note that Hill is not specifically named in this story, giving some doubt as to the character’s actual identity. However, if our story truly goes here, then it should be Hill.)^[2] Huntress then assaults Nino Angelo, her former lover Tony Angelo, Omerta, and the Italian crime lord known as The Pope. The Pope gains the upper hand when he drags out a kidnapped Sal Asaro, the man who trained Huntress. Just when things look bleak, Huntress gets assistance from Batman, Batgirl, and Catwoman. Huntress takes her revenge on Omerta by cutting out his tongue. Afterward, Huntress tells Batman that she will stay in Gotham permanently whether he likes it or not—although, technically, Huntress will move to New York City for a few years before returning.

–REFERENCE: In Action Comics #650—originally told in Justice League of America #120-121. The JLA helps Adam Strange defeat Kanjar Ro once again. Afterward, Adam Strange and Alanna get married!

–FLASHBACK: In JSA Classified #1—and referenced in Infinite Crisis #2. Superman’s “cousin” Kara Zor-L arrives seemingly out of nowhere and debuts as Power Girl. Dr. Mid-Nite and Batman, both suspicious, run tests on Power Girl in a failed attempt to figure out where she came from. Kara, who will later adopt the surname “Starr,” has no memories of her past and will believe a couple different versions of her origin until she finally discovers the truth years later. And what is the truth, you ask? Well, it’s a bit complicated. Kara is actually from an alternate universe (formerly known as the Silver/Bronze Age Universe-2) that will collapse during Crisis on Infinite Earths. When Crisis occurs (in a little over one year) and Kara’s timeline is erased/altered/merged into the main Universe-0 timeline, unlike some of her friends and peers, Kara will miraculously survive with her new debut manifesting as a spacetime anomaly right here and now, hence the reason she literally spontaneously appears. However, whereas many of the DCU characters that get rebooted via the Crisis have their origins completely revamped, Kara is unique because she keeps her alternate universe history intact (although she won’t be able to recall it until later). Think of this as a reboot that glitched halfway through, specifically in regard to Power Girl.

–REFERENCE: In History of the DC Universe #1—originally told in Justice League of America #123-124. The JLA and JSA team-up to defeat the JSA’s semi-immortal rivals, the Injustice Society—The Wizard, The Icicle, The Shade (Richard Swift), Sportsmaster (Lawrence Crock), Huntress (Paula Brooks), and The Gambler (Steven Sharpe). The Injustice Society is not to be confused with the Crime Champions, or Injustice Gang, Injustice League, which are each separate teams. Although, in the primary reference to this item (History of the DC Universe #1), writer Marv Wolfman makes the error of referring to this team as the Injustice Gang. Note that all members of the Injustice Society, like the members of the JSA, began their careers in the 1930s or 1940s. The Huntress featured on this villain team obviously shouldn’t be confused with the superhero Huntress.

–REFERENCE: In JLA Secret Files and Origins #2 Part 2—originally told in Justice League of America #128-129. The JLA fights an evil alien creature known as Nekron, who causes them to witness horrible visions of their own deaths and then literally feeds on their fear. (This is a one-shot Nekron, not to be confused with the much more formidable “Entity of the Black Light of Death” Nekron we will see later on.) The JLA bests Nekron and his robot henchman, saving Midway City in the process. (Originally, Red Tornado died during this adventure, but this isn’t true in the Modern Age.) After wrapping-up this mission, the JLA records its details into the official case-files under the name “Death Visions of the Justice League,” which is the title of Justice League of America #128, upon which this entry on our timeline was based.

–REFERENCE: In Superman/Batman #9—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #128. Batman and Mr. Miracle team-up against the sadistic Granny Goodness, who is an evil New God of Apokolips and one of Darkseid’s main lieutenants.

–REFERENCE: In Batman #703—originally told in Detective Comics #460-462. The swashbuckling pirate-villain Captain Stingaree debuts against Batman, who teams with Stingaree’s three identical triplet brothers and Flash to bring him down.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League America #43—originally told in Justice League of America #132. The Justice League of America defeats the super-villain team-up of Sonar and Queen Bee.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America #253—originally told in Justice League of America #133-134. Despero takes over Sirkus, a planet that is home to superhero cosplaying aliens, including Ergon and Kwim. Alien warriors Albon and Nordon (a duo known as The Krill) then defeat Despero, taking over Sirkus for themselves. The JLA intervenes only to get captured by the Krill as well. Eventually, the JLA defeat both the Krill and Despero.

–REFERENCE: In Secret Origins Vol. 2 #28—originally told in Detective Comics #463-464. Former heroin user Eric Needham becomes the hybrid Spider-Man/Punisher vigilante known as Black Spider, brutally killing-off Gotham drug dealers left-and-right. Batman fights Black Spider and puts him behind bars.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Chronicles #5 Part 1—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #132. Batman teams-up with his former mentor Richard Dragon to bring down drug lord Carlos Esteban and his hired assassin known as The Stylist.

–REFERENCE: In JLA #119—originally told in Justice League of America #139. Enter the brand new super-villain group known as The Secret Society of Super-Villains—not to be confused with the Crime Champions, Injustice Gang, Injustice League, or Injustice Society, which are each separate teams. While the Secret Society has a lot of members, the JLA defeats Captain Cold, the Icicle, Minister Blizzard, Shadow Thief, and Funky Flashman on this occasion. Other members of the Secret Society include Sinestro, Gorilla Grodd, the Wizard, the new Star Sapphire (Debbie Camille Darnell/Remoni-Notra), Angle Man, Poison Ivy, Floronic Man, Blockbuster, Star Sapphire (Debbie Camille Darnell aka Remoni-Notra), Reverse-Flash (aka Professor Zoom aka Eobard Thawne), Psycho-Pirate, Mist, and Rag Doll.

–REFERENCE: In Hero Hotline #6 and Superman/Batman #19 (aka Supergirl Vol. 5 #0)—originally told in Detective Comics #468. Batman takes on The Calculator (Noah Kuttler).

–REFERENCE: In Justice League International #11 and JLA #107—originally told in Justice League of America #142. The JLA defeats the evil robot known as The Construct.

–REFERENCE: In JLA: Liberty and Justice. Captain Marvel (Billy Batson) debuts, befriending the JLA.^[3]

–JLA: Liberty and Justice by Paul Dini & Alex Ross (January 2004)
Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter assemble Batman, Flash, Hal Jordan for a meeting with top level Pentagon officials. (Clark is busy with Daily Planet stuff, and Aquaman skips the meeting in order to tend to his newborn “aquababy” Arthur Curry Jr.) Despite being invited, Batman sneaks into the Pentagon anyway (just for fun). There, government agents brief the JLA about an unnatural pandemic spreading through the Congo. Upon arrival in Africa, the heroes find that the virus, which causes humans to fall into a catatonic immobile state, is emanating from a nearby meteorite containing a parasitic alien bacteria. Batman hacks into Wonder Woman’s invisible jet comms (again, just for fun) to tell his teammates to bring the meteorite to the Batcave for analysis. Superman joins his fellow heroes to help put down overzealous military jets that have been mobilized by bordering rival African nations. After being exposed to the virus and then briefly detained by Russian sailors, Flash and Aquaman are able (with Wonder Woman’s help) to deliver the meteorite to Batman. In the Batcave, Batman analyzes the meteorite while the Atom shrinks down and enters Flash’s body to figure out how the virus ticks. Flash phones his wife Iris West Allen. As misinformation about the virus spreads and riots erupt across the globe, Atom delivers his report, allowing Batman to quickly synthesize a cure. Batman calls upon Captain Marvel, Plastic Man, Metamorpho, and fellow JLAers Elongated Man, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Red Tornado, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Zatanna to help with the situation. The narration oddly refers to these heroes as “associate members” of the JLA, but it’s made crystal clear in the narrative that they are full-fledged members (aside from Captain Marvel, Plastic Man, and Metamorpho, of course). The collected heroes deal with the chaos all over the planet while Hal Jordan keeps the virus contained in the Congo and Flash distributes the cure. In Gotham, Poison Ivy tries to take advantage of the chaos by stirring up fear, but Batman takes her down. Eventually, the virus is eliminated and calm returns to the world. The next day, the JLA (along with Captain Marvel) speaks at the United Nations in a publicly televised address, specifically about how they fought against ordinary people when the riots got out of hand across the globe. Martian Manhunter, who starts out a speech disguised as Superman, apologizes for having raised a hand toward innocent civilians. He vows that the JLA will never use subterfuge or lie to the public, moving forward.

