Infinite Frontier Year Twenty-Three

(January to December 2024)

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–Batman Vol. 3 #139-141 (Batman #904-906) (“MINDBOMB”)
This item supposedly occurs mere “weeks” after the conclusion of “The Gotham War,” but that’s simply impossible. As mentioned before, there’s a lot to fit in-between then and now, so “weeks” has to be “months” to make any sense on our timeline. Undeniably, “Mindbomb” has to happen not too long after the main action of both Green Arrow Vol. 7 #7 and Beast World. Onto a synopsis! As part of his “Lenny” secret ID, Batman gets a buzzcut and keeps up appearances at his condo. (Don’t forget, even though writer Chip Zdarsky makes it seem like Batman has only been using his Lenny persona and condo HQ since “Gotham War,” this absolutely isn’t the case.) Batman goes on patrol, busting an arsonist, three robbers (while scaring one of the victims more than the criminal did), and a drug dealer. After returning to his condo HQ, Batman muses to himself about how silent Joker has been lately. Batman specifically mentions Red Hood’s “recent” interaction with Joker (from Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #12), which actually occurred months ago. Since that time, Joker has been active, but it’s true that there have been zero face-to-face incidents between he and Batman. While subconsciously haunted by Zur-En-Arrh (who also has been quietly biding his time for months), Batman vows to end the three Jokers (meaning each of Joker’s three personas) once and for all. Soon after, Joker finally rears his head by publicly murdering the heir to a toy company. At the scene of the crime, Batman finds that Joker has left him clues, including a map highlighting many of the places in which he trained when he was younger.^[1] Batman realizes that Joker has kidnapped his old mentor Lucie Chesson. The clues lead Batman to Lohmuller Mansion, which belongs to the grandmother of the murder victim. Batman studies up on the history of the grandmother before heading out to visit the location. (As seen in the long drawn out epilogue to Green Arrow Vol. 7 #7, Green Arrow and Connor Hawke surreptitiously spy on Batman as he walks toward Lohmuller Mansion.) As soon as Batman enters the mansion, Joker chides him via intercom while his henchman Floyd Shannon strikes with an abortive suicide attack. Angered that Joker would sacrifice Shannon like a pawn, Batman trudges deeper into the mansion, seeing portraits of his former teachers, including Dr. Daniel Captio, Takibi Kirigi, and Avery Oblonsky. Thankfully, the captive Lucie is able to escape Joker’s clutches just before Batman arrives in Joker’s inner sanctum, which is modeled off of his old Killing Joke throne room. As Batman approaches a monologuing Joker, the latter says Captio’s post-hypnotic trigger word “arkho tenenbrous,” which draws out Zur-En-Arrh from within Batman’s psyche. (This is shown via flashback from Batman Vol. 3 #146.) Backed by dozens of alternate universe Zur-En-Arrhs, the primary alternate persona violently pummels Joker, intent on killing him. Meanwhile, inside his own mind, Batman’s psyche battles the dozens of alt-Zur-En-Arrhs. Able to resurface to consciousness momentarily, Batman warns Lucie to run away from both Joker and himself. Batman quickly descends back into unconsciousness, entering his “memory palace” in order to defeat all the alt-Zur-En-Arrhs. Despite winning this subconscious battle, Batman remains blacked-out and the primary Zur-En-Arrh controls his body. During this period, as seen via flashback from Batman Vol. 3 #146, the primary Zur-En-Arrh follows the “arkho tenenbrous” command, which makes him rescue Captio and give him the necessary tools to take over Blackgate Penitentiary. Immediately afterward, as seen in the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #141, the primary Zur-En-Arrh battles and defeats the other Zur-En-Arrhs, after which he goes to his cabin where he enacts the “Terminus Project,” separating himself from Batman’s subconscious and uploading himself into the Failsafe robot. Zur-En-Arrh lives! Upon waking, Batman finds himself post-surgery in the cabin’s operating room, face-to-face with Zur-En-Arrh in his new body. Zur-En-Arrh offers Batman a chance to walk away and retire for good, to which Batman scoffs and attacks. Batman flees into the wintry woods with Zur-En-Arrh in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, Lucie breaks into Babs’ Clocktower and asks for Dick. After a brief reunion, Lucie tells Dick about Batman’s situation. Babs and Dick quickly realize that Zur-En-Arrh is involved. Back in the woods, Batman doubles back to the cabin and equips himself with some of Zur-En-Arrh’s weaponry. Despite being better matched, Batman is defeated by Zur-En-Arrh and imprisoned alongside Joker, who says he will reveal his early connection to Dr. Daniel Captio and Zur-En-Arrh. (Unknown to both Batman and Joker, they are being held in Blackgate Penitentiary, which is now fully controlled by Zur-En-Arrh and Captio.)

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #141-145. Picking up directly from Batman Vol. 3 #141, Joker tells Batman his “Year One” origin story (as seen in Batman Vol. 3 #142-144), specifically how he killed his Darwin Halliday-created doppelgängers and subsumed all three Joker personas, upon which Dr. Daniel Captio taught him how to separate and control his schizophrenia using a proto-Zur-En-Arrh method.

–Batman Vol. 3 #145-148 (“DARK PRISONS” / “THE STORM”)
Picking up directly from the previous item, in their shared Blackgate Penitentiary cell, Batman calls Joker a liar, although deep down he knows that his foe has told disturbing truths. Joker swoons over Zur-En-Arrh, mentioning that he’s only seen Batman’s alternate persona twice before now—during “I am a Gun” and “Batman RIP.” Meanwhile, Zur-En-Arrh declares himself the new Batman and begins killing low-level hoods. Oracle sends Red Hood to check out the new Batman, who greets Red Hood with a digital image of Bruce’s lineaments overlayed across his Failsafe head. Zur-En-Arrh lies to Red Hood, telling him that he is the real Bruce—that his human body was destroyed, at which point he uploaded “his” (Bruce’s) consciousness into Failsafe’s body. Red Hood doesn’t believe Zur-En-Arrh, who flies off to patrol the city. Meanwhile, the real Batman breaks out of his cell to find Vandal Savage incarcerated as well. Vandal Savage tells Batman that Zur-En-Arrh has taken control of Wayne Manor and the Batcave beneath it. Zur-En-Arrh’s robot minions (formerly Failsafe’s minions) knock out Batman before he can complete his escape. Downtown, Zur-En-Arrh hacks all citywide comms and delivers a pre-recorded address, declaring a new era of Bat-vigilantism. Mayor Christopher Nakano (flanked by his assistant Sandy Tilford) phones Commissioner Renee Montoya and tells her not to support Batman, citing that “outside forces” are pressuring him to act against the Dark Knight. Zur-En-Arrh ends his message by apprehending Riddler and declaring that Bat-prisoners will never go free ever again. Zur-En-Arrh then confronts Damian, convincing him that he’s the real deal Bruce. In the Batacombs, the rest of the Bat-Family (Oracle, Red Hood, Nightwing, Signal, and the Batgirls) discusses whether or not the new Batman could actually be Bruce. At the new-and-improved Blackgate, Warden Daniel Captio addresses a bound Bruce, telling him that Joker learned about Failsafe when he attacked the Bat-Family and infiltrated the Batcave during “Death of the Family.” Joker then assisted Penguin in faking his (Penguin’s) own death, knowing that it would trigger Failsafe’s response. Meanwhile, across town, Zur-En-Arrh and Robin (Damian) continue to violently bust criminals, including Killer Croc, incarcerating them all at Blackgate and setting up future trial dates. Batgirl (Stephanie) pleads with Damian, telling him that Zur-En-Arrh isn’t really his dad, but Damian won’t listen to reason. Nightwing and Oracle discuss the situation via remote video chat with Superman (Clark), Wonder Woman, and Flash. In his cell with Joker, Batman begins to recall some previously blacked-out memories of Zur-En-Arrh (himself) working on Failsafe and the minion-bots. Meanwhile, Zur-En-Arrh and Damian bust Harley Quinn and Punchline. Just after Punchline is brought into Blackgate, Batman attacks one of the minion-bots. Punchline releases seventy-six prisoners from their cells (including Vandal Savage, Riddler, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Magpie, Master Wyze, Miracle Molly, Breaker, and other Unsanity Collective members). A riot starts, allowing Batman to escape. Shortly thereafter, in his hidden Batcave in the woods outside of Gotham, Zur-En-Arrh tells Damian that he’s building new crime-fighting protocols, showing him an Amazo 3.0 android. Captio radios Zur-En-Arrh to notify him that both Batman and Vandal Savage have escaped. As Vandal Savage does TV interviews to pump up his public image, Superman (Clark) visits Zur-En-Arrh, who continues to claim he is the real Bruce. Zur-En-Arrh warns Superman (Clark) that, if he tries to stand in his way, he will go down like the others. Meanwhile, Bruce sneaks out of Gotham. Shortly thereafter, Zur-En-Arrh arrests Commissioner Montoya. Vandal Savage is appointed as the new commissioner of police! At his swearing-in ceremony, Vandal Savage is attacked by an assassin, but Zur-En-Arrh saves his life. Bruce visits the Happy Harbor Secret Sanctuary (which was most recently being used as the Young Justice HQ) and collects supplies and materiel. From a remote position in Gamorra, Amanda Waller sends troops to infiltrate Wayne Manor (aka Savage Manor), in hopes of figuring out the truth behind the new “Batman.” Robin (Damian) is waiting and kicks their asses. Zur-En-Arrh attacks Waller and her new righthand man Clock King II head-on, warning her to back off. At the old Wayne Family cabin, Bruce begins tailoring a new patchwork Bat-suit. At his forest Batcave, Zur-En-Arrh shows Damian six finished Amazo 3.0 models (Last Son, Depth Charge, Jadestone, Global Guardian, Velocity, and Paradise Lost), each uploaded with an alternate-universe Zur-En-Arrh personality. Upon learning this, Damian finally realizes that “Batman” isn’t his dad. Damian strikes out at Zur-En-Arrh, but the latter easily captures Damian, quickly replacing him with a new Robin. At the cabin, Tim meets with Bruce to brief him and deliver some food. Bruce and Tim have a heartwarming conversation and reunite as Batman and Robin. In a cavern beneath the cabin (or possibly the Batcave under the meteor crash site), Batman dons his new costume, ready for war. Meanwhile, Zur-En-Arrh domes-off the entire city with a giant forcefield while his hench-bots fight the Batgirls and the Signal. Commissioner Savage contacts Amanda Waller for help. Waller immediately sends the military into Gotham. At Blackgate, Zur-En-Arrh and Captio attempt to insert an alternate universe Zur-En-Arrh personality into Riddler, but it doesn’t take. Dick, Jason, Tim, and Babs meet with Bruce underground, who preps them for battle by giving them special new costumes. In the Batcave near the meteor crash site, Bruce shows Jason the Lazarus residue there, telling him that he’s discovered that Failsafe will shut down if he kills someone. Thus, the plan is for Jason to actually sacrifice his life in combat against Zur-En-Arrh, thus causing his Failsafe body to power off. Jason’s new costume will inject him with the resin, bringing him back to life. After prepping the rest of the Bat-Family, Batman enters Blackgate through the front door to find Zur-En-Arrh attempting to insert alternate universe Zur-En-Arrhs into other Bat-rogues. Tim enters as well, running into Zur-En-Arrh’s Robin and quickly realizing that he is a young clone of Bruce. While Tim and a rescued Damian (who had been transferred to Blackgate) defeat the android, Nightwing and Oracle shut down Zur-En-Arrh’s operations. Concurrently, Batman and Red Hood fight Zur-En-Arrh and Captio. As planned, Red Hood sacrifices his life at the hands of Zur-En-Arrh, which shuts him down. Captio tries to gain the edge on Batman by using a hypnotic trigger word on him, but the Bat-Family kicks his ass.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #149. In the immediate aftermath of our previous item, Batman and the entire Bat-Family begin searching for the fugitive clone of Bruce. The Bat-Family also learns that the military has taken Zur-En-Arrh’s Failsafe body. Meanwhile, Bruce also begins slowly gaining all the blacked out memories of what he did as Zur-En-Arrh for all these years prior. He will continue to gain these memories for weeks to come.

