Rebirth Era (Post-“Superman Reborn”) Chronology
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YEAR THREE (2004)
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–The Penguin #7
January—it’s been one year since Carmine Falcone went down. (The story tells us that we are at some point prior to opening week of the Broadway, which is scheduled for February, further cementing the January date.) Batman and Commissioner Gordon go after an escaped Joker, who has been on the loose for nearly a week. (Tom King inserts a large continuity snarl here, showing Gordon still as a captain.) Meanwhile, the Bertinelli Mob begins to move in on some of Oswald Cobblepot’s territories. Shortly thereafter, Cobblepot gives Batman a treasure trove of intel about the Bertinelli Mob. Later, at the Iceberg Lounge, Cobblepot gets the contact information of Ra’s al Ghul’s biological son, known only as the Help—a legendary assassin and cleaner, now 73-years-old but still one of the deadliest men on the planet. After killing the low-level hood that gave him the information, Cobblepot reports it as an accidental death to Commissioner Gordon. Upon getting the call from Cobblepot, Gordon lights up the Bat-signal, summoning Batman for a briefing. Soon after, Batman examines the murder weapon in the Batcave, linking it to Franco Bertinelli Jr (via fibers from his mom’s handkerchief, which Bertinelli bought at auction a few months ago). Meanwhile, Cobblepot meets with the Help, tasking him with finding out who actually purchased the Iceberg Lounge for him following the arrest of Carmine Falcone. Suspicious of Cobblepot, Batman searches his apartment and the Iceberg Lounge, but both locations are clean. Batman meets with Cobblepot and accuses him of trying to orchestrate the downfall of the Bertinelli family for his own personal benefit, which Cobblepot denies. Batman can tell that he’s lying, but he can’t prove it. Later, Batman kayos Bertinelli, taking back his mom’s handkerchief for analysis. Unfortunately, Cobblepot is already one step ahead of the Dark Knight, having had his ex-wife Lisa St. Claire access and manipulate the evidence in his favor. Nevertheless, sensing that Batman is still getting close to exposing him, Penguin realizes the only way to dodge a long prison sentence in Blackgate Penitentiary is to become a costumed super-villain. With Lisa’s help, Cobblepot decides to embrace his opprobrious nickname and exaggerate his most extreme qualities, becoming Penguin! At their next meeting, a monocle-wearing Penguin attacks Batman with a sword-umbrella. (Penguin has always had a thing for umbrellas, but this is the first time he’s ever gimmicked one as a weapon.) Batman easily defeats Penguin, sending him to Arkham Asylum. Soon after, Penguin is released. Avoiding jail time will be Penguin’s special talent—he’ll be an expert at making his actions seem licit throughout the rest of his criminal career. Note that The Penguin #7 contains a Batman-less epilogue that takes place roughly a year later (just prior to Batman: Killing Time), in which the Help is finally able to report back to Penguin that it was Bruce Wayne that purchased and transferred ownership of the Iceberg Lounge to him after the downfall of the Falcone Mob. Penguin now knows definitively that Bruce is Batman.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #53, Robin Vol. 3 #9, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—and referenced in Doomsday Clock #2, Batman Vol. 3 #49, Batman Vol. 3 #54, Batman Giant #6 (Batman: Universe #2), Monkey Prince #4, Batman: Killing Time #1, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Originally told in Detective Comics #58. This item occurs very shortly after Penguin’s debut. At the Stahl Auction House, Batman matches wits with Penguin, who displays new bird-themed motifs and uses a variety of new trick umbrellas. (Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4 gives us a random visual reference showing a bird marking Batman with a permanent scar. The same issue shows a flashback to Penguin giving the Dark Knight a permanent scar with a sword-umbrella. I’ve attached both scenes to this item.) Eventually, Batman punches-out Penguin, after which he collects several of Penguin’s umbrellas, Penguin’s top hat, and a stuffed emperor penguin wearing a top hat. He puts them all on display as trophies in the Batcave, adding a mannequin complete with a tuxedo. Following this affair, Batman puts an umbrella plaque onto his commemorative trophy wall as well.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Penguin – One Bad Day #1. Batman encounters a handful of Penguin’s top henchmen and co-conspirators, including personal assistant The Umbrella Man, top goon Frank, gun runner Freida (and her crew of lady assassins), and underground money lender/launderer Johann Haxel. Notably, Batman busts Frank. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, we can imagine Batman coming toe-to-toe with these characters on-and-off for decades to come.