–REFERENCE: In Team Titans #13, JLA/Titans #2, and Countdown #51—originally told in Batman Family #6 Part 2, Batman Family #8-9, and Teen Titans #44-47. Batman isn’t involved in this item, but he is presumably filled-in on all the details. With Speedy fresh out of rehab and keeping clean, the Teen Titans reform (!) and are briefly joined by a zany antihero calling herself “Joker’s Daughter.” She also contradicts herself by claiming to be the daughter of several other notable Gotham villains. During an altercation between the Teen Titans and Two-Face, “Joker’s Daughter” reveals her true name, Duela Dent, claiming that she is Two-Face’s daughter. Who is Duela Dent, really? She’s definitely not Two-Face’s kid. She’s actually a Dent from an alternate Earth, but nobody will find that out for a long time.

–REFERENCE: In Hero Hotline #1—originally told in DC Special #28. Batman defeats the debuting Quakemaster.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman & Superman: World’s Finest #5. Late March. This issue, the entirety of which is a flashback, states that it is “six years” prior to B&S:WF #10 Part 1, which takes place in Year 15. That’s right on the money. Here’s the synopsis. Batman and Superman team-up with Batgirl and the new Thorn (Rhosyn “Rose” Forrest) against the criminal organization known as The 100. Batgirl meets Superman for the first time. Jim Gordon also meets Superman for the first time as acting commissioner. Afterward, Superman gives his approval of Batgirl to the Dark Knight.

–REFERENCE: In Faces of Evil: Kobra #1—originally told in the Kobra series finale from DC Special Series #1 (1977). For the past year, government secret agent Jason Burr has been fighting against a global terrorist organization/apocalypse cult (the Kobra Cult) led by his twin brother Jeffrey Franklin Burr aka Lord Naga-Naga (better known simply as Kobra). Finally tracking Kobra’s HQ to a Lazarus Pit location in the Himalayas, Jason contacts Batman for assistance. Batman and Jason fight Kobra and his agents, but in the end, the vile cult leader orders the execution of his brother. One of Kobra’s followers stabs Jason to death. Batman vows to bring Kobra to justice and solemnly returns to the States with Jason’s body in tow.

–REFERENCE: In LEGION ’90 #18—originally told in Secret Society of Super-Villains #7 and DC Special Series #6 (Secret Society of Super-Villains Special 1977). Captain Comet assists the JLA against the Secret Society of Super-Villains—Funky Flashman, Gorilla Grodd, Sinestro, Star Sapphire (Debbie Camille Darnell/Remoni-Notra), Angle Man, the Wizard, and Poison Ivy. Again, the Secret Society is not to be confused with the Injustice Gang, Injustice League, or Injustice Society, which are each separate teams. Lex Luthor secretly involves himself in this affair, sending Felix Faust and Matter Master into the mix on his behalf.

–NOTE: In JLA/Titans #1-3 and Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3—originally told in Teen Titans #50-53. The recently reformed Teen Titans toy with larger membership via a splinter group known as “Titans West,” which includes Beast Boy, Flamebird (former Bat-Girl Bette Kane), Hawk, Dove, Bumblebee, Herald, and Golden Eagle. Shortly after initiating this venture, the Teen Titans meet to decide their future. Despite having just recently re-formed, the teens aren’t sure whether they should continue. With Dick living in New York and several of the Teen Titans now looking to pursue their own individual exploits, the team officially disbands. (This is the second time the Teen Titans have disbanded in less than a year’s time.)

–REFERENCE: In Action Comics #864—originally told in Justice League of America #147-148. A team-up between the JLA and JSA pits the heroes against the powerful evil wizard Mordru. During this confrontation, the JLA and JSA form a triple-team with the time-traveling members of the 30th century’s Legion of Super-Heroes (also spelled “Legion of Superheroes”)—Chameleon Boy, Cosmic Boy, Karate Kid, Princess Projectra, Shadow Lass, Sun Boy, Una, and Wildfire. (Superman has already met the Legion and even served as an official 30th century Legionnaire while adventuring during his youth as “Superboy”.) When Mordru summons Abnegazar, Rath, and Ghast, the Demons Three immediately turn against him. The JLA, JSA, and Legion team-up to defeat the Demons Three.

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 #22—originally told in Justice League of America #140-141, Justice League of America #143, and Justice League of America #149-150. If you didn’t know, the Maltusian immortals known as the Guardians of the Universe are the overseers and creators of the Green Lantern Corps. They are headquartered on Oa, a planet located in the direct center of the universe. Eons ago, before the institution of the Green Lantern Corps, the Guardians of the Universe built their first peacekeeping soldiers, the android Manhunters. (Okay, technically the Guardians’ first failed peacekeeping soldiers were the alien lizard-men species known as the Psions, but if you brought that up, you’d be nitpicking!) Cut to now: the Manhunters finally return, but they’ve gone jealously loco in regard to their Green Lantern replacements. The Manhunters endow superpowers onto vengeful attorney Mark Shaw, who leads the other Manhunters on a quest to capture Hal Jordan, who they have framed for the destruction of a distant planet. After Batman ends their charade, Shaw realizes he’s fighting on the wrong team and switches sides to help the JLA defeat the Manhunters. Shortly thereafter, a new villain known as Star-Tsar shows up to strike against the JLA. Not so coincidentally, Shaw immediately returns as the superhero The Privateer to help wage war against Star-Tsar’s henchmen. The JLA quickly realize that Shaw, having been corrupted by the cosmic power of the Manhunters, is playing both the role of Star-Tsar and the Privateer. Exposed, Shaw is defeated and imprisoned by the JLA, Hawkgirl, and former mascot Snapper Carr.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman #683 and the second feature to Countdown to Final Crisis #22—and referenced in Deadshot #1, Legends of the Dark Knight #132-136, Batman #600, Detective Comics #825, Batman Annual #11, and Secret Origins Vol. 2 #44 Part 3. Originally told in Steve Englehart’s “Dark Detective” storyline from Detective Comics #469-479. The Modern Age version of “Dark Detective”—renamed “Strange Apparitions” for its Modern Age TPB release—occurs during the “penthouse era” just like the original, hence placement here. In “Strange Apparitions” several important things happen: Batman fights the debuting radioactive Dr. Phosphorus (Dr. Alex Sartorius); Robin deals with Penguin; Deadshot permanently switches to a new outfit and takes on Batman in an epic battle that ends in old-school fashion atop a giant typewriter prop at the convention center (with Silver St. Cloud and many convention attendees watching); a new mob led by ex-Congressman Rupert Thorne rises and falls (after Hugo Strange pretends to be a ghost and “haunts” Thorne); Preston Payne aka Clayface III, who has shapeshifting powers and can turn people into lifeless blobs of protoplasm, debuts by skirmishing against Batman three times; and perhaps the most important, Bruce and Silver’s hot romance coruscates so brightly that it burns out. Their relationship builds to a point where Silver finally finds out Bruce is Batman. Despite loving Bruce very much, Silver—like Julie Madison and Kathy Kane before her—decides to leave. Bruce is heartbroken. Note that a Hugo Strange versus Batman story (Detective Comics #471) and Joker’s “Laughing Fish” gag (Detective Comics #475-476) were both part of Englehart’s original arc as well, but the former was retconned-out and replaced by “Prey” in Year One (as confirmed by Batman: Gotham Knights #8) while the latter actually takes place in Year Six (as confirmed by Legends of the DC Universe #26-27). (It’s also possible that Joker tries a stripped-down version of his “Laughing Fish” gag again for the second time here, but that’s entirely up to your own headcanon.) No matter what, Bruce and Silver’s interactions from ‘tec #475-476, which are essential to their story, still canonically happen here. Another note: The canonical sequel to “Strange Apparitions,” entitled “Siege” (from LOTDK #132-136), will happen next year. And one final note: Another sequel to “Strange Apparitions,” a six-issue miniseries simply titled Batman: Dark Detective, was published in 2005. Unfortunately, it is non-canon. Englehart, in interviews, refused to specifically place the story, saying that it should have pleased fans of any era by being able to fit into any era. Oddly enough, the story includes Commissioner Akins and takes place when the GCPD are hunting the Bat-Family, which specifically places it right after “War Games” in Bat Year Nineteen. However, Two-Face is featured heavily in Batman: Dark Detective during a time where Harvey would have been surgically repaired and semi-rehabilitated. Thus, Batman: Dark Detective is not canon, which is shame because it’s quite good.^[4]