–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #41. Harley Quinn is arrested by GCPD Officer Donna Pulaski, a no-nonsense cop that happens to hate the Bat-Family and all its associates. After Harley gets out of jail in less than twelve hours, Batman assumes (correctly) that she’s been forced to wear a wire. Batman tells the Bat-Family to be careful what they say or do around Harley in the immediate future. Notably, the Batman-less Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #42, which immediately follows Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #41, shows Pulaski finding a suspension letter (signed by Commissioner Renee Montoya) in her GCPD locker, but new Commissioner Vandal Savage cancels her suspension right away. (We must assume that Montoya authorized—and signed off on—Pulaski’s suspension just prior to being removed as commissioner just over a week ago, but Pulaski doesn’t receive official word until later thanks to bureaucratic delays, possibly by a review board or police union. Nevertheless, Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #38 onward occurs after Vandal Savage has become commissioner.)

–REFERENCE: In Catwoman Vol. 5 #67. Batman and Nightwing see that Catwoman (Selina) has returned to Gotham from travels abroad (to continue her adventure from the ongoing “Nine Lives” arc). They follow along remotely as Selina assembles an army (Eiko Hasigawa, the Kobun trio, Scorpiana, Eduardo Flamingo, Santa Espada, Lady Clayface, Tomcat, Onyx Adams, Scandal Savage, and Hoops) to wage war against the White Glove organization (Veronica Viceroy aka Sea Wasp, Kaspar Kurtis, and a bunch of NEMO henchmen). Batman not only sends Nightwing to question Selina about the impending battle, but also to tell her he’d like to see her soon.

–Catwoman Vol. 5 #68
Picking up directly from our previous item, Hush performs dangerous brain surgery on an injured Selina to remove the shard of meteorite that she received at the end of “Gotham War.” Selina has now used up all of her nine lives. From a distance, Batman watches as Selina’s army wars against the White Glove. As Selina’s life hangs in the balance while she goes under the knife, she has a near death vision where she meets with the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet aka Bast and the spirit of the deceased Valmont. Worried about Selina, Batman tries to intervene but Catwoman (Eiko Hasigawa) tells him to stand down. They briefly fight and Batman backs down. Eiko agrees to put a radio in the surgery room so that Batman can listen-in and secretly speak to Selina, who flitters between consciousness and unconsciousness. Hush finishes surgery, after which Selina jumps right back into action, busting her savior. Catwoman reunites with Batman, who agrees to help her team by preventing the GCPD from getting involved in the conflict. Selina and her crew then defeat the White Glove.

–Batman Vol. 3 #149
Two weeks have passed since the end of Batman Vol. 3 #148. Batman finally finds his clone beating up bad guys on Crime Alley. Apprehensive at first, the clone is calmed by Batman, who gives him a hug and brings him to the Batacombs beneath the Fort Graye brownstone. After a battery of tests by Bruce, the clone learns that he is rapidly aging and will soon die. While Damian investigates the military’s involvement with Zur-En-Arrh’s Failsafe body, Bruce and Tim root through Zur-En-Arrh’s hidden Batcave in the woods outside Gotham. Despite taking and utilizing some equipment from Zur-En-Arrh’s lair, Bruce is still unable to stop his clone’s rapid aging. After gaining some more of his blacked-out memories, Bruce visits Wayne Enterprises, where he accesses a series of secret off-shore bank accounts that he had set up while under his Zur-En-Arrh persona—accounts that total over $3 billion. (Bruce is once again filthy stinking rich!) Bruce returns home to find Damian, Tim, and his clone waiting for him. The clone, now a little older than Bruce, has severed his own hand as a gift to replace Bruce’s robot hand. Presumably, Mr. Terrific grafts the hand onto Bruce’s arm. Shortly thereafter, Bruce, Mr. Terrific, Babs, Dick, and Damian watch over the now-elderly clone, who nears death. Bruce honors his clone’s final request, bringing him to the Wayne burial plot at Savage Manor (formerly Wayne Manor). After a heartwarming conversation with Bruce, the old clone dies. Soon after, Batman begins patrolling without much communication with the Bat-Family. A few days later, Commissioner Vandal Savage summons Batman to the top of police HQ via the Bat-Signal. Commissioner Savage tells Batman that he can still operate as Gotham’s protector so long as he works for his GCPD. Batman destroys the Bat-Signal and punches Commissioner Savage in the face, telling him no deal. Immediately afterward, Bruce purchases Lohmuller Mansion and all surrounding blocks. After beginning to refurbishing the mansion, Bruce invites the Bat-Family (Dick, Babs, Damian, Tim, Duke, Stephanie, and Cassie) to check it out. He tells them that he is going to establish affordable housing, space for charitable organizations, and green spaces all around the main structure, which he officially dubs Pennyworth Mansion (aka Pennyworth Manor). Bruce tells the Bat-Family that they are all welcome to live in, visit, or work out of Pennyworth Mansion at any time. He also tells them that he’ll soon begin construction on a new Batcave underneath the structure. A few days later, Bruce buries his clone in an unmarked grave on the Pennyworth Mansion grounds. Selina, having been filled in on everything by Babs, shows up just as he finishes the burial. He tells her about his clone, and she tells him about one of her recent adventures—specifically from Catwoman Vol. 5 #64. (Selina has recently finished her “Nine Lives” arc.) Selina and Bruce lovingly reunite, after which he gives her a tour of Pennyworth Mansion and tells her all about what he has in store for the future.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #153 and Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #14. Bruce finishes moving into Pennyworth Mansion aka Pennyworth Manor, furnishing and decorating inside. (He’ll spend the next few months working on the home.) Bruce also—undoubtedly with metahuman assistance—completes construction on and sets up a massive Batcave/Bat-Bunker underneath the house. (He’ll spend the next few months working on the new Batcave as well.) Bruce then retakes his old position at Wayne Enterprises, once again becoming majority stockholder. Lucius Fox amicably steps down and is replaced by Rowan Birkemoe. From this point forward, Bruce becomes even more involved in his company, pushing WayneTech to create the progressive vision he has for the surrounding areas of Pennyworth Manor. This includes building new affordable housing, space for charitable organizations, parks, clinics, and homeless shelters all around the main structure. The project also includes providing free social services for the needy. Over the course of the next few months, while we won’t see it on our timeline, Bruce will be more and more involved in this ongoing project. As time marches on, Bruce’s “revitalization of Gotham” project will continue to spread outward from Pennyworth Manor, and it will cause crime to go down while brining a general feeling of ease and calm to the city.

–FLASHBACK: From The Penguin #10—and referenced in The Penguin #10. Batman has spent the last few months crushing Addison and Aiden Cobblepot’s drug shipments to Intergang. Seeing that nothing can stop Batman, Aiden and Addison change up their Intergang drug shipment method, sending out disguised individuals carrying small packages (instead of sending obvious gangsters moving large pallets via various vehicles). Right away, Penguin gives Batman the intel required to stop this new method. On the very first night, Batman takes down thirty-seven separate drug traffickers. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, Batman will spend the next few weeks taking down Addison and Aiden’s men.

–Nightwing Vol. 4 #111-113
March—Dick’s birthday is featured in this item. Also, Nightwing Vol. 4 #112 specifically says this item occurs “a few weeks” after Titans: Beast World, but that cannot be the case, more like “a few months.” Batman visits a murder scene, finding an orphaned a young boy named Iko Wahid and delivering him into the care of Commissioner Renee Montoya. Thinking that Heartless is behind the fatality, Batman investigates, viewing previous crime scene photos and learning that the super-villain killed Bea Bennett’s adoptive father, Captain Ruben Blüd (as seen in the recent Nightwing Vol. 4 #106). (Bea Bennett is the new Captain Blüd.) Batman immediately calls Babs and Dick to let them know that he thinks Heartless is in Gotham. Soon after, Nightwing helps Batman take down some small arms dealers while they chat about Heartless. Batman asks about how Bea fits into his life, to which Nightwing says that his lovelife/relationship with Babs has never been stronger. Batman and Nightwing then visit GCPD HQ where the latter chats with Iko until the boy is picked up by his uncle Loc Wahid. Later, Nightwing reveals to Batman that, for “weeks” now, he’s developed a fear of jumping off rooftops. (Again, just as this issue incorrectly mentioned Beast World being weeks ago when it should have said months ago, Nightwing’s fear of heights also should read months ago instead of weeks ago.) At the coroner’s office, Batman and Nightwing examine the corpse, determining that the fatal wound is merely meant to look like Heartless did it. In actuality, Loc is responsible for killing Iko’s dad. The next day, Batman is determined to solve both the murder case and the mystery behind Nightwing’s condition. He starts off by requesting Nightwing’s exact location details for the previous month. Nightwing tells Babs to send the information. After kissing Babs goodbye, Nightwing meets with Batman at Iko’s house, quickly learning that Uncle Loc has abducted and taken Iko to Vietnam. Batman and Nightwing make a quick stop at Titans Tower where Batman gives a depressed Beast Boy a pep talk. After a quick jet ride to Ho Chi Minh City, Batman and Nightwing bust Loc and rescue Iko. Batman and Nightwing then bring Loc and Iko back to Gotham. The next day, Nightwing, Robin (Tim), and Robin (Damian) take down more small arms dealers. In the morning, in Blüdhaven, Babs wishes Dick a happy birthday. Nightwing then visits Bea, learning that the small arms dealers work for Heartless. Later, at a televised event, Mayor Melinda Grayson-Lin awards the key to the city to Dick and Babs for their work on the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation. Present at the ceremony are Bruce, Damian, Tim, Cassie, Stephanie, Jim Gordon, Meili Lin, Audre, and Haley the dog. Watching on TV are the Birds of Prey (Big Barda, Black Canary, Sin Lance, Zealot, Vixen, and Meridian aka time-traveling adult Maps Mizoguchi), the Titans (Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, Donna Troy, and Beast Boy), Nite-Mite, Bat-Mite, Red Hood, Clark Kent, Lois Lane (now the editor-in-chief at the Daily Planet), Jon Kent, and Jay Nakamura. Afterward, Dick celebrates his birthday with everyone that attended the ceremony at Marv Wolfman’s pizza place. Across town, Heartless, Tony Zucco, and Gerald Chamberlain vow to destroy Dick.