–REFERENCE: In The Penguin #11. Despite all that has gone on between them, Batman works out a deal with Penguin where the crime-boss will be allowed to operate with relative impunity, so long as he feeds Batman some intel about Gotham’s underworld every now and again. While we won’t always see the specific part of their relationship on our timeline ahead, this will be the status quo (with some sporadic periodic changes) for decades to follow. Neither will really trust one another, and they’ll always be bitter rivals at heart. In the future, Batman will often visit the Iceberg Lounge, seeking information.
–REFERENCE: In Punchline #1. Joker briefly takes control of Arkham Asylum, demanding that Batman commit himself. Batman puts an end to Joker’s game.
–REFERENCE: In Super Sons #5, Superman Vol. 4 #37, Batman/Superman Vol. 2 #5, Justice League Vol. 4 #38, and Superman: Red and Blue #3 Part 1. Batman and Superman have been partnering against crime for some time now, but they had yet to truly click and find a mutual respect for each other—until now. Realizing that they actually have a lot more in common then they thought, Bruce and Clark become best friends. Bruce gets to know all about Clark’s life as a respected journalist (and he’ll follow Clark’s career very closely for decades to come). Bruce also comes to place Clark’s Midwestern values on a pedestal. Batman begins sharing most of his case-files and crime-reports with Superman. Likewise, Superman agrees to do the same. Both the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel will continue to share information at regular intervals, moving forward. Over time, their friendship will grow to be one of the strongest bonds in the DCU. With burgeoning trust developing between them, the two heroes, while having contrasting personality types (Batman is ostensibly more worrisome, for example), will only grow closer, moving forward. However, despite the camaraderie and mutual respect they share for one another, Batman and Superman will still butt heads and fight each other quite often. Most of these fights will happen invisibly, scattered throughout our timeline below. Whenever they fight, Batman will wonder what it would feel like if Superman wasn’t pulling his punches.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 4 #61. Batman and Superman set up an emergency communication frequency just for the two of them to use, naming it the “World’s Finest Frequency.”
–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #25 Part 1
Batman and Superman bust Joker, returning him to Arkham Asylum. After they depart, a disguised Lex Luthor frees Joker. (This is the first ever meeting between Luthor and Joker.) At LexCorp in Metropolis, Luthor explains that he wants Joker to help him decipher a hundred-year-old occult manuscript that has made all his scientists go insane. Luthor puts an explosive collar on Joker, just in case. Joker responds by shaving his head bald in an attempt to look more like Luthor. Disgusted, Luthor has his men give Joker a green toupee. Soon after, following the manuscript’s instructions, Luthor and Joker cross through a wall at an abandoned subway stop to find a magick train. One trippy ride later, Joker and Luthor find themselves inside the Rock of Eternity—the home of the wizard Shazam (and source of extremely powerful magick). As they navigate through the Rock, Joker and Luthor gaze through time portals, viewing Jonah Hex in the Wild West and Abra Kadabra in the 64th century. Finally, they come across the Heart of Eternium, which can grant wishes. Joker takes down its guardian monster (using one of Penguin’s umbrellas) only to steal the Heart from out of Luthor’s hands. Luthor sees a vision of Joker’s chaotic evil wishes and tries to wrestle the Heart away only for it to fall and smash into bits. (The Joker vision reads a bit like the Modern Age’s “Emperor Joker,” although this doesn’t necessarily count as a canonization of that tale.) Joker is zapped back to Arkham while Luthor is zapped back to Metropolis.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 2. Batman fights Penguin.
–REFERENCE: In Batgirl & The Birds of Prey #12, Nightwing Vol. 4 #30, Batman: Urban Legends #4 Part 3, and Batman: One Dark Night #1. Batman deals with more of Gotham’s Italian-American mafia families, including members of the Bertinelli Mob (led by Alfredo Bertinelli, Franco Bertinelli Jr, and Maria Panessa-Bertinelli), Galante Mob (led by Junior Galante and Henry Aquista), Cassamento Mob (led by Santo Cassamento), Berretti Mob (led by Angelo Berretti and his Z-Boys Gang), Inzerillo Mob, and Panessa Mob. As he takes out various mobsters, Batman impresses young Helena Bertinelli, who will be inspired to become a superhero one day. (Note that Helena’s biological father is Santo Cassamento, but she has been and will continue to be raised by her legal guardian Franco Bertinelli Jr.)