–REFERENCE: In JLA 80-Page Giant #1 Part 4—originally told in Justice League of America #152. The JLA defeats one-shot villain Major Macabre, after which Red Tornado and Kathy Sutton adopt an orphaned girl named Traya. Red Tornado and Kathy officially become parents of Traya Sutton-Smith.

–REFERENCE: In Identity Crisis #1—originally told in Justice League of America #157. Ray Palmer marries Jean Loring.

–REFERENCE: In Adventures of Superman #627—originally told in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #108-109. An alien being known as Xum travels to Earth. After viewing Batman, Wonder Woman, and Flash, Xum turns into a hybrid version of those heroes called Replikon. Replikon is defeated by Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, and Black Canary.

–REFERENCE: In Titans #15—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #144. Batman and Green Arrow defeat Bromwell Stikk (aka Mr. Twister), who has now been turned into the super-villain Gargoyle by the Antithesis.

–REFERENCE: In Legends of the DC Universe #12-13. In an attempt to find inner peace, Green Arrow leaves the JLA and becomes a Buddhist monk. He shaves his head and moves into an ashram.

–“Dark Messenger of Mercy!” by Len Wein/John Calnan/Dick Giordano (Batman #307 / the second feature to DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1) January 1979
1979’s Batman #307 was canonized in 2011 after being republished in conjunction with DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1. In this double tale, Batman solves the Agatha Christie-esque whodunit mystery of the “Gold Coin Killer,” a serial murderer called Limehouse Jack, who blacks-out every night and kills homeless people by giving them poisoned gold coins. Meanwhile, crooked billionaire tycoon Gregorian Falstaff moves to Gotham with plans on ruining Bruce Wayne’s image and taking over Wayne Enterprises. Notably, because DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1 canonizes “Dark Messenger of Mercy!” for the Modern Age, it also canonizes a fun bit of amazing 70s continuity nostalgia in the form of the energy company Roxxon, of which Bruce becomes a big-time stockholder. Interestingly, Roxxon was originally created in 1974 by Steve Englehart in the pages of Marvel’s Captain America as the major petroleum conglomerate on Earth-616 (Marvel’s primary Earth). Englehart also wrote Roxxon as DC’s main energy conglomerate in the 70s as well! Later Marvel stories in the 2010s reveal Roxxon as having financial interests within the scope of the cosmic and multiversial, so it’s a distinct possibility that DC’s Roxxon and Marvel’s Roxxon are one and the same!

–REFERENCE: In Justice Society of America Vol. 3 80-Page Giant 2010 #1—originally told in Justice League of America #162-165. The JLA defeats The Shark (Karshon). Shortly thereafter, Zatanna and her father John Zatara learn that Sindella (Zatanna’s mom and John’s wife), long thought to have been killed in a car accident, is actually still alive, having been held captive by evil Homo Magi wizards for years. The JLA rescues Sindella, but she dies helping them defeat the evil wizards. A funeral is held for Sindella.

–REFERENCE: In JLA #119. Catwoman (now wearing a new green-and-purple caped-dress costume), joins the Secret Society of Super-Villains—again, not to be confused with the Injustice Gang, Injustice League, or Injustice Society, which are each separate teams. Batman finds out when he obtains a photo of Catwoman with the team. This photo goes into his scrapbook. The current Secret Society lineup consists of the Wizard, Gorilla Grodd, Floronic Man, Blockbuster, Star Sapphire (Debbie Camille Darnell aka Remoni-Notra), Reverse-Flash (aka Professor Zoom aka Eobard Thawne), Psycho-Pirate, Mist, Rag Doll, and now Catwoman.

–NOTE: In a flashback from Catwoman Vol. 3 #50. The second part of the “mind-wipe scandal” begins with the secret mind-wipe of Catwoman by Zatanna and company. This mind-wipe completely erases Selina’s more villainous traits. Selina’s mind-wipe, like the others, is done in secret from Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, but Selina is given special care aboard the JL Satellite, presumably because she is close to Batman and because she was the sole female member of the Injustice League.

–FLASHBACK: From Identity Crisis #3—and referenced in The OMAC Project #1-2. Originally told in Justice League of America #166-168. The dust has barely settled from the mind-wiping of Catwoman, but the “mind-wipe scandal” continues its dastardly second act. Once again, all the JLA members’ minds and bodies are magickally swapped with the minds and bodies of evildoers. This time the Secret Society of Super-Villains does the body-switching, specifically the Wizard, Floronic Man, Star Sapphire (Debbie Camille Darnell aka Remoni-Notra), Reverse-Flash, and Blockbuster. This swapping, of course, is bad because the evil team discovers all of the JLA secret identities. After reversing the body-swap spell, Zatanna, in a move once again believed to be necessary, erases all of the villains’ memories regarding the encounter. While this mind-wiping is being done, Superman deals with Lex Luthor and Batman deals with an escaped Joker. The close proximity between the Agamemno affair and this Secret Society body swap will cause Batman’s paranoia to grow even more, further convincing him of the need to gather info on and build contingency emergency plans to fight his friends should another mind/body swap ever happen again.

–REFERENCE: In Batman #416—originally told in Batman #310. Batman takes down veteran super-villain Gentleman Ghost (the evil spirit of James Craddock). This reference to Gentleman Ghost being a Batman foe comes from a flashback super-villain mini-mural, in which Gentleman Ghost is among the more obvious characters shown.) Since the Batman #416 mentions Robin’s involvement versus Gentleman Ghost, that means this reference is twofold—a nod to Batman’s solo outing against Gentleman Ghost (here in Batman #310) and a nod to the Dynamic Duo’s action against him next year (in Detective Comics #526).