–Nightwing Vol. 4 #114-116 (“FALLEN GRAYSON”)
Picking up shortly after Nightwing Vol. 4 #113, Heartless and Gerald Chamberlain remotely spy on Dick and Babs. Heartless (with righthand man Tony Zucco) takes over Blüdhaven’s criminal underworld, forcing all of Maroni and Blockbuster’s former men to join him by kidnapping and threatening harm to their children. Later, after Nightwing patrol, Dick joins Babs, Bruce, Damian, and Haley the dog at a Alfred Pennyworth fundraising gala. Heartless, along with Chamberlain, attends the event in his secret identity of pharmaceutical company CEO Lyle Shelton. While Dick gives a speech to the room, a journalist named Waghorne ambushes Dick, accusing him of being in league with Blockbuster. Waghorne reveals that, upon Blockbuster’s death, millions of dollars of the villain’s blood money were left to the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation. Before Dick can respond, the gala is interrupted by fire alarms and the activation of the sprinkler system. Bruce, Babs, and Damian help evacuate the building, but Dick is lured into a trap by Heartless, Chamberlain, and Zucco. The villains knock out Dick and take him into an ambulance where they learn that he is also Nightwing. Heartless kills Waghorne and removes the reporter’s heart, then frames Dick for the crime. Dick is arrested for murder and accused of being Heartless. Commissioner Maggie Sawyer addresses the news media, which has a field day weaving a conspiracy theory that paints Dick as a criminal mastermind. Meanwhile, Oracle briefs the Bat-Family, Titans, and Superman (Clark Kent) about the situation. Batman suggests the best course of action may be for Dick to out himself as Nightwing. Every member of the Bat-Family immediately says they are willing to give up their secret IDs if it helps take Dick off the hook. Batman also completes his Dick’s plasmatic testing, finding traces of Scarecrow’s Fear Toxin within his blood. They realize that Heartless is also behind Dick’s current fear of heights. Soon after, Dick escapes custody and reunites with Babs, who fills him in on everything he’s missed. Dick tells Babs that no one needs to expose secret IDs and that he is going to fix everything on his own. But his first stop will be Nanda Parbat to visit the only person that can cure his fear of heights—Deadman. Two days later, Bea Bennett ships Dick (and Haley the dog) to Europe. Several days later (specifically two weeks since the opening of the “Fallen Grayson” arc), Dick enters Nanda Parbat and meets with Deadman. In Blüdhaven, Heartless (posing as Dick) addresses the city on live TV and begins publicly killing Maroni and Blockbuster’s former henchmen. Having gained the upper hand, Heartless forces the encroaching Titans to back down. Atop Dick’s apartment, Batman meets with Babs. Seeing no other course of action, he strips off his costume and dons a spare Nightwing costume!

–Nightwing Vol. 4 #117-118 (“FALLEN GRAYSON” Conclusion)
This item picks up immediately after Nightwing Vol. 4 #116. While Dick trains to overcome his fear of heights with Deadman in Nanda Parbat, Batman (dressed as Nightwing) patrols Blüdhaven. Just as his Nanda Parbat sabbatical has begun, Dick not only realizes that Lyle Shelton is Heartless, but that the villain also administered the poison that is causing his newfound fear months ago (last year in Nightwing Vol. 4 #105). (Since Dick’s fear of heights only kicked-in a few months ago, we must assume the poison had a very delayed effect.) Dick notifies Oracle and Bruce. The latter visits Shelton’s pharmaceutical company, confirming everything Dick has said. Bruce spends the rest of the week patrolling as Nightwing, even trying to pretend to be Dick, quipping a couple times while in action. Meanwhile, Deadman helps Dick overcome his fear. Dick returns home and is debriefed by his friends. Having reclaimed his crimefighting moniker, Dick is ready for Nightwing action. At Mayor Melinda Grayson-Lin’s apartment, Nightwing takes down a bunch of Heartless’ henchmen and finds Tony Zucco pointing a gun at Melinda, Meili, and Audre. The spooked Zucco tries to run, but Nightwing grabs him. Nightwing realizes a startling truth: his parents weren’t Zucco’s intended target all those years ago—it was meant to be Dick. Nevertheless, after so many years, Zucco is arrested after finally being publicly linked to the deaths of the Flying Graysons. Meanwhile, Batman, Oracle, the Robins, the Batgirls scour Blühaven, finding a lead toward where the abducted kids are being held. An hour later, at Haven Park, Heartless and his blackmailed army of cronies faces off with some concerned locals. Heartless’ gang knocks down Alfred’s statue. Dick (with Haley) arrives on the scene, thus proving that he isn’t Heartless. The Bat-Family (with Mayor Grayson-Lin and Babs as Batgirl) rescue the kids and report in to Dick. Without the leverage of kidnapped family members, Heartless’s men turn on him, causing him to flee the scene. Dick leaves Haley with Elliot Holt and then chases after his rival, during which Dick switches into his Nightwing gear. While fighting Heartless, Gerald Chamberlain, and an already-escaped Zucco, Nightwing is saved by Haley, who takes a bullet for her master. Chamberlain falls into the bay, seemingly to his death (although no body is found). An angry Heartless kills Zucco. Despite having stolen Blockbuster’s strength, Heartless’s heart gives out. Nightwing leaves the villain, who has already gone beyond his normal lifespan by stealing other people’s hearts, to die. Later, Dick works to clean up the mess that Heartless has left behind. Along with Mayor Grayson-Lin, Audre, and Babs, Dick takes a huge step that he’s never taken before. For the first time ever, Dick visits his parents’ gravesite. He leaves behind a special type of blue rose that Alfred used to breed. He also whispers that he’d like to marry Babs one day! Oh, and don’t worry, Haley recovers!

–Batman Vol. 3 #150
Ex-henchman Teddy Critchley visits Flunky’s Bar and tells bartender Flannigan and regular patron Percy that he knows Batman’s secret identity. Soon afterward, Teddy and Percy visit Two-Face in an attempt to sell their secret, but, of course, Two-Face already knows Batman’s secret ID. Empty-handed and back on the street, Teddy and Percy spot Batman, who simply stares daggers at them. Batman later stalks Teddy and Percy as they visit Aiden Cobblepot and Addison Cobblepot at the Iceberg Lounge. But before any transaction (or murder) can occur, Teddy is kidnapped/rescued by fellow henchmen (Roger, Cutup, Ahmad, Belle, and Darren), who all want a piece of the action. Having continued to trail Teddy, Batman later accosts Ahmad, who tells him they are planning a bank job the next day (in exchange for a promise of police leniency). After busting the henchmen, Batman kayos Teddy and drops him off at his son’s Gotham University dorm room. Teddy is floored to learn that Batman helped his troubled son turn his life around and get into college. Upon exiting the dorm, Teddy comes face-to-face with Bruce, who is waiting for him. Bruce has already set Teddy up with a new life—with a new ID and job—in Metropolis. Teddy thanks Bruce and hops on a bus, leaving town for good.

–FLASHBACK: From The Penguin #10. Late March. This item occurs “over five months” since Penguin’s return to Gotham. Batman has just finished shutting down all of Aiden and Addison Cobblepot’s individual drug shipments to Intergang. Not knowing where else to turn, Addison meets with her dad, begging him for help. Penguin tells her he’s going to kill her and walks away. Soon after, Penguin, the Help, Lisa St. Claire, and the Force of July fight Aiden and his men in a park. Aiden and his men are soundly defeated. Penguin brutally injures his son. Increasingly desperate, Addison meets with Batman.

–The Penguin #11-12
Late March to early April. Picking up directly from the end of The Penguin #10, Addison Cobblepot tells Batman everything about what’s going on between she and her father, and Batman believes her. Addison also tells Batman about Penguin’s hidden reserve of gold bullion. Batman cleans out the stash, leaving Penguin nearly penniless. Batman then beats the shit out of Penguin. (We are told this is the 37th time Batman has broken his nose.) Facing this setback on the road to regaining power, Penguin changes tactics. He lets Gotham’s underworld think he’s been soundly defeated. Aside from pretending to be devastated in public, Penguin allows news of his decades’ worth of confidential informing to leak. He also makes it seem like his team is falling apart (with his minions all publicly leaving him in a huff). However, all this is part of a greater scheme. Soon after, Addison discovers Black Spider had been working for Penguin, so she has his boyfriend Daniel killed. Meanwhile, Penguin releases Sparkler (the only decent human being in the Force of July, who had only been working for Penguin because of a blackmailed threat upon his family) from his employ. Penguin then meets with Nuri Espinoza, who is furious about his apparent failure. Later, Aiden Cobblepot (along with over a hundred men) storm Penguin’s apartment. Simultaneously, Espinoza sends over a hundred FBI agents to Penguin’s apartment. A gunfight ensues between Aiden’s men, the FBI agents, and the remaininag Force of July members. Penguin kills Aiden, stabbing him to death with a sword umbrella. Across town, the Help summons Batman via the Bat-Signal in order to tell him what’s going on. Batman arrives at the apartment to find the war in full effect. Batman fights everyone, suffering multiple bullet and stab wounds in the process. The four Force of July members are killed, as are nearly all of Aiden’s men and many FBI agents. Black Spider shows up and attempts to kill Penguin (for failing to protect Daniel) by blasting him with an RPG. Penguin and Batman are blown out of the apartment but survive. Batman and Penguin flee in the Batmobile, but Batman is so badly injured that he careers off a cliff into the Gotham River. (This sequence is also shown in The Penguin #1, occurring roughly one year from the start of the flashback narrative of The Penguin #1-12.) The Help saves Batman and Penguin, pulling them from the drink. The Help puts Batman in a private hospital room, where he will remain for weeks. While Batman recovers, Penguin meets with Addison at the Iceberg Lounge, feigning a truce. However, it’s just a setup, and Penguin allows Black Spider to kill Addison as revenge for Daniel’s death. Penguin then rejoins Lisa St. Claire with plans of remarrying her. Having regained ultimate power in Gotham, Penguin meets with Espinoza and Amanda Waller, who will now run his operations from behind the scenes. Weeks later, Rita Wells is released from prison. Penguin calls Rita and says he never actually loved her, telling her that she was always simply a pawn in the greater plan, something to make him appear more vulnerable than he really was. (I’m not sure if this is actually true—it feels more like typical Tom King spy-writing, filling in plot-holes after the fact.) When Batman finally gets out of his hospital bed, he spends some time repairing his wounds before meeting with Penguin, who tells him about Espinoza and Waller. Batman reluctantly agrees to allow Penguin to operate with relative impunity, so long as he continues to report to him about Gotham’s underworld and the corrupt actions of Waller, Espinoza, and the feds.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1091. Bruce has been at the crimefighting game for quite a while now, and it’s starting to take its toll. Unlike his earlier days, he now realizes that he has to contemplate angles before striking and that he feels pain in his feet when kicking bad guys. The accumulated pain of the years has finally come to impact his every day routine. Warring against villains isn’t as effortless as it once used to be. Concerns related to aging will begin to plague Batman’s thoughts moving forward in the months to come.