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #999. February—Bruce’s birthday. As he did last year on his birthday, Batman runs Program 2.1, placing himself into a virtual world that challenges him by pushing him to his most extreme limits. Batman will continue to run Program 2.1 on his birthday every year, moving forward.
–REFERENCE: In Superman vs Lobo #1.[1] Batman teaches Superman everything he knows about detective work, but tailoring things to Superman’s power set. For example, the Dark Knight tells Superman to examine heart rates and body temperatures during interrogations.
–REFERENCE: In Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 Part 2. Batman begins regularly training with Wildcat (Ted Grant) at the latter’s boxing gym in Brooklyn. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, Batman will spar with Ted regularly.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #6 Part 5. Batman fights Joker.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Giant #6 (Batman: Universe #2). Batman goes on an unspecified mission and collects a full-face armored metal helmet as a trophy, which he displays in the Batcave.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: One Bad Day – Bane #1—and referenced in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #3, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #30, Batman: Urban Legends #7 Part 1, The Joker Vol. 2 #9, The Joker Vol. 2 #15, and Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #13. Originally told in “VENOM” (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20). Feeling inadequate after being unable to save a girl from kidnappers, Batman begins taking the performance-enhancement drug known as Venom—created by disgraced former US Army scientists Timothy Slaycroft and Dr. Randolph Porter. (Dr. Porter is also the father of the girl Batman had failed to save.) Venom, a derivative of Hourman’s Miraclo that Bane will pump into his veins years later, is manufactured primarily on the Caribbean Island nation of Santa Prisca in conjunction with their corrupt dictatorial junta and US military official Dr. Friedrich Baum, who is a secret member of the global cabal known as The Network. Batman becomes aware of the Network, but only through rumor. (Moving forward, he will brush up against the edges of the Network from time-to-time, but never directly encounter the organization.) On Venom, which is given to him directly by Dr. Porter, Batman quickly becomes a hulked-up drug abuser, which leads to Alfred resigning from his post. After a couple weeks of nonstop Venom dosing for patrols, the heavily-addicted Batman burns-out and breaks-down. In tears, he calls Alfred and convinces him to come home. With Alfred’s support, Batman quarantines himself in the Batcave and quits cold-turkey. When Dr. Porter conspires with Slaycroft to blackmail the druggie Batman, the Dark Knight chases them out of the country but realizes he’s become everything he hates. Alfred returns to help Batman clean-up and quit Venom cold turkey. Soon afterward, in Santa Prisca, a drug-free Batman kicks ass and defeats Slaycroft and Dr. Porter, shutting down the latter’s unsavory super-soldier experimentation program. Dr. Porter fakes his own death and goes into hiding.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #968, DC Talent Showcase 2018 #1 Part 1, Detective Comics #1002, and Batman Giant #6 (Batman: Universe #2). Batman links a majority of his Bat-vehicles into the Bat-computer network, thus making them able to be remote-controlled (among many other things). Only a handful of fighter jets remain “analog.” Most of the networked vehicles can also be voice-activated, and all can be viewed on the Bat-computer via remote camera (although Batman will often shut off this feature, along with comms, when out and about). Notably, Commissioner Gordon is added as an authorized user. Furthermore, Batman constructs an ultra-magnetic collar, which he links to several of the newly-networked vehicles. This ultra-magnetic collar goes into his utility belt. Also, Batman programs a hyper-realistic 3D virtual reality version of the Batcave that can be accessed and interfaced-with from the networked vehicles. Using this tech, Batman can “access the Batcave” remotely.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #10. Alfred tells Bruce about trips hunting cape buffalo in Central Africa during his youth.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Giant Vol. 2 #5 Part 1 (Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #7). Wanting to be taken more seriously, Killer Moth burns down his own clubhouse. The super-villain challenges Batman on the roofs of Gotham where Batman busts him.
–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14. Batman and Superman go on an unspecified adventure in which Superman utilizes his cadre of subservient Superman Robots. Superman will use his robots on occasion, moving forward.
–REFERENCE: In Trinity Vol. 2 #8. Batman helps Superman defeat his arch-rival, the 5th Dimensional imp Mr. Mxyzptlk.[2]
–REFERENCE: In Batwoman Vol. 3 #6 and Green Arrow Vol. 6 #29. Batman meets and befriends GCPD Detectives Harvey Bullock and Renee Montoya.