–REFERENCE: In Batman #470—originally told in Detective Comics #483-484. Batman fights the debuting megalomaniac crime-boss Maxie Zeus, an eccentric that believes he is part Greek god, part second coming of Christ.

–REFERENCE: In DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1—originally told in Batman #312-314. Lucius Fox’s delinquent teenage son (from a previous marriage) Timothy Fox comes to live with him in Gotham. Unfortunately, Timothy is mixed up with criminal gangs. Lucius tells Bruce about the situation. Later, Batman reluctantly teams-up with government secret agent King Faraday against Two-Face. Faraday works for the CBI (Central Bureau of Intelligence).

–REFERENCE: In Batman: Gotham Knights #32. Bruce and Lucius Fox have been close for a long time, but it’d really been strictly business prior to Lucius recently sharing details about his ex-wife and son Timothy. In this new spirit of openness, Lucius introduces Bruce to his family—wife Tanya Nancy Fox, young daughter Tiffany Fox, and baby son. While Batman: Gotham Knights #32 doesn’t name Lucius’ boy, retroactively this must be Luke Fox (!)—who doesn’t technically debut until the New 52. Bruce will become very close with the Fox family as the years go on.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Incorporated #4—originally told in Detective Comics #485 and Detective Comics #489-490. Ra’s al Ghul mounts his forces and strikes against the Sensei, prompting a brief civil war between the two ninja factions of the League of Assassins. When the war spills into Gotham, Kathy Kane (the retired Bat-Woman) mysteriously gets involved. Ra’s al Ghul sends a warning message to Bruce that Kathy may be in danger. Batman fights off League henchmen at Kathy’s circus where sure enough, he finds his former fiancée being held captive. The Caped Crusader is ambushed and knocked unconscious by Bronze Tiger aka Ben Turner, former partner to Richard Dragon. (Bronze Tiger has been brainwashed into serving the League of Assassins). A little while later, Batman awakens to discover that Kathy has been seemingly stabbed to death! A devastated Batman tries to discover the mystery of why and how Kathy was involved in the League of Assassins civil war, but he finds nothing but dead ends. SPOILER ALERT: Kathy Kane isn’t really dead. Her “murder” is actually an elaborately orchestrated ruse perpetrated by herself, the Spyral organization, and Talia. We won’t see Kathy again for fourteen years. During this time period, Kathy will ascend the ranks of Spyral and become its leader, all the while secretly keeping tabs on Batman’s every move.^[5]Ra’s al Ghul then bests the Sensei’s faction, quickly regaining full control of the League of Assassins.

–REFERENCE: In Birds of Prey: Batgirl/Catwoman #1. Summer. Batman travels to the Middle Eastern nation of Qurac to investigate (and likely shut down) a biological weapons plant linked to Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Assassins. Some notes on placement: Birds of Prey: Batgirl/Catwoman #1 is specifically set in the summer, a year after Batgirl’s debut, and Babs is specifically said to be 19-years-old. The story also must occur after “The Saga of Ra’s al Ghul.” There is a line about Dick thinking about going to school, but that should be ignored. This item is also said to occur “five years prior” to Birds of Prey: Batgirl/Oracle, but since that issue occurs after “Officer Down,” this means we are at least seven years prior.

–REFERENCE: In The Life Story of the Flash #1—originally told in Flash #275-277. The sadistic Reverse-Flash (aka Professor Zoom aka Eobard Thawne) murders Flash’e wife, Iris West Allen. Bruce, Clark, Barry and the rest of the heroes attend Iris’ funeral. Unknown to all, Iris has actually been saved by her parents, who live in the 30th century. Iris’ biological parents (Eric Russell and Fran Russell) collected her spirit and used future tech to resurrect her. Iris decides to stay with her folks in the 30th century, leaving all her friends in the 20th century to go on thinking she has passed.

–REFERENCE: In Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #3—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #155. Batman, Hal Jordan, and Hal’s fellow Green Lantern Corpsmen Medphyll, Chaselon, and Zborra quell the raging Tri Vul.

–FLASHBACK: From JSA #61—originally told in Justice League of America #171-172. When the Justice Society of America and Justice League of America meet on the JL Satellite, tragedy strikes. The powerful super-villain known as The Spirit King (Roger Romaine) has secretly taken control of Jay Garrick’s body and uses the elder Flash to surprise attack both teams. The Spirit King is eventually subdued, but not before the awful death of the original Mr. Terrific (Terry Sloane). All of the DCU’s heroes attend Mr. Terrific’s sad funeral a few days later.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #690—originally told in Batman #318. The pyromaniac super-villain Firebug (Joe Rigger) debuts and battles Batman.

–REFERENCE: In Secret Origins Vol. 2 #6 Part 2.^[6] Batman meets and befriends the electric-powered Black Lightning (schoolteacher Jefferson Pierce).

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3 and Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant #1 Part 6—and also referenced in Secret Origins Vol. 2 #13 and Nightwing Vol. 2 Annual #2. Originally told in New Teen Titans #1-4. The New Teen Titans form out of the recent ashes of the old Teen Titans. The New Teen Titans—which will go by both “New Teen Titans” and plain old “Teen Titans”—are bankrolled by Dr. Silas Stone and feature a lineup of Robin, Beast Boy (formerly Changeling), Raven (Rachel Roth), Kid Flash, and Wonder Girl. Raven visits the JLA to ask for support for her new team, but she is mistaken for a villain due to her dark aura and gets no help at all. Afterward, the New Teen Titans recruit Cyborg (Dr. Stone’s son, Victor Stone) and Starfire (Koriand’r). The New Teen Titans’ first mission is protecting New York City from an invasion of aliens, who wish to enslave all of humanity. Robin quickly assumes leadership of the New Teen Titans and begins dating Starfire. (Note that Dick has been seeing Babs romantically since last year, but not in an official capacity. Suffice to say, Dick does not tell Babs about Starfire.) Marv Wolfman’s Nightwing Vol. 2 #132-137 (“321 Days”) implies that the formation of the New Teen Titans occurs just prior to Dick’s 18th birthday, but since the latter doesn’t happen for another two years, this is simply incorrect.^[7]

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3, Booster Gold Vol. 2 #21-24, and a couple other comics. One of the New Teen Titans’ earliest fights is against Deathstroke the Terminator (Slade Wilson) and his son Ravager (Grant Wilson). Ravager dies in battle, further fueling what will become Deathstroke’s lifelong ire for the Titans. Meanwhile, as seen in Booster Gold Vol. 2 #21-24, Booster Gold time-travels from 2010 (Bat Year 22) back to this point on the timeline (1997) in order to prevent future super-villain Black Beetle from altering history by killing the Titans. Booster, as he so often does, plays dress-up, knocking out Deathstroke and wearing his costume during the skirmish, ensuring that the Titans win. Before fleeing, Booster (as Deathstroke) whispers to a confused Dick, “Embrace your heritage. Guide Damian.” Very cool. Later, Booster lets Raven in on the secret and she helps implant memories of the battle, including Ravager’s death, into Deathstroke’s head so it will seem to him as if he was always there, thus ensuring the future timeline is corrected entirely. Booster then returns back to 2010 when all is fixed.