–Absolute Power #1
Amanda Waller begins her power play to take down all the superheroes on Earth. Using Brainiac Queen, Waller takes over and starts flooding the Internet and all media outlets with fake videos of superheroes going on murder sprees. Public backlash is instantaneous. In Keystone City, Animal Man and his daughter Animal Girl (Maxine Baker) are beaten by an angry mob. In the Batcave/Bat-Bunker beneath Pennyworth Mansion (or possibly the Batacombs beneath the brownstone), Batman and Robin reach out to the superhero community. Mr. Terrific, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash (Wally West), and Hawkman respond. Wonder Woman reminds everyone that Hal Jordan currently doesn’t have his power ring. Aquaman reports that mobs have attacked the Doom Patrol and Black Lightning’s family. In Metropolis, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are stunned when the Daily Planet‘s servers get hacked. When the White House discovers what Waller has done, President Biden publicly disavows the actions of her Bureau of Sovereignty, but Brainiac Queen has his disavowal smothered and blocked. Having consolidated power, Waller is briefed by BOS director Sargent Steel at the Hall of Order. Privately, Steel lets Failsafe (now reprogrammed to serve Waller) know he has reservations about Waller’s extreme tactics. Waller continues her scheme, sending Suicide Squad member Dreamer into action and activating the six Amazo 3.0 androids that were previously built by Zur-En-Arrh (now, led by Failsafe, dubbed Task Force VII). Each Task Force VII android has the power to completely nullify all metapowers, magick, or superhero tech. At Titans Tower, Cyborg plugs in and tries to stop the flood of disinformation hitting the airwaves, but he is overwhelmed. Oracle reports that Knight, Squire, and most of the Global Guardians have been attacked by mobs. Likely guided by Cyborg and/or Mr. Terrific, Batman sends Will Magnus and Data (Freddie Martin) to help Oracle try to stop the hacks, but they fail in their task. In order to combat the spread of fake news, superheroes come out of the woodwork all across the planet. In Metropolis, Task Force VII strip Superman (Clark), Superman (Jon Kent), and Superboy (Conner Kent) of their powers, upon which Clark is immediately shot in the chest by a mob. Waller publicly addresses the entire planet via live video feed, explaining that she is taking down the superheroes for the greater good of Earth. As she speaks, Task Force VII (aided by BOS shock troopers) systematically de-powers and detains nearly all of the superheroes, including Tempest, Martian Manhunter, Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), Booster Gold, Fire, Ice, Elongated Man, the JSA, the Doom Patrol, the Flash-Family (including eleven-year-old Irey West, who is now the sidekick Thunderheart), Justice League Dark, and the Shazam Family. As Batman and Robin flee from BOS agents, they are contacted by Oliver Queen, who reveals that he has rejected his Green Arrow moniker, joined the BOS, and fully supports Waller. Oliver tells the Dynamic Duo that Waller, with the blessing of Thaaros (Lord-Premiere of the United Planets), has arranged for a complete blockade of Earth, thus preventing any alien intervention. (This blockade actually began several months ago.) Oliver also reveals that the BOS has sealed off the time-stream, multiverse, and all alternate dimensional planes. Meanwhile, a captured Superman (Jon) is mind-wiped by Brainiac Queen. (Notably, a generic visual reference in Green Arrow Vol. 7 #14 shows Batman fighting during this item. Similarly, a flashback from DC All In Special #1 depicts Task Force VII hovering over a bested Superman (Clark), Batman, Wonder Woman, and Flash, but this wonky generic image doesn’t actually occur in Absolute Power. This is merely a visual reference to the idea of the heroes being taken down during this item.)

–the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #150
Picking up shortly after Absolute Power #1, the superheroes have started an underground resistance movement against Amanda Waller, the Bureau of Sovereignty, and Task Force VII. In Blüdhaven, Batman sneaks into Titans Tower to find an overwhelmed Cyborg, who has been infected with a virus by Waller and Brainiac Queen. Cyborg tells Batman that Waller’s source of power is a Mother Box held in a secure location south of Gamorra. As they converse, Paradise Lost attacks. Batman realizes that they are imbued with the persona of the Earth-19 Batman of Zur-En-Arrh. Batman escapes, but Cyborg is captured. Later, Batman regroups with a de-powered Wonder Woman and Flash (Wally West), who still has his powers. Batman remotely briefs a de-powered Superman (Clark), who is in recovery under the care of Mr. Terrific in the Fortress of Solitude. Batman tells Superman (Clark) that he’s planning on recruiting Catwoman to help steal Waller’s Mother Box.

–REFERENCE: In Superman Vol. 6 #16 and Absolute Power #2. Picking up shortly after the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #150, the few free superheroes that remain gather at the Fortress of Solitude. In the main room of the Fortress, a recovering Clark Kent (in his all-black healing outfit) meets with Batman, Wonder Woman, and Zatanna to discuss a plan of action.

–Green Arrow Vol. 7 #14
Picking up shortly after the prior reference from Superman Vol. 6 #16, Batman and Nightwing (in the Fortress of Solitude) remotely discuss Oliver Queen’s betrayal with the Arrow-Family—Arrowette, Arsenal, Cheshire, Cheshire Cat, Red Arrow, Red Canary, and Speedy. Batman and Nightwing tell the Arrow-Family to stay hidden and not make any waves. Joined by Connor Hawke (who has taken over the Green Arrow mantle), the Arrow-Family disobeys Batman’s orders. They open up the brand new Arrow Cave and then head straight to Professor Anthony Ivo’s Death Valley lair via Arrow-Jets. Upon arrival, the Arrow-Family is surprised to find Ivo working on a resurrected/reconstructed Tomorrow Woman! The Arrow-Family is immediately attacked by Tomorrow Woman. Professor Ivo attempts to flee, but he is abducted by Bright, who has come directly from a tense Bureau of Sovereignty briefing with Oliver.

–Absolute Power #2
Picking up shortly after Green Arrow Vol. 7 #14, dozens more superheroes are detained at a supermax prison in Gamorra, making it so 80% of the world’s superheroes are in captivity. At the Hall of Order, Amanda Waller reviews who has been captured and who remains at large while addressing her war council. Meanwhile, as the heroes in the Fortress of Solitude begin to squabble with one another, Nightwing makes a rousing speech, ordering the heroes into specific mission groups. He tells Batman to get Waller’s Mother Box, Superman (Clark Kent) to get aid from the multiverse, and Wonder Woman and Robin (Damian) to free the captured heroes. Batman, Aquaman, Flash (Wally West), and Wonder Woman don their special tactical suits. Mr. Terrific, Air Wave, and Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) begin plans of their own. Out of the blue, Brainiac Queen and a possessed Superman (Jon Kent) smash into the Fortress of Solitude and begin teleporting heroes to Gamorra. Dreamer and Global Guardian also enter the Fortress of Solitude, with the latter taking down heroes left-and-right. Batman recognizes Global Guardian’s energy signature, but can’t quite place it. (Spoiler: It’s Time Commander tech he’s sensing.) While Batman fights Global Guardian and Clark fights Jon, Aquaman (as per plan) smashes the Bottle City of Kandor, releasing hundreds of tiny angry Kryptonians into Brainiac Queen’s body. However, the plan fails, so Superman (Clark) initiates the self-destruct program for the Fortress of Solitude. Dreamer switches sides and turns on Brainiac Queen, seeming sacrificing her own life to allow the remaining heroes to escape through a jerry-rigged teleportation portal, courtesy of Mr. Terrific and Ted Kord. Just as the last of the heroes scoot through the portal to the relative safety of Themyscira, the Fortress of Solitude explodes. At the Hall of Order, Oliver Queen obtains some of Time Commander and Chronos’ time-travel tech.

–REFERENCE: In Green Lantern Vol. 7 #14 and Absolute Power #3. Picking up shortly after Absolute Power #2, the remaining superheroes (with Queen Nubia’s reluctant permission) move their base of operations to a new resistance headquarters on Themyscira.

–Green Lantern Vol. 7 #14
Picking up shortly after our previous item, Hal Jordan breaks out of his Gamorran prison cell to find Bureau of Sovereignty soldiers assembling various weaponry confiscated during the recent arrests of super-villains (including Javelin, Toyman, Kite Man, the Key, and others). Hal steals back his power ring only to run into Task Force VII’s Jadestone, who has just finished playing chess with a captive Alan Ladd-Scott. Meanwhile, at the Tower of Fate, Carol Ferris hides out with Stitch and JSA members Hourman (Rick Tyler), Wildcat (Ted Grant), Stargirl, STRIPE, and Salem the Witch Girl. On Oa, Thaaros (Lord-Premiere of the United Planets) holds a special meeting with his Ring Hunter soldiers and crooked ambassadors, who have illegally replaced the old United Planets Council. As they plot universal domination, only ambassador Farin speaks out against them, although his concerns are quickly disregarded. Back on Earth, Hal struggles against Jadestone. In desperation, Hal uses Abra Kadabra’s magick wand, which teleports him (and a bunch of weaponry, some confiscated from villains and some pilfered from JL storage) to his closest friends—Batman, Superman (Clark Kent), and Wonder Woman—at resistance HQ on Themyscira. (Batman and Wonder Woman are wearing their tactical suits while Clark is wearing his black costume.) Concurrently, Salem the Witch Girl and Stitch drop Carol off in Hub City where she is immediately stalked by her ex-fiancé Nathan Broome. Depressed over his breakup with Carol, Broome has become a Lantern that draws energy from sorrow.

–REFERENCE: In Absolute Power #3. This item picks up shortly after Green Lantern Vol. 7 #14, Batman does some digging, after which he tells Nightwing that he’s certain that the Time Commander has come back to life and is working for Amanda Waller.

–REFERENCE: In the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #151 and Batman Vol. 3 #151. This item picks up shortly after our previous item. In Gotham, Batman dons his regular costume and devises an intricate plan to get Amanda Waller’s Mother Box, which is hidden on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Batman then goes in search of Catwoman. Because he remains a fugitive from Amanda Waller (and most of his rogues are running amok through the city), Batman navigates through the sewers. As he goes, the Dark Knight drops (or possibly purposefully tosses) the one-way cellphone that he had previously used to receive messages from Riddler during Gotham War.

–Batman Vol. 3 #151-152
Picking up immediately after the previous item, Batman (still in his regular costume) finds Catwoman in her personal security bunker, which she calls “The Drawer.” After discussing plans, Batman and Catwoman (disguised as private military contractors Mr. Blackwell and Janice Tessworth) travel to a US Army base on Okinawa where they meet with a general. While “Mr. Blackwell” butters up the general, “Janice” switches to army duds and sneaks around the base. It’s not long before Batman (back in his tactical suit) and Catwoman are fighting Waller’s Suicide Squad—Black Alice, Deadeye, Bizarro II, and Clock King II. Evading capture, Batman and Catwoman infiltrate a secret bunker to find an open Boom Tube portal, which they presume connects to Waller’s Mother Box. Batman and Catwoman leap through the portal to find themselves in a tomb containing all the deceased members of the Waller family. (Damita Waller’s grave has a plaque that says she died in 2017, but this is way wrong. As per Absolute Power: Origins #1, Damita died at least eight to ten years earlier than that.) Upon exiting the tomb, Batman discovers they are on the ruins of Lobo’s home planet, Czarnia. While Batman fights Gunsmith, Catwoman finds the Mother Box, but it is locked-up and boobytrapped. Deadeye, Black Alice, and Bizarro come through the Boom Tube portal just as it closes-up, thus trapping everyone on the distant planet. As Batman fights off the villains, the boobytrap protecting the Mother Box causes the physical structure of the tomb to come undone. Eventually, Batman’s battle is interrupted by a swarm of flying scorpions. Catwoman gains access to the Mother Box, which causes the Boom Tube portal to reopen, upon which the panicked villains (except Gunsmith) all run through, returning to Earth. The portal quickly shuts before Batman and Catwoman can follow suit. Batman realizes that the Mother Box is acting as a beacon that has summoned none other than Darkseid himself. Darkseid makes his presence known by killing Gunsmith. Batman uses the Mother Box to teleport himself and Catwoman to a place that they both hold dear (and a place where Batman last felt pure happiness)—the Hawaiian beach resort where they spent time together during “City of Bane.” Instead of rushing headstrong back into the fray, Batman and Catwoman decide to take some time to rest and recuperate in the scenic locale.