–REFERENCE: In Super Sons #6—originally told in World’s Finest Comics #101. Batman and Superman defeat Atom-Master.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. April. Joker orchestrates a downtown parade for Batman’s monthly “birthday” gift. Batman flies-in on the Batplane and takes care of business. (At first glance, this parade looks like it’s meant to be a version of Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film, but it’s not—because we’ll see that parade a little bit later in the very same issue.)
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1075. While on a nostalgia kick, Bruce purchases the long abandoned Morton’s confectionary shop, which was one of his favorite places to visit as a child.
–REFERENCE: In The Green Lantern #1—originally told in World’s Finest Comics #150. Batman and Superman take on Rokk and Sorban, aliens from the gambling planet of Ventura. With Batman captured, Superman agrees to enter into a high-stakes cosmic casino challenge that will decide Batman’s fate. Superman wins a game of Planetary System Roulette, in which the competitors maneuver actual planets into suns, earning Batman’s freedom.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Casting #1. Batman outfits one of his Batplanes with a metal extending arm that can grip things via a claw at its end. This silly-looking thing seems to be a nod to Superman’s Supermobile, a jet that has a metal extending arm with a fist at the end of it.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: One Bad Day – Two-Face #1—and referenced in Batwoman: Rebirth #1 and Batman Vol. 3 #26. Batman defeats Cluemaster (Arthur Brown) in front of his own young daughter, Stephanie Brown. Afterward, Batman gives Cluemaster a little more leeway than other criminals, hoping that it’ll guide the villain toward a focus on raising Stephanie as opposed to committing heists.
–REFERENCE: In the second feature to Mother Panic #1, the second feature to Mother Panic #5, and the second feature to Mother Panic #7—originally told in Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #156-158 and Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #164-167. Batman meets and saves the life of Lee Hyland (Blink), a metahuman conman who is completely blind but can see through the eyes of any animal or person he touches. Shortly thereafter, despite Blink using his powers to steal from people’s bank accounts, Batman saves the villain’s life a second time. Afterward, Batman lets Blink go, encouraging him to use his powers for good. Blink promises to do so.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #54. Batman goes on an unspecified mission and then adds another commemorative plaque to his trophy wall. This one features a ghoulish white hood or shroud. I’m sure this is a reference to a specific story, but I’m not sure which one.
–FLASHBACK: From Nightwing Vol. 4 #32, Nightwing Vol. 4 #69, Batman Vol. 3 #54, Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 6, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #12, and Nightwing Vol. 4 #111—and referenced in The Green Lantern: Blackstars #2, Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 1, Detective Comics #1037 Part 3, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20, and Nightwing Vol. 4 #109. Bruce visits Haly’s Circus with an unnamed date. There, they witness the Flying Graysons (Mary Grayson and John Grayson) fall to their deaths during a trapeze act. Fourteen-year-old Dick Grayson is orphaned. Also in the audience are: five-year-old boy genius Tim Drake;[3] Tim’s parents Jack Drake and Janet Drake; Mary Grayson’s circus performing acquaintance and bodyguard Richard aka Mr. Numb (who will eventually become the super-villain Raptor); young Shelton Lyle (who will eventually become the super-villain Heartless); and Shelton’s guardian Gerald Chamberlain. Upon learning that the trapeze act was sabotaged by crooks under the employ of gangster Tony Zucco, Batman is not only there for Dick to lean upon, but he immediately begins stalking the killers as well. That very night, Batman busts those responsible for hands-on murdering the Flying Graysons. Batman is unable to find evidence directly linking Zucco to the murder even though he knows Zucco pulled the strings. Zucco escapes and goes into hiding. Batman puts a newspaper with a headline article about the Flying Graysons case on display in the Batcave.[4] Soon afterward, Dick moves into an orphanage where he spends his nights sneaking out to beat up gang bangers. Wanting to adopt Dick but aware of the hurdles involved with the state allowing a notorious playboy care for a child, Bruce throws money at the problem, making strategic donations and endowments where necessary. With additional approval from Dick’s distant relative Aunt Harriet Cooper, Bruce legally adopts Dick as his ward. (Aunt Harriet will be an infrequent part of both Bruce and Dick’s lives, moving forward. Bruce will come to regard her as his “aunt” as well.) Jim Gordon escorts Dick to Wayne Manor, after which Alfred tucks the emotional boy into bed. After settling into Wayne Manor, Dick begins to have night terrors about his parents’ deaths. Bruce will comfort the boy as best he can. At first, Dick hates living in Wayne Manor, rejecting the care of Bruce and Alfred, constantly saying he hates everything, including Alfred’s cucumber sandwiches, which he refuses to eat. After Dick injures himself while swinging-on and destroying a chandelier, Bruce tries harder to connect with him. (Bruce also hated the cucumber sandwiches at first when he was a kid, and he injured himself on the same chandelier when he was a kid too.) Eventually, Dick warms up, revealing a love for potato chips, football, and sit-down dinners with Bruce. Later, Dick sees Bruce working out in the Wayne Manor gym and is very impressed. They do handstands together until Alfred serves up his signature sandwiches. Dick finally tries them and will eventually grow to love them.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #5 Part 5. Batman unmasks to reveal his identity to Dick. Bruce and Dick embrace as the former vows to bring Tony Zucco (who has gone into hiding) to justice.