–“Duel” by Denny O’Neil/Jim Aparo/Keith Giffen/Joe Quesada/Tom Lyle/Dan Speigle/James Blackburn/Michael Golden (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual #1) 1991
Batman busts an escaped Joker overseas. While Batman extradites Joker back to the United States, their plane crashes in the snow-capped Korean mountains. Batman hallucinates for three whole days due to a severe concussion, but he still manages to successfully drag a tied-up Joker back to civilization through an extremely thick blizzard, eventually repatriating the Clown Prince of Crime.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Absolution. It’s taken Batman nearly three years to track down terrorist bomber Jennifer Blake. He tries to apprehend her in Missouri, but she escapes. Blake will then go off the radar for the next eight years. I should mention that Batman is wearing the wrong costume in this flashback! He should be wearing the yellow oval costume. Even though this is an error, this flashback definitely takes place here.

–NOTE: In a flashback from Nightwing Vol. 2 Annual #2. Barbara Gordon, having finally fallen for and now ready to fully reciprocate the love Dick had shown her for the past year, goes to visit him at Hudson University only to discover that she’s too late. Dick is in a sexual relationship with Teen Titan teammate Starfire. (Nightwing Vol. 2 Annual #2 reveals that Dick “lost his virginity” to Starfire. We can take this verbiage by writer Marc Andreyko to mean that Dick has had heteronormative penetrative sex for the first time with Starfire. Dick and Babs had been romantically and sexually involved for the past year, but hadn’t “gone all the way.”) Babs feels utterly betrayed and heartbroken. Dick and Starfire will continue to date on-and-off for a few years and will even get engaged in the future.

–NOTE: In a reference in Birds of Prey #1 and a reference in Batgirl: Year One #9. Barbara Gordon, likely in an effort to get over Dick, begins dating former GCPD cop (now private investigator) Jason Bard. (In the Silver/Bronze Age, Babs’ relationship with Jason was originally highlighted in some of the second features to Detective Comics #392-405 and Detective Comics #418-424. It’s possible that Babs’ relationship with Jason here on the Modern Age timeline loosely reflects those tales, culminating next year when she will go to Washington DC, reflecting the second feature to Detective Comics #424 .)

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3. When the JLA learns that Teen Titan member Raven, whom they already don’t trust due to her dark magickal aura, is the biological daughter of the evil demon Trigon, they go after her. This prompts the Teen Titans to battle with the JLA! Eventually, the Titans are able to convince the JLA that Raven is a hero at heart.

–FLASHBACK: From Superman/Batman #79-80. Epoch (The Lord of Time) escapes from prison in the 853rd century and travels to the present where he encounters Batman, Superman, and Robin. Using advanced technology, Epoch is able to trap the heroes in an Omega Barrier. With the big guns out of the way, Epoch is also able to defeat the Outsiders, Teen Titans, and the JLA. Things look bleak until Supes, Bats, and Robin escape their obsidian cube jail and kick Epoch’s ass. Superman/Batman #80 also contains a neat two-page splash showing Epoch fleeing into the future and getting his ass kicked by several future versions of the “World’s Finest”: Damian Wayne and Conner Kent in the late 2010s; Brane Taylor (Batman), Elna Kent (Superwoman), Kent Shakespeare (Superman), and Thomas Wayne (Robin 3000) in the 3000s; Unknown Superman and Batsman in the 46th century; and finally Superman and Batman of Justice Legion-A in the 853rd century. Pretty damn cool! For more info about these Batmen of the future, including the confusing future of Damian Wayne, see the “Welcome to the Future” section of the Modern Age.

–FLASHBACK: In Secret Origins Vol. 2 #13. Much to the disappointment of Bruce, Dick drops out of college (ending his time at Hudson University) and moves to New York City. Robin begins splitting time between leading the Teen Titans in the Big Apple and backing-up Batman in Gotham. At their first face-to-face interaction following Dick’s departure from college, Bruce screams at him angrily.

–FLASHBACK: From Secret Origins Vol. 2 #13. A tuxedo-wearing Dick tries to fit in at a fancy society ball, hobnobbing with Bruce and other playboy-types, but it just ain’t his style nor his scene.

–REFERENCE: In New Teen Titans Vol. 2 #38. The JLA battles the Ultra-Humanite.

–FLASHBACK: From Power Company: Bork #1. Flash and Batman team-up to face an escaped Carl Bork for the second time. Batman eventually convinces Bork to stand down when Bork’s elderly mother has a heart attack. Batman funds the treatment for her recovery on the condition that Bork serves his prison sentence quietly.

–REFERENCE: In Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 and The Batman Files. Batman busts violent serial killer Victor Zsasz, who has already killed over three dozen people with his signature knife. For each of his victims, Zsasz has carved a tally mark into his own skin. Zsasz will continue to mark sick tally marks on his body for the rest of his murderous “vocation.” Note that in Alan Grant’s Shadow of the Bat #1, which gives us the first appearance of Zsasz and occurs in Bat Year Thirteen, Jeremiah Arkham says that Zsasz has killed 47 people. However, if we are to truly believe the tally marks drawn on Zsasz’s body, he’s killed hundreds, which would make it seem like he’s been around for at least a few years before Bat Year Thirteen. Therefore, I’ve placed his debut here.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics Annual #1 and The Question #2. The rookie superhero known as The Question gives some unwanted assistance to Batman on a stolen radium case. Afterward, Batman deduces his secret ID as reporter Vic Sage. As referenced in Richard Dragon #7, Batman tells the Question to train with Richard Dragon.

–REFERENCE: In Identity Crisis #7. Batman poses with his fellow Justice Leaguers for an official team photo.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America Vol. 2 #0. The JLA starts a pool on which of its members will be the first to tie the knot. Most people pick Bruce to wed last, with Ollie following in second to last, and Diana third to last. Bruce picks Ollie as his “person to get married last.” (This isn’t Batman shitting on the Green Arrow/Black Canary relationship; it actually makes a lot of sense since Ollie is currently living an ascetic lifestyle in a Buddhist temple.) Notably, Superman isn’t involved in the gambling.

–REFERENCE: In Batman #402. Batman hears about the tragic murder of the wife and child of Gotham cop Tommy Carma, who is famous for his heroics but also notorious due to multiple police brutality charges. As Batman learns on the news, Carma’s family has been slaughtered by vengeful mobsters. Carma will return as a Punisher-like fake Batman super-villain in two years.

–REFERENCE: In Batman: Europa #4. Bruce travels to Rome on Wayne Enterprises business. Moving forward on our timeline, Bruce will travel to Rome quite often, although never as Batman. While on these business trips, Bruce will consistently play up his “benighted American” façade, pretending to struggle while ordering at restaurants. Note that these Italian business trips will happen sporadically on our timeline, but won’t actually appear as listed items on the chronology below, so we’ll simply have to imagine them.

–FLASHBACK: From Year One: Batman – Ra’s al Ghul #2. Batman is able to prevent Ra’s al Ghul from launching a “genocide satellite” that would have eliminated the majority of Earth’s population. Ra’s al Ghul’s “deep ecology”—his malthusian view of humanity as a plague on nature that deserves to be eradicated—really reverberates strongly here. After stopping the satellite launch, Batman then tracks Ra’s al Ghul to an oasis hidden deep within the Himalayas. Amid the frigid backdrop, Batman evades League of Assassins agents in a snowmobile chase, which includes the Caped Crusader causing an avalanche that smothers two of his pursuers. (Is this a self-defense killing moment or do we fanwank that Batman doubled back to make sure they were alive? I’ll leave that to you own headcanon.) At the cavern-hidden mountain oasis, the Dark Knight witnesses Ra’s al Ghul meet with a Tibetan monk, who repeatedly chants a rhythmic Buddhist mantra. After this encounter, Bruce makes this Himalayan oasis a protected WayneTech research site, Bruce won’t return to the site for ten years, at which point we will learn that the strange Buddhist mantra phonetically converts into the chemical formula for creating a Lazarus Pit! Note that Batman is incorrectly drawn by Paul Gulacy in this flashback. He should be wearing the yellow oval costume.