–Absolute Power #3-4
This item picks up directly from Batman Vol. 3 #152. While Batman and Catwoman rest and relax in Hawaii, Hawkgirl and Mammoth are hunted by Waller’s Bureau of Sovereignty soldiers in Gateway City. Concurrently, Red Tornado, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Air Wave join the rest of the heroes at the resistance headquarters on Themyscira. Nightwing addresses the gathered heroes, motivating them to prep for a counterstrike against Waller. After Hal Jordan hands out weapons, Nightwing gives assignments: Flash and Jordan will ransack the Hall of Order; Aquaman, Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), Red Tornado, and Wonder Girl (Yara Flor) will abduct Time Commander; Donna Troy, Big Barda, Sin Lance, Star Sapphire (Carol Ferris), Beast Boy, Raven, Mr. Terrific, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Air Wave will help the Amazons defend Themyscira; and Nightwing, Batgirl (Cassie Cain), Zealot, Starfire, and the Doom Patrol will help out any vulnerable targets out in the field. Meanwhile, in China, Failsafe and Brainiac Queen take over Dr. Omen’s Ministry of Self-Reliance, rechristening it the Ministry of Order. Waller contacts Failsafe to complain that certain members of Task Force VII aren’t functioning properly. In fact, they’ve begun to develop their own identities, which include moral values that contrast with Waller’s ideology. Failsafe responds by factory resetting each member of the team. In Mexico, Flash (Barry Allen) receives a call from a mystery person (likely Oliver Queen), who tells him to break into the lower levels of the Gamorran supermax. Aboard Waller’s own personal Navy vessel, Aquaman, Wonder Girl (Flor), Red Tornado, and Blue Beetle (Kord) defeat the Suicide Squad (Bizarro II, Black Alice, and Deadeye) and abscond with Jay Nakamura and Time Commander, but not before Red Tornado takes a bullet in the head. In Costa Rica, Zealot, Batgirl (Cassie), Black Orchid, Cadejos (aka Cadejo), and Rana Dorada escape from the clutches of Depth Charge. Elsewhere, former Global Guardians Glacier (Sigrid Nansen) and Impala (M’Bulaze) are defeated by Global Guardian. As most of the heroes regroup on Themyscira, Brainiac Queen and the still-possessed Superman (Jon Kent) infiltrate the island’s defenses. Nightwing prevents Big Barda from sniping Jon dead with a Kryptonite bullet. Nightging, Mr. Terrific, and Artemis cause all of the magick of Themyscira to flow into Jon, which releases him from Brainiac Queen’s control. Jon is able to flood Brainiac Queen’s system with images of the Earth’s heroes conducting acts of courage, bravery, and love. Batman (with Mother Box in hand) finally decides to show up just in time to witness as Brainiac Queen glitches-out. Waller activates an emergency override, taking control of Brainiac Queen’s body. Batman uses the Mother Box to teleport Brainiac Queen’s shell to Pluto. (Batman sending Brainiac Queen to Pluto is also shown via flashback from Absolute Power: Super Son #1.) Superman (Clark) and Zatanna return from their own mission, having discovered the “dark paths” that allow for magickal travel. Clark embraces Jon. Flash (Wally West) also returns from a successful info-gathering mission. Batman immediately interrogates Time Commander. Meanwhile, in the sub-levels of the Gamorran prison, Flash (Barry) finds a Transmatter Machine and a Map of the Multiverse, realizing that Waller has been recruiting a multiversal army of evil. Earth-3’s Johnny Quick, Earth-10’s Baroness Blitzkrieg, and Earth-13’s Thunderjolt attack Barry. With guidance from Steve Trevor, dozens of superheroes infiltrate Waller’s Supermax on Gamorra. Thanks to a betrayal by Oliver Queen (who had been planning on helping his pals all along), all of Waller’s troopers’ weapons fail. On the top deck of the prison, the heroes defeat the Bureau of Sovereignty and Sarge Steel. In the basement, Hal and the Flash-Family help Barry fend off and seal away the multiversial army (including an alternate Man-Bat in a Bat-costume and the Crime Syndicate’s Ultraman, Owlman, and Deathstorm). In the main control room, Nightwing and Superman (Jon) confront Failsafe and Waller. Having discovered that Time Commander’s hourglass tech had been constantly resurrecting Task Force VII to make them unbeatable, Batman and Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) force Time Commander to create a special anti-Amazo weapon that nullifies this ability. Oliver uses the weapon on Task Force VII, which not only allows the heroes to destroy the robots, but also returns everyone’s stolen metapowers. Except the powers are somehow given back randomly, so certain heroes have the wrong powers. Oliver reveals that he had been able to fool Waller thanks to use of a telepathic implant that made him temporarily believe in her evil cause for real. (This is the “weapon”—really more of a tool—Martian Manhunter gave to Oliver six years ago at the end of Justice League: No Justice!) In the basement, Barry shuts down the multiversial portal, which somehow not only permanently severs Earth-0’s connection to the rest of the multiverse, but removes his Speed Force powers as well. In the control room, Nightwing outlasts Failsafe, who shuts down. (A reference in Titans Vol. 4 #17 nods to this moment, but it shows a completely false version of events created by Clock King II.) A resurrected Dreamer, who reveals that she can’t really be killed so long as someone (in this case, Jon Kent) dreams about her enough, helps Nightwing and Superman (Jon) take down Waller. In defeat, Waller delivers a classic super-villain monologue detailing all the evil things she’s done. Powered by Mr. Terrific tech, Air Wave live broadcasts Waller’s rant to the entire world. Soon after, as seen in a flashback from Green Arrow 2024 Annual #1, Oliver (still in his Bureau of Sovereignty gear) celebrates victory with Hal Jordan, Batman, Superman (Clark), and Wonder Woman in the Fortress of Solitude. The heroes then spend the next two days cleaning up the planet, undoing all the harm Waller has caused. As per the urging of the superhero community, a tribunal finds Waller guilty of crimes against humanity. She is not only given a life sentence at Belle Reve Penitentiary, but Dreamer rearranges Waller’s memories in a way where she can no longer remember any superhero secret IDs. (Dreamer is quick to say that this isn’t technically a mindwipe, which would be unethical, but it certainly feels like a mindwipe to me.) Dreamer also hints that they’ve put a Suicide Squad-style bomb in her head. (That is most certainly unethical.) In any case, all the heroes signed-off on Waller’s punishment. Superman (Clark), Batman, and Wonder Woman create a blueprint for a brand new Watchtower satellite, which also includes plans for a brand new Justice League. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman then meet with Oliver (who has reclaimed his Green Arrow moniker) at the old Secret Sanctuary in Happy Harbor, Rhode Island. Green Arrow debriefs his friends and tells them he thinks the JL needs to return in a big way. Obviously, in total agreement, Batman shows Green Arrow their idea for a new JL.^[2]

–REFERENCE: In DC All In Special #1, The Question: All Along the Watchtower #1, Action Comics #1077, and Justice League Unlimited Vol. 2 #1. In the immediate aftermath of Absolute Power, Steelworks, WayneTech, Queen Industries, Kord Industries, and Terrifitech combine forces to begin building a brand new Justice League venture—which includes the start of construction on a brand new Watchtower satellite, institution of several bases across the globe, and creation of vehicles, suits, and weapons. Utilizing Kryptonian tech, Thanagarian tech, New God tech, Oracle’s networks, Green Lantern energy, Speed Force energy, magick, and blessings from the gods, the superhero community will remain hard at work with this project for the next fifty-two days. Aside from Batman, Superman (Clark), Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, the Steels, the Blue Beetles, and Mr. Terrific, others involved with the early initial work on this huge project are: Batwoman, Tawky Tawny, Animal Man, Red Tornado, Flash (Wally West), Martian Manhunter, and the Challengers of the Unknown (Ace Morgan, Rocky Davis, Red Ryan, June Robbins, and Kenn Kawa). For the next couple months, Batman and Mr. Terrific will argue over who should be coordinating missions.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #153. This item occurs specifically thirteen weeks prior to Batman Vol. 3 #155. Harvey Bullock returns to the GCPD.

–Detective Comics #1027 Part 3
Late April. This item is said to occur specifically on the last day of the month at some random point after April of 2023. However, since Penguin and Joker are central characters in this story, it must go here (the last day of April 2024) at the earliest. For the first time in twenty-two years, an escaped Joker seemingly misses sending Batman his monthly “birthday present.” With only hours left in the month, Batman goes into a panic, thinking that Joker is going to do the mother of all evil contrivances. Batman notifies Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock, who call the mayor and work with the GCPD to ready a garrison. (Here is our first major continuity goof, as Gordon is still shown to be commissioner, which is wrong. It’s fine if Gordon is assisting with the case, but he is a private detective at this juncture, not employed by police.) Gotham begins a mass evacuation as a response. After visiting Arkham Tower and Ace Chemical, Batman roughs up Penguin. (Penguin is drawn with his pre-Tom King’s Penguin look, which should likely be ignored.) Batman also calls Superman (Clark Kent) for assistance and searches the sewers, drawing an attack from Killer Croc. Just before the clock strikes midnight, Joker phlegmatically walks up to police HQ and turns himself in. Batman pummels him, demanding to receive his gift. Joker tells him that he (Joker) is the gift, a never-ending gift. A dejected Batman goes home to find a birthday card and cake have been sent to Pennyworth Manor. The final panel shows the silhouette of what appears to be Alfred holding the cake. However, this obviously cannot be the long deceased butler. Either it’s some other Bat-Family member or we should ignore it entirely. (We can assume that Joker’s monthly birthday gifts cease from this point forward.)

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #153. First and foremost, a news story tells us this item happens specifically in May but two months prior to the main action of Batman Vol. 3 #153, in which Mayor Christopher Nakano says that June has not yet ended. However, as we’ll detail a little further down, all specific dates in Chip Zdarsky’s “The Dying City” arc are suspect and should likely be ignored. (We can hold onto the mentioned time durations, but the month specificity should be waved away.) Onto a synopsis. Riddler is inexplicably exonerated from his crimes and released from prison after the public learns he was experimented upon and tortured by Zur-En-Arrh and Daniel Captio in Blackgate Penitentiary. Hoping to set Edward Nygma on the straight path, Bruce gives him a sizable financial grant with which he founds NygmaTech, a crypto-security/cryptocurrency company. The company takes off overnight, after which Nygma moves his HQ into Gotham’s downtown Pinkney Tower. Despite public dissent from within WayneTech (and from Mayor Nakano), Bruce goes on the record, showing his support for Nygma. But Bruce doesn’t fully trust Nygma—moving forward, he’ll continuously review Nygma’s tech and code to make sure it’s on the up-and-up. Bruce also revamps his public playboy persona, going on at least one random date with a beautiful babe and hiring a new chauffeur named Miguel.

–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #16. Batman gets to know some of the Arkham Tower security guards. Notably, Batman meets Booth, Weimar, Ramirez, and two other unnamed guards, learning their shifts as well. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, Batman will make sporadic visits to Arkham Tower in the days to come.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #154. Batman hears rumors that there’s a new person at the top of the Court of Owls. Batman also meets and befriends a new police coroner named Louis.

–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #14. Bruce is contacted by Marla, a representative of the brand new Sacred Heart Medical Center, which is set to install Dr. Malik Bashar as its director. Dr. Bashar is not only one of the world’s leading Kahndaqi aid-workers, but Bruce’s longtime friend as well. Marla invites Bruce to the grand opening gala fundraiser, getting him to agree to speak at the event. Bruce also learns about a tragic boiler room fire that occurred in 1892 at the present location of the new facility. Intrigued, Bruce studies old blueprints of the building.

–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #14. Batman finally finishes work on a new Batwing (aka Batplane). He had started constructing it last year but never finished. Batman also gives himself total control over most of Gotham’s power grid (which is built primarily on WayneTech), allowing him to blanket the city in a shroud of darkness with the push of a button whenever he pleases.

–Poison Ivy #27
When a new eco-terrorist group called The Order of the Green Knight bombs a grocery store in Poison Ivy’s name, Batman confronts her. Poison Ivy says she has absolutely nothing to do with the group (which is true), but asks Batman to back down so she can clear her own name. Batman believes her and departs. The next day, Poison Ivy takes Janet Mitchell to a safe house in the abandoned mystery town of Marshview (in Slaughter Swamp). Poison Ivy then investigates the scene of the bombing, coming face-to-face with a bunch of members of the Order of the Green Knight, who all worship her like a goddess. In Marshview, Janet and Killer Croc investigate the sewers, finding strange graffiti underground. Taking a fancy to one another, Janet and Killer Croc make out!

–Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #14-16 (“MEMENTO”)
Editorial notation places this item shortly after the Batman-less Poison Ivy #26. At Pennyworth Manor, Bruce continues interior decorating the new home, placing the chessboard and chess pieces (previously used to remotely play against the deceased Ra’s al Ghul) into the main study. Later, Batman and Robin bust some eco-terrorists representing The Order of the Green Knight. Afterward, in the Batcave/Bat-Bunker beneath Pennyworth Manor, Batman tends to his wounds (with bandages and painkillers) while video-chatting with Oracle about the Sacred Heart Medical Center fundraiser. Later, Bruce serves Damian dinner, telling him that he has to attend the fundraiser with him. Bruce tells Damian about the 1892 boiler room fire. In the study, Damian notices his dad’s chessboard. Bruce tells him he used to remotely play his grandfather (Ra’s al Ghul) on the board. Upon arrival at the medical center, Bruce is harangued by an encampment of protesters chanting “memento mori.” One of them says that Bruce “sits atop a wheel that will grind him under.” Bruce recognizes something familiar about these words, but he can’t quite recall. Inside, while Bruce gives a speech, Damian is miserably stuck at the kid’s table. When terrorists take over the building, Bruce and Damian are stuck at the party without their costumes. Undeterred, Bruce shuts down Gotham’s power grid to put the building under the shroud of a total blackout. In the darkness, Bruce takes down all the bad guys. Noticing that a fire has started in the sub-basement, Bruce descends to investigate. There, Bruce is surprised to find the decades-old British serial killer Memento. Calling Bruce by the name of “Young Jack” (Bruce’s pseudonym while working the original Memento case years ago) while reciting a “memento mori” poem, Memento causes an antique boiler to explode. While Damian and Dr. Malik Bashar try to save lives on the floors above, Bruce barely escapes with his life below. Damian is dejected as a young girl dies on his watch. Later, Bruce tells Damian about his past with Memento, but he also stresses that they must be dealing with a copycat. The next day, Bruce and Damian spar. Bruce shows Damian the journals of Thomas Wayne. Meanwhile, a teenage death cult (called the Mementists) begins publicly showing its excitement that the famous Memento has arrived in Gotham. Batman begins his investigation, learning that the terrorists were Khandaqis hired by Memento. As per his MO, Memento had used the terrorists in order to re-create a famous death scene—in this case, the 1892 boiler room massacre. Batman also confirms that one of the protesters was Memento. Later, Batman and Robin survey the crime scene. Meanwhile, at the pier, Memento interferes with a Tiger Shark weapons purchase by killing a boat captain and crashing a ship into the docks, thus mimicking a fatal 1903 boat accident. Later, Memento kills a bunch of Mementists at the ruins of old Arkham Asylum. Batman and Robin examine the crime scene, finding that the victims had been dosed with the rare drug known as Gravedigger’s Poppy. Private eye Jim Gordon arrives with Bruce’s old associate Katherine Lautrec (now a lieutenant in the French Police Nationale). Later, Bruce has a parent-teacher meeting, during which Damian’s teachers tell him he’s been skipping school. After night falls, Batman and Robin train together by putting on weighted vests and running across rooftops while practicing foreign languages. Robin tells his dad that he’s been skipping school to volunteer at the hospital with Dr. Bashar. A surprised Batman says, “Two weeks ago I couldn’t get you get you to care about anything that wasn’t fighting!” Two weeks isn’t meant to be a nod to anything specific, simply a generalization. Father and son argue (with Alfred’s name getting invoked). Robin storms off. A couple hours later, Batman and Lieutenant Lautrec interview Scarecrow at Arkham Tower, asking him questions about Gravedigger’s Poppy. Scarecrow reveals that he synthesized the drug for Memento. (Arkham Tower guard Booth, a devoted Mementist, helped them connect.) Booth tries to shoot Scarecrow to silence him, but Batman stops him. Booth then detonates a bomb inside Arkham Tower, after which Memento enters the building, sewing chaos.

–Wonder Woman Vol. 6 #14 (Wonder Woman #814)
Day 16-17—it’s been sixteen days since Absolute Power ended. The superhero and military community learn that The Sovereign has killed Steve Trevor. A devastated Diana meets with Bruce and Clark, who comfort her.

–Detective Comics #1090-1091 (“MERCY OF THE FATHER”)
Batman and Oracle study a series of teen murders that have occurred over the course of the past month, fearing that a serial killer is on the loose. Meanwhile, Scarlett Martha Scott invites Bruce to a party being held at her wellness company, Theromise Health. Later, with Oracle remotely guiding him, Batman patrols, coming across a robbery in progress where a seventeen-year-old boy named Sam Kristof shoots a bodega cashier. After tending to the injured cashier and waiting for EMTs, Batman tracks the shooter into the sewers only to find that he’s been murdered by the serial killer (Asema). Batman smells White Musk perfume on the victim. Later, Bruce attends Scarlett’s party. She takes him into the cosmetics lab where Bruce’s socialite acquaintances Daniel and Gina O’Malley are receiving a supposed miracle treatment called Sangraal (created by Scarlett and her scientists) that reverses the aging process. Sure enough, Scarlett, Daniel, and Gina look much younger than their true ages. Scarlett offers Sangraal to Bruce, who mulls it over. While Batman, Robin, and Oracle monitor eight possible targets for the serial killer, Batman catches some much needed rest, having a nightmare about being old and letting Kristof die. At the coroner’s office, Harvey Bullock tells Batman that Kristof had been drugged, cut, and bled out. Immediately thereafter, Batman and Robin rescue potential target Kai Edwards from a bunch of Penguin’s hoods. (Kai has stolen a bunch of money from Penguin, thus earning the villain’s wrath.) During the combat, Batman suffers a nasty MCL tear. While Robin stashes Edwards in a hotel room, Batman meets with Superman (Clark) to tell him about Sangraal. Clark tells him to do it if it will help—and if it’s legit, to find a way to share it with the world. The next day, Bruce agrees to begin the treatment. He meets Scarlett and her top physician Dr. Forster at Theromise. After a battery of physical tests, Bruce is administered the first shot of Sangraal. After a long eleven-hour sleep, Batman has Robin draw some of his blood for examination. Batman then visits the Iceberg Lounge and easily bests Penguin’s henchmen, noting that the Sangraal has already made him feel much looser and stronger. Even his torn MCL has begun to rapidly heal. While Batman chats with Penguin, Asema attacks Edwards in his hotel room.

–Wonder Woman Vol. 6 #14 (Wonder Woman #814)
Day 32—it’s been thirty-two days since Absolute Power ended. Batman and Superman (Clark) worry about Wonder Woman, who has been MIA since Steve Trevor’s death. While Clark asks Donna Troy about Wonder Woman, Batman asks Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark). Eventually, Batman and Superman (Clark) ask Wonder Girl (Yara Flor) about Wonder Woman, but she doesn’t know her whereabouts. Batman, Superman (Clark), and Yara train together.

–FLASHFORWARD: From Detective Comics #1090. It’s been three weeks since the main action of Detective Comics #1090. Asema captures someone and tortures them, inviting Batman to join and watch, citing that all of their killings have been for him. Batman tries to radio Oracle, but the villain stops him.

–FLASHBACK: From The Question: All Along the Watchtower #1. This item occurs one week prior to the main action of The Question: All Along the Watchtower #1. Just as Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman (Clark) are preparing to put the finishing touches on their new Justice League/Watchtower venture, they catch wind that someone might be trying to infiltrate their project and weaponize their new HQ. It’s too late to scrap the plans now, so Batman and Superman (Clark) recruit the Question (Renee Montoya) to be the security chief for the new Watchtower satellite. Her task will not only be to maintain security aboard the Watchtower, but also to help solve the infiltration mystery. Aboard the Watchtower, Wonder Woman introduces the Question to her security team, which includes Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Batwoman, and Animal Man.

–Action Comics #1079
This item is said to occur specifically between Absolute Power #4 and All In Special #1, but “just prior to” Justice League Unlimited #1. With dozens of Kryptonian villians (including Jax-Ur, Faora Hu-Ul, Ras-Krom, and Va-Kox) loose from the Phantom Zone, the superhero community deals with havoc across the globe. Meanwhile, Superman (who was defeated and has been unconscious and under the care of Jimmy Olsen, Mon-El, and other Superman-Family members for the past two days in India) finally wakes up. From the Batcave, Batman remotely coordinates superhero community action in Metropolis, Four Heroes (Maine), Salem (Massachusetts), Washington DC, Central City, Moscow, Dubai, Beijing, Rome, the Andes Mountains, and other locations. After learning that the Phantom Zoners have some Gold Kryptonite, Superman checks in with Batman, telling him to send Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi) to the Fortress of Solitude, which has been ransacked. After Dr. Light uses her powers to nullify the Fortress-occupying Phantom Zoners with artificial red sunlight, the Superman-Family retakes Superman’s HQ. Batman reports that the Phantom Zoners have traveled to Rann, New Thanagar, Tamaran, and a dozen other planets, which are now all under siege.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League Unlimited Vol. 2 #1. For the past couple months, Batman and Mr. Terrific have argued over who should be coordinating missions for the greater superhero community. Sick of their squabbling, the superhero community officially appoints the job to Red Tornado.

–REFERENCE: In the second feature to Wonder Woman #800, the second feature to Wonder Woman Vol. 6 #3 (Wonder Woman #803), the second feature to Wonder Woman Vol. 6 #10, and Wonder Woman Vol. 6 #14 (Wonder Woman #814). Day 51—it’s been fifty-one days since the end of Absolute Power. Using her own DNA mixed with the deceased Steve Trevor’s DNA, Wonder Woman shapes a wee baby out of the mystic clay on the shores of Themyscira. Blessed by the gods, Diana’s daughter Lizzie Prince is born! Presumably, Diana tells Bruce and Clark.