–Detective Comics #1000 Part 9
Having recently revealed his superhero secret to Dick, Bruce discusses with Alfred whether or not to train Dick to be Batman’s sidekick. Bruce is on the fence, but Alfred thinks it is a good idea, enthusiastically encouraging it. (Alfred’s opinion of using child soldiers will dramatically move in the opposite direction over time.) Dick, who has been hanging from the new chandelier, listens-in and swoops down, telling Bruce that he is ready to fight by his side. By candlelight in the Batcave, Dick swears a formal oath to honor all of Batman’s values. (This swearing-in ceremony is also shown via flashback from Dial H for Hero #5, Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 6, Dark Crisis #1, Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7, Batman Vol. 3 #138, World’s Finest: Teen Titans #6, and Nightwing Vol. 4 #112.) It’s time to begin Dick’s training! The Batman Family aka Bat-Family is officially born.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #43, Detective Comics #965, and Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #6. June. Batman draws up a training regiment and study program, immediately implementing it with Dick in order to prepare him to become his sidekick. This training will start now and last six months. Note that Batman will teach Dick (and all future Robins) everything that he has learned. Furthermore, everything Batman teaches Dick will also later be taught to all future Robins too. These teachings will come to be known as the “Robin Training Protocol.”
–FLASHBACK: From Nightwing Vol. 4 #111. A sad Dick reads JRR Tolkien alone in his Wayne Manor room. Alfred suggests Bruce go sit with the boy, giving him a copy of the Sesame Street story, The Monster at the End of This Book. Despite it being targeted to younger kids, Alfred thinks it’ll help put Dick at ease. Bruce spends quality time with Dick.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #78. While Bruce is off on unspecified business, Dick fights a bully named Shelton Lyle and meets Commissioner Gordon’s daughter Barbara “Babs” Gordon for the very first time. (Babs lives with her mom and brother in Chicago, but she is visiting her dad in Gotham for a bit.) Jim and Babs give Dick a ride home to Wayne Manor. (Note that Jim Gordon is referred to as Detective Lieutenant in this item, which is big-time continuity error! Also note that this item is portrayed as a snow scene, but it’s late Spring/early Summer, so we should either ignore the seasonality or chalk this up to extreme anthropogenic climate change. Nightwing Vol. 4 2022 Annual Part 1 also shows this scene, depicting it as occurring in winter. Again, we must take the same course of action in regard to the seasonality/weather.)
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1074. As a symbolic gift for Dick, Bruce purchases the Gotham fairgrounds where Dick’s parents were killed, telling him he should always visit and never forget his motivation. Bruce still has no clue that, despite having befallen similar tragedy, Dick simply isn’t built the same way.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #19 and Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #5 Part 1. Batman tells his “criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot” mantra to Dick. He’ll tell this to all future Robins as well.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Prelude to the Wedding Part 2 – Nightwing vs Hush #1. Dick is shocked to witness the stuffy Bruce eat a burger with a knife and fork. All of the future Robins will have a similar experience and have the same chuckling reaction to this politesse, thinking Bruce the ultimate product of being raised by a prim-and-proper butler. (These mealtime interactions will have to be imagined on our timeline ahead.)