–REFERENCE: In Hero Hotline #5. Batman reluctantly poses for a photo with Superman and Wonder Woman. Shortly thereafter, the photo is developed, signed by the heroes, and given to World War II superhero Tex Thompson (who was very famous back in the day, known as both Mr. America and Americommando). Thompson hangs the picture of the Trinity in his home alongside other “celebrity” hero pictures. NOTE: Hero Hotline #5 is the famous issue that references Dr. Manhattan’s (yes, THAT Dr. Manhattan of Watchmen fame) only trans-dimensional visit to the Modern Age DCU proper, which occurs after the events of Watchmen (specifically in Bat Year Eleven after Captain Atom has debuted).

–REFERENCE: In Blue Beetle Vol. 6 #21. Batman meets and teams-up with Cave Carson, going on an unspecified underground adventure. Following this, Batman will become friends with Carson and keep tabs on him, but Carson will go totally off-the-radar quite soon, remaining off-the-grid for years to come.

–“Halloween Past: Trick and Defeat” by Art Baltazar/Franco Aureliani/Sergio Carrera (DCU Halloween Special 2009) December 2009
Halloween weekend. Bruce and Alfred throw the Halloween Charity Ball at Wayne Manor. An escaped Killer Moth shows up and tries to rob the party. Moth is busted when he answers the door for two trick-or-treaters dressed up as Superman and Batman. After making fun of their costumes, the trick-or-treaters (actually Robin and Batgirl) knock out Moth and save the day.

–NOTE: In Legends of the DC Universe #13. Oliver Queen decides to leave the Buddhist ashram where he’s spent the past few months. He’s finally ready to return to the crimefighting game.

–“Critical Mass” by Christopher Priest/Ken Lashley (Legends of the DC Universe #13) February 1999
In this story, which is a follow up to events that happened last year (i.e. events originally told in the Green Lantern/Green Arrow second feature from Flash #219), writer Priest refers to Superman and Batman as “friends” of the Justice League. They are definitely more than friends; they are founding and current members of the JLA. Also, we are told that it has been four years since Bruce began bankrolling the JLA, but it’s actually only been two years. (The JLA has been in existence for four years now, so maybe that is what Priest meant.) Let’s catch up to speed, shall we? Flash, Zatanna, Hawkman, Aquaman, and Hal Jordan have all grown to King Kong size and have dementia thanks to the manipulations of an evil force. Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance), Firestorm, and Red Tornado are injured and out of action. Thus, it’s up to Batman and a bald-headed Green Arrow (who has recently left the Buddhist ashram and officially returned to the JLA) to save the day. The Dark Knight and the Emerald Archer get Packrat’s shrink bomb from the wreckage of the Arrowjet (which is still in the mountains) before joining up with Atom and Superman, who are in the middle of fighting/helping the tortured mutated monster known as Thorak. Eventually, the entire JLA is revived and restored to its prior condition thanks to the shrink bomb and a little secret assistance from former JLA mascot Snapper Carr.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #569. Batman doesn’t know that Catwoman has been mind-wiped of her venality, but he sure notices a change in her personality as a result. Seeing a kinder, more heroic side to Catwoman, Batman has high hopes that she’s seen the light and turned over a new leaf. While he doesn’t fully trust Catwoman to be a full-fledged hero, he does believe in and care for her deeply. Because of this, the Dark Knight—hoping to work with Catwoman and encourage her—finally reveals his secret ID to her as a gesture of good will.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America Vol. 2 #4. Batman goes under the mind-control of an unknown super-villain. Green Arrow painfully shoots Batman in the shoulders with two arrows in order to break the spell.

–REFERENCE: In the second feature to Detective Comics #782. Late November—the anniversary of Batman’s parents’ deaths. Batman, as he always does on this date, places two roses at the Crime Alley murder site.

–FLASHBACK: From Identity Crisis #6-7, The OMAC Project #2, the second feature to 52 #9, and the second feature to Countdown #43-42. The third part of the “mind-wipe scandal” occurs.^[8] While the JLA is battling Hector Hammond planet-side, Dr. Light is able to infiltrate the JLA satellite and rape Elongated Man’s wife, Sue Dibny. After being caught in the vile sexual assault by the JLA (minus the Trinity), Dr. Light threatens to hurt the other heroes’ families and even makes the reprehensible declaration that he will rape the other heroes’ wives as well. The team (still minus the Trinity) takes a vote and agrees the best course of action is for Zatanna to not only mind-wipe the villain, but also to alter his personality to ensure that he never again commits so heinous a crime. Zatanna scrambles Dr. Light’s brain, permanently turning him into a goofy, harmless super-villain stereotype. However, Batman stumbles upon the team in the midst of scrambling Dr. Light’s brain. Batman is outraged at the unethical procedure and as his ire grows, the rest of the League is forced to restrain him. Shockingly, they mind-wipe Batman (!) and he won’t remember the details of this event until much, much later. When he does, you can be rest assured that he will be very pissed off. And there is nothing scarier than a very pissed off Batman. Zatanna also uses her magick to repress Martian Manhunter’s memories regarding these events should he ever read their minds telepathically. Batman’s mind-wipe is also depicted in Batman Confidential #50 (the intro to the “Super Powers” storyline), which is up next on our list.

–“Super Powers” by Marc Guggenheim/Jerry Bingham (Batman Confidential #50-54) January to May 2011
This tale overlaps with the end of the previous “mind-wipe scandal” flashback. As I’ve already mentioned, when Batman returns to the JLA satellite, he is mind-wiped by Zatanna and company. While under mystical hypnosis, Bruce has a fevered flashback to “seven years ago” (should correctly be “four years ago”), during which he recalls the JLA mission against Fortas. While under Zatanna’s trance, Bruce also recalls his early training days in China (when he was nineteen or twenty-years-old) where he was killed by a metahuman named Huairen. Bruce was immediately resurrected by a metahuman named Ri, drank a magickal elixir that granted him temporary super-powers, became the cape-and-cowled “Dark Knight,” and briefly joined the Zhuguran (the Chinese version of the Justice League, which actually pre-dates the JLA by several years). See the Modern Age Early Days section of the website for more details.

–NOTE: In a flashback from Flash Vol. 2 #215. Mere weeks after Batman’s mind-wipe, the fourth and final part of the “mind-wipe scandal” occurs. The exact same group of JLA members that erased the Dark Knight’s memory opts to mind-wipe the villain known as The Top.

–FLASHBACK: From Sandman Vol. 2 #2—originally told in Justice League of America #175-176. The JLA defeats Dr. Destiny and sends him to Arkham Asylum.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America #253—originally told in Justice League of America #177-178. Despero kidnaps Martian Manhunter away to the planet Takron-Galtos. There, J’onn is forced to play a game of “cosmic chess” wherein which deadly chess piece robots mirror his moves by attacking the JLA on Earth. The JLA travels to Takron-Galtos to save J’onn and defeat Despero. (In the Silver Age, this item featured the planet Mars II as its primary locale, but because Mars II doesn’t exist in the Modern Age, writer Gerry Conway retconned the location to Takron-Galtos.)