–DC All In Special #1
June. Fifty-two days have passed since the end of Absolute Power. The superhero community puts the final touches on the new Justice League/Watchtower venture. The new JL—officially named Justice League Unlimited—is ready to debut! Alpha members Batman, Superman (Clark), and Wonder Woman deliver JLU ID keycards to dozens of new teammates. Robotman and Metamorpho both turn down the invite (although Titans Vol. 4 #16 shows that Robotman later joins anyway). Damian scoffs at the invite, tossing away his card (but he quickly picks it up and joins anyway). Batman, Superman (Clark), and Wonder Woman invite the entire JLU to the grand opening of the new Watchtower satellite, which will be managed by security chief Question (Renee Montoya). Alpha members Superman (Clark), Batman, Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Oracle, and Mr. Terrific address the rest of the team, which consists of Aquaman, Arsenal, Black Adam, Black Canary, Black Lightning, Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), the Captain (Billy Batson), Cyborg, Detective Chimp, Dr. Fate (Khalid Nassour), Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), Donna Troy, Flash (Wally West), Fire, Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond/Martin Stein), Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Alan Ladd-Scott, Guy Gardner, Hal Jordan, Jessica Cruz, Jo Mullein, John Stewart, Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders), Ice, Jade, Mera, Nightwing, Obsidian, Power Girl, the Question (Renee Montoya), Raven, Robin (Damian Wayne), Robin (Tim Drake), Starfire, Steel (John Henry Irons), Steel (Natasha Irons), Supergirl, Super-Man, Swamp Thing (Levi Kamei), Wonder Girl (Yara Flor), Booster Gold, Skeets, Deadman, and Beast Boy. (There are a few shrouded others that can’t be made out.) The meeting is interrupted by Darkseid, who teleports into the Watchtower via a blank JLU ID keycard. Having just dispatched with the Quintessence and become the new host of the Spectre (by using a Miracle Machine), Darkseid attacks the heroes. Batman immediately switches to a fancy JLU costume to join the fray. The evil New God’s actions serve to alter the timeline in a way that cuts Booster Gold off from returning to the future. The heroes seemingly defeat Darkseid (who simultaneously battles the Spectre in his own mind). The Spectre tells Darkseid that, just as Superman (Clark) is the constant living embodiment of hope, he (Darkseid) is the constant living embodiment of evil. Both roles are divine, and both are essential. As Darkseid is destroyed by the heroes, he thanks them, exclaiming, “Darkseid ends.” In an instant, Darkseid disappears, leaving behind a literal tear in spacetime. Later, Orion meets with the Superman (Clark), Batman, Wonder Woman, and Mr. Terrific. Echoing what the Spectre had told Darkseid, Orion explains to the heroes that Darkseid is a universal constant, meaning he’s probably already reincarnated. Not so coincidentally, Mr. Terrific reports that the previously primordial Elseworld (aka Alpha World aka Earth Alpha) has not only just become active, but it now is a fully-fleshed out world that radiates Darkseid energy as well. The only people that can safely travel to the Alpha World’s new universe are those imbued with tachyon particles (i.e. regular time-travelers). As such, Booster Gold dives through the reality tear to spy on the Alpha World. Upon arrival on the Alpha World, Booster Gold’s comms are severed and he realizes he’s in an evil version of Universe-0—the Absolute Universe. The Alpha World is an entire planet infused with Darkseid’s being. In other words, while a resurrected Darkseid exists on the Alpha World, the Alpha World also is Darkseid. And on the Alpha World, there exist grim-dark versions of Earth-0’s superheroes, including Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, and Absolute Wonder Woman (with her skeleton pegasus). Booster Gold is immediately attacked by Darkseid and his evil Absolute Legion (Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Ferro Lad, Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, Shadow Lass, Star Boy, Timberwolf, Triplicate Girl, and Ultra Boy).

–The Question: All Along the Watchtower #1
This item occurs a few days after DC All In Special #1. As the Question patrols the new Watchtower’s busy promenade, which is filled with dozens of superheroes, Batman watches her from a distance. Out of the blue, a robot designed to mimic the super-villain Conduit breaks into the Watchtower. The combined might of the heroes takes down the robot, but it’s all been a distraction. During the chaos, someone released a vicious Thanagarian leopard from the Watchtower zoo and sicced it on Kenn Kawa, who was brutally injured.

–Flash Vol. 6 #14-15 (Flash #814)
After attending a retirement party for Barry Allen, Flash (Wally West) visits Red Tornado aboard the new Watchtower. Red Tornado shows him a distress call from Warlord (Travis Morgan), who says that Weather Wizard is wreaking havoc in Skartaris. Inspector Pilgrim (an adult alt-future version of Wally’s youngest child Wade) convinces Wally to take his entire family with him to Skartaris. The next day, the Flash-Family (Wally, Linda Park-West, Irey West, Jai West, baby Wade West, and pet dog with dubious origins Foxy) visits Skartaris. Wally shows off his new black-and-red costume, which was given to him by Barry at the retirement party. Soon after, a bored Irey uses her dad’s Justice League Unlimited card to access the Watchtower. There, she is confronted by Superman (Clark), Batman, Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, the Question (Renee Montoya), the Challengers of the Unknown (Rocky Davis, Red Ryan, June Robbins, and a recovered Kenn Kawa), and a doppelgänger Flash! (With Inspector Pilgrim’s otherworldly assistance, Flash has literally split himself in two, so he can cover more ground.) With Irey’s help, the JLU investigates strange seismic activity and telepathic hotspots that are popping up all over the planet. After chatting with her dad, Irey returns back to Skartaris to join her other dad and the rest of her family. On Skartaris, the sky rips open and strange magickal anomalies begin occurring just as a lizard wizard attacks. Inspector Pilgrim arrives to assist and provide guidance. While the Flash-Family wanders deeper into the jungles of Skartaris, Jai and Irey secretly discover that Foxy is the source of unprecedented cosmic power.

–Justice League Unlimited Vol. 2 #1
With Red Tornado coordinating everything, Justice League Unlimited members Aquaman, Sand, and Tuatara deal with Marine Marauder in Auckland, New Zealand. Stargirl and the Captain (Billy Batson) work on the case of Citizen Steel (Nate Heywood) and Damage’s absent powers. Air Wave boards the Watchtower to witness the mobilization of dozens of JLU members, including newcomer Boruka. Flash (Wally West) gives Air Wave a tour. JLU alpha members Superman (Clark), Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, Star Sapphire, Kid Flash, and Firestorm (with remote assistance from Air Wave) then deal with an evil organization called Inferno, which has unleashed giant mecha and War Wheels upon Balhauzer, South Africa. Meanwhile, Batman and Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) visit Monteverde, Costa Rica where there have been reports of winged creatures kidnapping kids and taking them into the jungle. In the rainforest, Batman and Blue Beetle find hundreds of hatched eggs à la Alien. Later, in private, Air Wave laments to himself that he’s secretly “here to kill the JLU.”

–FLASHBACK: From JSA Vol. 2 #1. The Justice Society of America—Jay Garrick, Wildcat (Yolanda Montez), Alan Ladd-Scott, Jade, and Obsidian—meet with Superman (Clark), Batman, and Wonder Woman aboard the new Watchtower.

–Batman Vol. 3 #153-155 (Batman #918-920) (“THE DYING CITY”)^[3]
Batman meets with Jim Gordon. They share a hot beverage and discuss how successful the WayneTech revitalization project has been. Batman then examines Edward Nygma’s servers in Pinkney Tower, seeing that Nygma has implemented Mr. Freeze’s cooling tech. (Mr. Freeze is currently back in Arkham Tower.) Batman meets with Nygma (and his bodyguard Rhonda), telling him to keep on the straight path. At City Hall, a frazzled Mayor Nakano argues with Leonid Kull, a high ranking member of the Court of Owls. (The mayor is being blackmailed by the Court of Owls, who have photos and video of him cheating on his wife.) Mayor Nakano tells Leonid he doesn’t care about being blackmailed anymore. Later, Mayor Nakano argues with his wife Koyuki, who tells him she is depressed and is going to move (along with their two-year-old son Leo Nakano) into her mom’s place in Central City. Koyuki is devastated as her husband completely ignores her. The next day, Bruce goes to Wayne Tower, outside of which there are a few right wing anti-vaccination assholes protesting the revitalization project. Despite this, Bruce makes sure that security allows them to continue protesting. Secretly speaking on Nygma’s behalf, CEO Rowan Birkemoe talks to Bruce, highlighting concerns about the protesters, right wing media spinsters, and the company’s latest financial numbers (which are bad), to which Bruce makes jokes about being a communist and a philanthrocapitalist. Bruce assures Rowan that everything will be fine. After Bruce leaves to chase after some diamond thieves, Rowan phones Nygma, who tells her that NygmaTech needs more funding to combat Mayor Nakano’s red tape and government regulation. Across town, Batman stops the diamond thieves, but a new “patriotic superhero” named Commander Star is also on-hand. Commander Star shoots one of the crooks in the kneecap with a gun, enraging Batman. Mayor Nakano and Commissioner Vandal Savage are also on-hand. Commissioner Savage heartily approves of Commander Star while ordering police to arrest Batman. The Caped Crusader quickly departs. Mayor Nakano tells Commissioner Savage that he’s going to bring a council motion to fire him. Later, while getting stitched up, Bruce chats with Dr. Leslie Thompkins. On his walk home, Bruce tries to assist an unhoused man, who tells him to piss off. Rowan catches up with Bruce, telling him that his “brother” has claimed half of Wayne Enterprises shares. Meanwhile, someone assassinates Mayor Nakano! Batman, Harvey Bullock, and Jim Gordon investigate the crime scene. Batman then speaks with Sandy Tilford, who tells him a list of possible suspects. Batman and Gordon spy on Bullock’s interrogation of an evasive Koyuki at police HQ, after which Gordon butts heads with Commissioner Savage. Batman gives Bullock a phone number to contact him if anything comes up. At a restaurant, Nygma and Kull meet with (and try to strong-arm) Christopher Nakano’s nervous replacement, newly appointed Mayor Horgan. Batman confronts Nygma and Kull, who sic some cops on him. Batman takes down the cops, confirming that they are Court of Owls members on Kull’s payroll. Batman then examines the dead mayor’s corpse at the coroner’s office. The next morning, a growing mob of QAnon-esque conspiracy theorists picket outside Wayne Enterprises, blaming the company for the mayoral assassination. In his office, Bruce chats with Rowan, who tells him that a man named William Pureford is claiming to be his brother. Soon after, at Leslie’s clinic, Leslie reveals that Thomas Wayne did in fact have an affair with a nurse at Gotham General Hospital, but she says that there’s no way he was aware of a child being born out of it. Having followed Bruce, the protesters turn into terrorists, smashing their way into the clinic. Bruce fights back, but Commander Star arrives and finishes them off. Later, Batman and Gordon re-examine the scene of the murder. As he pokes around, Batman receives a call from Bullock, who says that Koyuki’s unlocked phone messages seems to show that she was having an affair with Gordon! Sensing the tenor of the call, Gordon points a gun at Batman and tells him that it was an accident. Batman punches out Gordon, who goes to jail. In an interrogation room, Bullock questions Gordon. We get the aforementioned Zdarsky mess of a timeline, that gives a “five weeks ago” flashback showing Koyuki telling Gordon that Savage has been made commissioner. Again, this scene makes no sense and should be ignored since Savage was made commissioner five months ago. If this scene were to make any sense, it should be read as Gordon worrying whether or not Savage’s continued employment by the GCPD is only the mayor’s revenge for his affair with his wife. Speaking of which, back to our story at hand, Gordon freely admits to having been sleeping with Koyuki for the past couple months. He denies having shot the mayor, though. Outside, Bullock chats with Batman, who says there’s no way his friend is guilty. As mentioned above, Bullock incorrectly refers to The Joker Vol. 2 #14-15 as having occurred a mere year ago, but that happened two years ago. In the Batcave under Pennyworth Manor, Batman dozes off and has a nightmare about his father’s adultery and Gordon’s murder case. He’s only awakened by Commander Star declaring war against Antifa on the TV news. Star also throws digs at Bruce. At NygmaTech, Nygma tells Rowan that, with Mayor Horgan’s support, he’s going to try to buy out Wayne Enterprises. Later, Bruce visits Pureford’s home only to be turned away by Kull and bodyguards. Bruce takes a dive in the fight so he can put a tracer on Kull’s shoe. That evening, Batman re-examines the scene of Nakano’s murder, but it only looks even more damning in regard to Gordon. Sneaking into jail, Batman tells as much to Gordon, who, for the first time ever, attempts to address Batman as “Bruce,” but Batman cuts him off, telling him he doesn’t get to say his real name! As they converse, the Dark Knight finds a curious lead in the form of an incongruity with Gordon’s glasses. Examining the spectacles closer, Batman realizes they have Mad Hatter tech embedded in them. While Batman fends off a swarm of incoming cops loyal to Commissioner Savage, he realizes that Nygma hired Mad Hatter to set up Gordon.