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #5 Part 5. Batman teaches Dick various meditation techniques, stressing the importance of fortitude and stillness.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics Annual #3 (2020) Part 1 and Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #12. Bruce, Dick, and Alfred pose for a portrait, which gets hung up in Wayne Manor. Bruce poses for a solo portrait as well.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #24. Batman continues training Dick, telling him to always take advantage of one’s surroundings while in combat. Batman also tells Dick that most criminals are unable to focus on anything other than themselves, which is a foible that can be exploited.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #81. Batman continues training Dick, teaching him the secret “language of fighting,” in which one can communicate via blows while in combat. Batman will teach this to every future member of the Bat-Family.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #30-32. Batman continues training Dick, teaching him investigative skills. Batman tells his ward that detective work is “breaking things apart to put them back together”—meaning one must view the greater picture as a bunch of smaller puzzle pieces that must be put together in the correct way in order to solve the mystery. He also stresses that being a hero means helping and protecting everyone, even sometimes bad people who are undeserving.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #43. Batman continues training Dick, impressing upon him that in their line of work, they must be ready to respond to a call at all times, meaning they can never take a day off. He will stress this idea (and practice what he preaches) for decades to come.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #141. Batman sends Dick to study/train abroad in Paris with his old mentor, the Gray Shadow (Lucie Chesson). Dick will be away for an unspecified amount of time, but likely for no longer than a few weeks.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Bruce falls asleep while doing some book research. Alfred checks up on him and serves him a beverage. This flashback panel is drawn vaguely enough that this might actually be an image of Alfred checking up on Dick, but I’ve gone with Alfred checking up on Bruce instead.
–REFERENCE: In New Talent Showcase 2017 #1 Part 3. Batman continues training Dick, who has come to regard his mentor as being quite grumpy. Batman tells Dick a few pointers: never take on problems that aren’t worth taking on; always realize that physical pain is only really in your mind; always attack assailants head-on if civilians are in danger; in limited combat space, use your opponent’s body against himself; never get cocky; everyone needs a family to rely on; there’s no problem that doesn’t have a solution; and always rescue babies and children first.
–FLASHBACK: From the second feature to Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #17—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #42. Batman chats with Joker’s primary Arkham Asylum psychiatrist, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a famous gymnast cum genius neurologist that has been Joker’s therapist ever since his debut. This flashback is just a single image from a title splash page attached to this second feature.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 11, Detective Comics #1027 Part 1, Man-Bat Vol. 4 #1, Man-Bat Vol. 4 #4, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—and referenced in Batwoman: Rebirth #1, Batman Vol. 3 #25, Batman Vol. 3 #32, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #35, Doomsday Clock #2-3, and Detective Comics #1001. Originally told in Detective Comics #400. Batman meets super-science husband-and-wife duo Dr. Kirk Langstrom and Dr. Francine Langstrom. Kirk ingests experimental Man-Bat Serum, which mutates him into the flesh-eating “Man-Bat.” Batman not only deals with the debuting Blackout Gang (Jarret, Joey, Louis, Mick, and one unnamed member), but he also simultaneously takes-down the raging Man-Bat to save Francine’s life. (Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4 reveals that Batman earns a permanent scar from this fight.) The Dark Knight then restores Kirk to human form with an anti-serum. Batman will keep this antiserum in his utility belt at all times, moving forward. Able to somehow avoid a jail sentence and thankful to Batman, Langstrom—along with his wife—becomes an ally to him. Unfortunately, moving forward, Kirk will be a very unstable and troublesome ally, easily manipulated and prone to control by malevolent forces. He will be in and out of Arkham Asylum as well. Despite this, Batman will constantly pull strings to keep Kirk out of prison, hoping that his benevolence as a scientist will outweigh his monstrous nature. No matter the true relationship between Batman and the Langstroms, the public will come to regard Man-Bat as a menace and one of Batman’s biggest rivals. Extrapolating further upon the “true relationship” between the Langstroms and Batman, there exists a dark secret hidden from the Caped Crusader. The Langstroms secretly work for the US Government’s Department of Metahuman Affairs (DMA), which has recruited and funded Kirk in an effort to create man-bat metahuman soldiers. As revealed in Doomsday Clock #9, the Department of Metahuman Affairs is secretly run by Professor Martin Stein.
–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #2. Likely in response to the recent Man-Bat experience, Batman begins keeping bat repellent (to ward off actual bats) in his utility belt. I guess you could call it Bat-bat-repellent.