–REFERENCE: In Batgirl Special #1—originally told in Detective Comics #491 Part 5 and Detective Comics #492-493. Batgirl is nearly killed by master assassin Cormorant, who is working for a mobster named General Scarr. Batman and an injured Batgirl team-up to bust Cormorant and General Scarr. Shaken by her near death experience, Batgirl will drastically reduce her crimefighting endeavors, moving forward.

–FLASHBACK: From Action Comics #650—and referenced in Legends #1, New Gods Vol. 3 #15, and JLA Secret Files and Origins #2 Part 2. Originally told in Justice League of America #183-185. While en route to a JLA/JSA meeting, members of both teams are transported to the alternate dimensional planet of New Genesis, home to the benevolent New Gods. There, the heroes help the New Gods (Orion, Metron, the married couple of Mr. Miracle and Big Barda, and Mr. Miracle’s manager Oberon) in defending New Genesis against Darkseid and his army of Shock Troopers and Parademons. Darkseid is the oppressive ruling king of the planet Apokolips, home to the evil New Gods. Like New Genesis, Apokolips can also be reached via interdimensional wormholes known as Boom Tubes, which are generally activated by sentient organic-computers known as Mother Boxes. After besting Darkseid and his hordes, the JLA keeps a Parademon helmet as a trophy. Note that while Darkseid may have been omnipotently overseeing these events, our heroes don’t actually come face-to-face with the real deal. New Gods Vol. 3 #15 reveals that a disguised Desaad had been playing the role of Darkseid here the entire time. In fact, New Gods Vol. 3 #15 tells us that Desaad plays the role of Darkseid throughout the entirety of Batman’s “Early Period.” Even throughout the rest of the Modern Age, many of the appearances of Darkseid will actually feature mere emanations/avatars of his True Form, but more on that much later. However, if you are interested in learning more about the New Gods as “living ideas” right now, check out this blog post.

–REFERENCE: In DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1. In the Bronze Age, this item was originally told in Batman #330-331 and functioned as a direct intro to “The Lazarus Affair” (a sequel to “The Saga of Ra’s al Ghul”). For the purposes of our Modern Age timeline, this item exists as a direct prelude to “Terror Time Three” from DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1 and then “The Lazarus Affair,” which will appear a little later below. Onto the synopsis. Batman and Robin are on shaky terms regarding the latter having dropped out of college. Despite still arguing about it, the Dynamic Duo teams-up to track down Lucius Fox’s delinquent son (from a previous marriage) Timothy Fox, who is mixed up with criminals. With some surprise help from Talia al Ghul, the Dynamic Duo wrestles a confused and troubled Timothy away from the vile Watkins Gang, which is secretly subservient to crooked billionaire tycoon Gregorian Falstaff. Falstaff currently has an illegal operation/smear campaign in motion to ruin his biggest business rival, Bruce Wayne. After quickly defeating the debuting Electrocutioner, Batman goes after Falstaff, but is distracted by Talia, who shows up and seductively asks the Dark Knight to let her move into the Wayne Foundation penthouse. Batman decides to consider the idea, further alienating and pissing-off Robin.

–“Terror Times Three!” by Len Wein/Tom Mandrake (DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1) September 2011
With Bruce preoccupied with evil billionaire Gregorian Falstaff’s attempts to ruin Wayne Enterprises and now attempt at a hostile takeover of his company, trouble only increases when a brand new high-tech Terrible Trio arrives in Gotham, hellbent on chaos and robbery. The new Shark, Vulture, and Fox claim they have bought the franchise from the original villains. After tangoing with the new bad guys, Batman supposedly learns two of the originals are still in jail, while a third is dead. The Bat-computer seldom delivers incorrect info, but the third original member is definitely still alive because we will see him later on down the road. Back to our story at hand, after the new Terrible Trio successfully robs the Marine Society Charity Ball, Bruce baits the team by holding a charity event high atop the Wayne Enterprises Building in his own penthouse suite. Alfred, Lucius Fox, and Batman easily apprehend the villains. Lucius is saddened to learn that the new Vulture is none other than his own son Timothy Fox, who goes to jail. We also learn that Talia al Ghul was secretly behind the new Terrible Trio.^[9]

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1. ^[1]COLLIN COLSHER: One of the main reasons for placement of Huntress: Year One #4-6 here is because it shows Babs as a legal librarian, palling around with Washington attorneys. This tells us that Babs already has her first Master’s Degree (in library science) and is now campaigning for Congress. Babs will get her second Master’s Degree next year (in law) and get elected to Congress next year too. Here are the main unreconcilable continuity errors in regard to Huntress: Year One. First, Batman is wearing his black insignia costume. (This is a continuity error no matter how you spin it.) Second, Batman is operating out of the Batcave. (This is wrong. He should be in the Bat-Bunker of the Wayne Foundation Building.) Third, Catwoman wears her grey costume and says weird things, including that she and Batman have been playing “cat and mouse” games for three years and that she’s currently 29-years-old. (Catwoman would likely have a different costume, but that’s okay since she likes to change it up a lot in regard to her look. In regard to the “cat and mouse” comment, that doesn’t make much sense. The Bat and the Cat have had sexual tension for eight years now. Catwoman’s age is currently 27-years-old, not 29. We should probably ignore most of what Catwoman says since she isn’t the most truthful person anyway.) Fourth, Huntress shows surprise upon coming face-to-face with Batman, even saying that she thought he was an “urban myth.” That line must summarily ignored.↩
2. ^[2]PURPLEGLOVEZ (TIPTUP JR 94): The timeline of Huntress: Year One is up for debate. In original post-Crisis history (pre-Zero Hour), Huntress debuted after the death of Jason Todd. However, Huntress: Year One reveals that Huntress was active while Barbara Gordon was still Batgirl, before The Killing Joke and A Death in the Family. If we place Huntress’s debut as late as it can possibly go, in the February before the Joker’s disabling of Barbara Gordon (Year 11), then it would take place after George Skowcroft’s appointment as mayor. The only other timeline clues are Catwoman’s claims about playing “cat and mouse” with Batman for three years and that she is 29-years-old—but can we trust Selina Kyle to tell the truth about these things? Absolutely not. Some, including the Batman Chronology Project, place the debut of Huntress here (prior to the introduction of Jason Todd), with speculation that the mayor in this story is Hamilton Hill. However, the mayor shown in Huntress: Year One is not Hill. The mayor in Huntress: Year One looks different than any other depictions of Hill, and his storyline/agenda seems way too distinct from Hill’s. It could theoretically be Skowcroft (presuming that Skowcroft has just recently replaced Hill)—but once again, the mayor in Huntress: Year One doesn’t look like Skowcroft. Huntress: Year One takes place in Year Eleven—and the mayor from Huntress: Year One is an unnamed man that defeats Skowcroft in a formal election.

   COLLIN COLSHER: As stated, Huntress: Year One is very difficult to place. If it goes here, then Hill should be mayor. If it goes two years from now, then we should imagine the mayor that is shown as a new character that immediately follows Skowcroft for an interim run in office. It’s also possible that the mayor shown in Huntress: Year One, even if we keep it right here on our timeline, is a separate character that bridges the gap between Hill and Skowcroft. This is definitely a debatable headcanon issue. I wouldn’t put too much stock in how the mayor looks though. Artist liberties stretch a very long way when it comes to Gotham mayors.