–Superman Vol. 6 #20 (Superman #863)
A time-traveling Time Trapper (aka an elderly Doomsday from the very far future) brings warning that his younger self is about to attack. Time Trapper also portends more evils to come as well. Sure enough, present day Doomsday arrives, having come straight from Hell and flanked by evil Doomhounds. While Superman (Clark) and Superwoman (Lois Lane, who now has powers thanks to a super-suit) fight the evil beings, John Henry Irons (representing Steelworks) and Lex Luthor (currently mind-wiped and benevolent, representing SuperCorp) help evacuate the citizens of Metropolis. As Supercorp sends Mercy Graves, Parasite, and several super-troopers into action, Justice League Unlimited preps as well. Batman assembles the Atom, Cadejos, the Captain (Billy Batson), Martian Manhunter, Power Girl, and Star Sapphire aboard the Watchtower. Mercy tells the JLU to stand down, citing that SuperCorp can handle the situation. Parasite drains Doomsday, but Doomsday responds by murdering Parasite with ease. A rage-filled Superman (Clark) pummels Doomsday into unconsciousness, after which the SuperCorp team doses the monster with Black Mercy and ships him off to a detention center. Later, Jimmy Olsen warns Lois and Clark that SuperCorp has mysteriously scrubbed all images and video of the Doomsday incident from the internet. Meanwhile, on the distant planet Calaton, a mystery person plans something sinister.

–FLASHFORWARD: From Challengers of the Unknown Vol. 5 #1. The Justice League Unlimited (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hal Jordan, Mr. Terrific, Professor Walt Haley, June Robbins, Red Ryan, and Rocky Davis) are attacked by a mystery villain.

. . .

–DC Horrors Presents… #2 Part 2
November 1-2. When Batman catches wind that Penguin has been haunted nightly by spirits and apparitions inside the Iceberg Lounge, he sees this as the perfect opportunity to put the fear of god into his foe. After looking up a special type of exorcist in Detroit named Tennyson Stacks, Batman ensures that Penguin winds up hiring him specifically. The next day, while Batman watches from the shadows, Stacks uses his ghost machine and metahuman powers to draw out the ghouls—dozens of Penguin’s victims who seek revenge from the afterlife. Stacks exorcises them, but Penguin is scared out of his wits and begs the heavens for forgiveness. Penguin won’t change his wicked ways, but he’ll likely never get a decent night’s sleep ever again.

. . .

–DC’s Batman Smells Robin Laid an Egg #1 Part 7 Chapter 5
December 18—this story occurs on the “5th Day of Christmas,” which typically means December 29, but, since the overall story (containing twelve chapters) seems to end on Xmas day, we can presume author Zipporah Smith means “seven days before Xmas” for this chapter. The Justice Foundation hosts a charity event at a mayoral mansion—presumably the home of the mayor of Vanity, OR. Bruce decides to attend at the last minute, but only because he catches wind that the mayor is corrupt to the bone. Vixen spots Bruce sneaking off to crack a safe, joining him in the mayor’s office. In the safe, Bruce finds a ledger containing details of the mayor’s criminality. Vixen (head of the Justice Foundation) asks Bruce what she should get her beau Bronze Tiger for Xmas, and Bruce suggests a gift card. Presumably, Batman delivers the incriminating ledger to local authorities.

–Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #1-3
December 21. With the nightmarish spirit of Silent Knight petrifying people all over the globe (having actually started doing so a week ago), the Justice League Unlimited is finally on the case. JLU members Batman, Robin (Damian), Superman (Clark), John Stewart, Mera, and Nubia—joined by Thunderheart (Irey West)—briefly trap Silent Knight in Egypt, but the magickal warrior fights free, taking down all the heroes and creating a castle fortress for himself. Only Robin escapes, quickly visiting Zatanna for help at her apartment. Santa Claus arrives, telling Robin and Zatanna that, ever since last Christmas, he’s been hunting a some fugitive Monsterkind that are adorned with a strange runic symbol that seems to represent Silent Knight. With word on the street that Batman has been downed, the cringe-worthy Nitrous Gods gang becomes emboldened and begin setting off bombs in the city. Santa Claus and Robin go into action against the bad guys. In the unknown realm, the heroes successfully down a Norse giant, but they learn that Thunderheart and Nubia have been marked with Silent Knight’s rune, which is slowly draining them of life essence. The heroes continue battling swarms of unrelenting Monsterkind. Meanwhile, after Santa Claus and Robin take down the Nitrous Gods in Gotham, they rejoin Zatanna, who escorts them to a winter solstice party being hosted by Baron Winters in Washington DC. In attendance at the party are numerous magick users, ghouls, and science freaks, including the brand new Creature Commandos (Medusa aka Dr. Mina Rhodes, Patchwork aka Lucky Taylor, Wolfpack aka Wanda Griffith, and Vincent Velcro), Felix Faust, Black Orchid, Gentleman Ghost, Blue Devil, Extraño, Detective Chimp, Monkey Prince, Black Alice, Abel, Abel’s pet gargoyle Goldie, Dr. Mist, Jason Blood, Xanthe Zhou, Charlie Wylde, Baron Winters’ pet leopard Merlin, and others. As a presentation for the whole group, Jason Blood reveals the origins of Silent Knight, who was once Sir Brian Kent aka Brian of Kent, a loyal knight of King Arthur’s Round Table (and former avatar of Hawkman). In Medieval Times, Silent Knight succumbed to the lure of a magick suit of armor that corrupted him and turned him evil. This fall from grace also led to Camelot being severed from the human realm. Only agreeing to help the heroes after getting to meet the Krampus, Felix Faust uses his magick to draw forth Silent Knight. The fiend immediately strikes, sucking-up Jason Blood’s life energy. Soon after, Flash arrives and gets his life energy drained as well. Silent Knight teleports away, but Santa Claus follows him. In the mystic realm, Silent Knight and Santa Claus soon appear before the other heroes, who have been continuously fighting the Monsterkind (including the ogre Korgus). Meanwhile, Gentleman Ghost helps Zatanna and Robin learn more about Silent Knight’s ghostly powers. Zatanna summons Mary Marvel, Robotman, and Metamorpho (heroes that cannot be drained by Silent Knight) to help out. Jason Blood is able to undo his emaciated state by turning into Etrigan. Santa Claus’ wife Ulah (an elven warrior of the Huldulfólk aka Huldufólk) also arrives to assist. (Notably, in DC’s Batman Smells Robin Laid an Egg #1 Part 1, Santa’s wife appears as a matronly human, who calls herself Carol Claus. This must mean that Ulah can appear in various forms thanks to her Nordic magick.)

–Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #4
December 21—picking up immediately from Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #3. While Ulah, Zatanna, Robin (Damian), Robotman, Metamorpho, Mary Marvel, and Etrigan battle Korgus and other Monsterkind, the other heroes (Santa Claus, Superman, Batman, Nubia, John Stewart, Thunderheart, and Mera) deal with Silent Knight, who evades them and continues draining people of life essence all over the globe. At Silent Knight’s castle, both hero groups converge to defeat a multi-headed dragon. While seven heroes battle Korgus and the Monsterkind, the other seven heroes (including Batman) infiltrate the castle to find the emaciated body of Flash.

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1. ^[1]COLLIN COLSHER: The map shows the following places marked:

   –Alaska — Training with Willy Doggett (from “Shaman”).
   –British Columbia — Training with both Luka Jungo (from Batman: The Knight #6) and Dr. Shannon Lentz (from Batman Incorporated Vol. 3 #1).
   –New York, Metropolis, or Gotham — Training with the Zataras (from Batman: The Knight #7), unspecified training (from Batman: The Knight #8), and training with Wildcat.
   –Alabama — Training with Harvey Harris (from Detective Comics #226 and Detective Comics Annual #2).
   –Rio de Janeiro — Training with Don Miguel (from the second feature to Batman Vol. 2 #21).
   –Dublin or London — Encounter with Tommy Tivane (from Batman Vol. 3 #102 and Batman: The Knight #8) or Scotland Yard training (as referenced in Batman: The Knight #7).
   –Paris — Training with Lucie Chesson (from Batman: The Knight #2-3) and Henri Ducard (from Batman: The Knight #3). Encounter with Cassander Wycliffe Baker (from Batman Vol. 3 #94).
   –Moscow — Training with Avery Oblonsky (from Batman: The Knight #5).
   –Afghanistan — Training with Sergei Alexandrov (from the second feature to Batman Vol. 2 #22).
   –Egypt or Arabian Desert — Additional training with Sergei Alexandrov (from the second feature to Batman Vol. 2 #22) and training with Ra’s al Ghul (from Batman: The Knight #9).
   –Himalayas, Tibet, and Gobi Desert — Training with the Memory of the Mountain (as referenced in Batman Vol. 3 Annual #2 Part 2, Justice League Vol. 3 #38, Batman Vol. 3 #75, and Batman Vol. 3 #81), Ra’s al Ghul (from Batman: Killing Time #3-4), monks of Nanda Parbat (as referenced in Detective Comics #1027 Part 1 and Knight Terrors: Batman #1), Koyta (from Batman: Urban Legends #11 Part 2 and Batman: Urban Legends #12 Part 2), Baba Tomar (as referenced in Batman: The Knight #8), the Desert Kings (from Batman Vol. 3 #103), and Shao-La, H’sein Tsan, and Dragon (from Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #52-53 and Batman: Shadow of the Bat #0).
   –Japan — Training with Takashi Nakata (as referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #94, Batman Incorporated Vol. 3 #1, and Batman Incorporated Vol. 3 #5).
   –North Korea — Training with Takibi Kirigi (from Batman: The Knight #4).
   –China — Training with the Zhuguan (from Batman Confidential #50-54) and Skyspider (from Batman: The Knight #8).
   –Thailand or Bhutran — Learning Muay Thai (as referenced in Batman vs Robin #4) and studying with Rhana Bhutra (as referenced in Superman #710).
   ↩

2. ^[2]COLLIN COLSHER: Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 Epilogue, Absolute Power: Free Comic Book Day Special Edition #1, and Absolute Power: Ground Zero #1 all show Amanda Waller victorious, with Batman, Superman (Clark), and Wonder Woman wrapped in chains. Of course, this is a future merely envisioned by Dreamer, one that never came to pass. As with all of Dreamer’s visions, once she sees them, they can often be averted or changed. In this case, as seen in Absolute Power #4, Waller was defeated and jailed.↩
3. ^[3]COLLIN COLSHER: We are specifically told (in Batman Vol. 3 #153-154) that Riddler was released from prison and started NygmaTech two months ago in May but also that June has not yet ended. Incongruously, we are also told (in Batman Vol. 3 #155) that it is specifically November 16! Further incongruously, we are also told (in Batman Vol. 3 #155) that Vandal Savage became commissioner “five weeks ago.” Yet, in Chip Zdarsky’s own narrative, Savage was made commissioner prior to Riddler’s release from prison. Therefore, how can Riddler’s release pre-date Savage’s commissionership at all, let alone by weeks? This is some really fuzzy Zdarsky time at play here, and we need to ignore some of it (or maybe all of it). I’d cancel the “five weeks ago” line since it doesn’t jibe with the order of things whatsoever. And since the May, June, and November 16 dates don’t make a lick of sense either, we should probably ignore them too! Plus, the “Dark Prisons” arc (where Savage became commissioner) happened about five months ago, not weeks. (As stated above, besides the Savage commissionership flub, we’ll still generally hold onto Zdarsky’s length of time durations to help guide us for placement.) It’s also worth mentioning that, in Batman Vol. 3 #155, Harvey Bullock incorrectly refers to the events of The Joker Vol. 2 #14-15 as occurring “last year.” The Joker Vol. 2 #14-15 not only happened two in-story years ago, but it was also released nearly three calendar years prior to Batman Vol. 3 #155. Sigh.↩