   PURPLEGLOVEZ (TIPTUP JR 94): Huntress: Year One is indeed a head-scratcher. Batman would definitely have the yellow oval no matter what. My main concern though, is Helena’s retconned debut as Huntress within the overall sequence of Bat-events. Prior to Huntress: Year One, she debuted after Jason Todd’s death. But now we have her debuting when Batgirl is active. Since there are no other stories or flashbacks that depict Huntress at this point in time, I like to have her show up as late as possible so that her following period of inactivity (with no chronicled adventures) is as short as possible. Nevertheless, the nature of Batgirl and Catwoman’s situations and Batman’s costume do make Huntress: Year One‘s placement up for debate. One thing that especially baffles me is Batman making a big deal out of sidelining/firing Batgirl. What was this supposed to imply? That it’s early in her career? Towards the end of it? A tie-in to Babs questioning her Batgirl future in “Nightwing Year One”? It’s strange. Plus, Huntress: Year One majorly shakes up Gotham’s criminal underground, but this never gets followed-up (kind of a shame). And the OG Huntress series can’t be relied on for clues since Huntress: Year One completely obliterates it. Then there’s Two-Face: Year One (a mostly out-of-continuity nightmare) asserting that Franco Bertinelli is alive during The Long Halloween (yeesh). Everything else says he died before then. Amazingly, Huntress’ debut was not marked in the DCU Secret Files 2000 timeline, nor does she appear in Len Wein’s DCU Legacies. So I guess the mayor remains a curiosity… I wish they would’ve mentioned his name! But if we presume that this mayor is not Hamilton Hill, then we can probably assume he doesn’t stay in office long after Batman brings the evidence of his corruption to light. This would mean adding this guy in-between Hill and Skowcroft.↩

3. ^[3]JACK JAMES: Billy Batson/Captain Marvel debuts on our chronology here. Legends, which occurs in two years (Year 11), originally establishes that Billy is 15-years-old at the time of that crossover arc. However, after Zero Hour, Billy’s age is retconned thanks to his participation in JSA #47-59 (Year 19-20) where he’s said to be 16-years-old. (The plot of the JSA arc centers around Billy’s age.) The Power of Shazam one shot, which is supposed to be the canonical post-Zero Hour retelling of Captain Marvel’s origin story, tells us Billy is 10-years-old when he gets the powers of Shazam. However, due to Captain Marvel’s Year 11 participation in Crisis, Legends, and the early parts of JLI, this cannot be the case. Right now, Billy has to be 6-years-old (at the latest).

   COLLIN COLSHER: Prior to the release of JLA: Liberty and Justice in 2004, Captain Marvel’s official Modern Age debut wasn’t until The Crisis on Infinite Earths (in Year 11). We won’t see Captain Marvel again (following JLA: Liberty and Justice) until the Crisis, so there are likely some folks that will want to regard his appearance in JLA: Liberty and Justice (and debut here) as non-canon, keeping his debut with the Crisis. It’s up to your own personal headcanon. Captain Marvel either debuts here (Billy Batson at age 6) or during Crisis (Billy Batson at age 8).↩

4. ^[4]COLLIN COLSHER: Were I to play devil’s advocate in an attempt to canonize Batman: Dark Detective, I would lead with the fact that Englehart never actually refers to Commissioner Akins by name. His officers merely refer to him as “sir.” And Akins only appears in a single panel in issue #2. When first building my timeline, I simply ignored Commissioner Akins’ presence and placed Batman: Dark Detective here in the “Early Period” (occurring shortly after “Strange Apparitions”). My argument was that this might not be Akins or that, even if this is Akins, he might not be Commish yet. However, upon multiple reads and rereads, I’ve come to realize that the high-ranking Black GCPD official is definitely meant to be Commissioner Akins. This reason—combined with the 2005 publishing date, post “War Games” explanation for the GCPD’s hostility toward Batman, and Two-Face appearance—definitively marks Batman: Dark Detective as non-canon. For more information regarding the canonicity of Batman: Dark Detective, check out about_faces’ Livejournal entry (linked to the awesome We Believe in Harvey Dent Blog).

   DRAKUL: Several online timelines place Batman: Dark Detective between “Robin: a Hero Reborn” and “Last Arkham” (between Robin #1-5 and Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1, placing it in Bat Year 13). However, that doesn’t make sense either—for all the reasons you’ve listed above.↩

5. ^[5]COLLIN COLSHER: Very few people will know that Kathy is actually still alive. Batman and his inner circle will have absolutely no idea. One of the few privileged enough to keep this secret will be Kathy’s closest and dearest relative, her niece and former sidekick Bette Kane. We know this based upon small mentions in the Beast Boy series and Teen Titans Vol. 3 series. Bette Kane, who is now using the superhero name “Flamebird,” will soon move to Los Angeles.↩
6. ^[6]COLLIN COLSHER: Secret Origins Vol. 2 began publication in 1986, right around the time of Crisis on Infinite Earths. This has made placement of its early issues difficult for some fans and scholars. However, issues #1-5 feature origin tales of Earth-2 Superman, Earth-2’s Crimson Avenger, Captain Marvel, and Earth-4’s Golden Age Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett), and Silver Age Earth-1 Firestorm. Thus, these first five issues are unequivocally Golden Age Earth-2 and Silver/Bronze Age Earth-1 timeline material. Issue #6 starts a new split format, containing two origin stories instead of one. Issue #6 is a little trickier because the first part acts as the final pre-Crisis origin (featuring Golden Age Earth-1 Batman) while the second part officially switches the title to the Modern Age (featuring the Modern Age Outsiders origin tale). However tricky that may be, it gives us a definitive pre-Crisis/post-Crisis marker for the Secret Origins Vol. 2 series within issue #6. As such, Secret Origins Vol. 2 #6 Part 2 is the first part of the series that takes place in the Modern Age.↩
7. ^[7]COLLIN COLSHER: The four major titles that directly address the formation of the New Teen Titans are Secret Origins Vol. 2 #13 (1987), Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3 (1989), Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant #1 Part 6 (1998), and Nightwing Vol. 2 Annual #2 (2007). Naturally, there are blatant contradictions when you match them all together. In Secret Origins Vol. 2 #13, Robin drops out of college before forming the New Teen Titans. In both Secret Origins Vol. 2 Annual #3 and Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant #1 Part 6, it’s unclear if Robin goes to college before or after forming the New Teen Titans. In Nightwing Vol. 2 Annual #2, Robin forms the New Teen Titans before dropping out of college. I’ve taken the latter, newer story as gospel in regard to our New Teen Titans timeline.↩
8. ^[8]COLLIN COLSHER: Green Arrow says that the third part of the “mind-wipe scandal” occurs “less than six months” after Iris West Allen’s death, which implies at least a few months pass. This also helps us place this item here.↩
9. ^[9]JEFF G / COLLIN COLSHER: Len Wein’s 1980 Batman run abruptly ended with Batman #327 Part 1 and The Untold Legend of the Batman #1-3, leaving dangling plot points like Gregorian Falstaff and Timothy Fox. “Terror Times Three” (written by Wein) seems to be an obvious attempt by Wein to add more closure to his run and bridge it with Wolfman’s 1980-1981 follow-up run, which began with Batman #328, picking up where Wein originally had left off. “Terror Times Three” is retcon-ish when it comes to Timothy Fox, but it seems otherwise faithful to Wolfman’s Batman #328-335, which includes the classic “The Lazarus Affair” arc.↩