–REFERENCE: In Wonder Woman Vol. 5 #56. Dr. Kirk Langstrom helps Batman by whipping-up a strong knock-out serum, which the Dark Knight uses to defeat Solomon Grundy.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #985. Batman gives Dick a tricky test as part of his ongoing training. Having been taught strict obedience thus far, Batman gives Dick a rule that is deliberately wonky and made to be broken. Dick disobeys Batman’s bad order and passes the test.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #6 Part 2. Kirk Langstrom, as he often does, once again loses control, becoming Man-Bat. Batman fights Man-Bat in a very public confrontation.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: One Bad Day – Mr. Freeze #1. Batman and Alfred build the Sun Suit, a highly experimental flame-based Bat-costume.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 11—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #25, Detective Comics #1000 Deluxe Edition Part 12, and Batman: Urban Legends #19 Part 5. Killer Croc (Waylon Jones) debuts against Batman. Despite being completely animalistic and vicious, Batman will always harbor a measure of sadness and sympathy for Killer Croc on account of the fact he was born different and suffered abuse and exile his whole life.
–FLASHBACK: From Nightwing Vol. 4 #112. Batman continues training Dick. They spar in the Batcave. Batman gives Dick a valuable life lesson about channeling one’s anger.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. September. For his monthly “birthday” present to Batman, an escaped Joker kidnaps a bus full of children. Batman saves the kids.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1000 Part 5 and Detective Comics #1000 Part 10. September 21. Batman, as he does every year on the anniversary of his parents’ murders, visits both Crime Alley (where his parents were killed) and the cemetery where his parents are buried.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #23 Part 2. As part of Dick’s ongoing training, Batman teaches him that, if all else fails, you can always improvise in any situation.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Killing Time #2—and referenced in Batman: Killing Time #2. Late September—this item occurs three months prior to the main action of Batman: Killing Time. (The date range specifically given for this item is December 26-29, but we cannot take any date specificity by writer Tom King at face value, especially if Batman: Killing Time is meant to jibe with his The Penguin #6-7 timeline. However, while we’ve been forced to shift month specificity from December to September, we could technically still honor the 26th through 29th date range, which I’ve more-or-less done here.) Joker abducts Batman, binds him in chains, hangs him upside down, and injects him with truth serum, hoping to learn all of his secrets. Batman is able to restrain himself from spewing forth confidential information—except for the location of the Eye of Christ artifact (a gift Bruce received from Ra’s al Ghul a few years ago), which is currently stored in a United Bank of Gotham vault thirty miles outside of Gotham. Batman then escapes from Joker’s clutches. Joker remains at large. Three days later, Joker commits the so-called Massacre of Newton Hill. It’s unknown if Batman is directly involved in the massacre, but even if he isn’t, he obviously would be aware and on the case. Joker remains at large.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—and referenced in All-Star Batman #10, Year of the Villain: Black Mask #1, The Joker Vol. 2 #2021 Annual, and Batman: Killing Time #5. Bruce’s troubled childhood friend (he had a a lot them!) Roman Sionis, having recently killed his own parents by burning them alive in an arson fire, now becomes the skull-faced super-villain known as Black Mask (Roman Sionis), simultaneously starting a cult known as The False Face Society. Batman defeats Black Mask and the False Face Society, earning a permanent scar in the process.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #25, Batman Vol. 3 #54, Detective Comics #1000 Deluxe Edition Part 12, Detective Comics #1000 Deluxe Edition Part 13, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #8 Part 1. Batman defeats The Ventriloquist (Arnold Wesker) and his gun-toting dummy Scarface. During the fight, Batman suffers a permanent scar. Notably, Scarface has such an aversion to Batman that he can’t even say the letter B, although this tic only manifests sometimes. Afterward, Batman adds a plaque with a picture of Scarface on it to his commemorative trophy wall. Batman also psychoanalyzes the captive Ventriloquist, learning that he’s actually quite meek and timid, and that his evil side only manifests as a wholly split personality through the catalyst of the Scarface dummy.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Pennyworth RIP #1. Batman, as part of Dick’s training, teaches him to be mindful of tools and tradecraft, meaning that, not only must he learn to forge his own throwing-weaponry, but he must also do his best to retrieve any weaponry left behind at the scene of battles. Batman will teach this important set of lessons to all the future Bat-Family members as well.
–FLASHBACK: From Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen Vol. 3 #5—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #68. In Gotham, a “Toy War” erupts between Toyman (Winslow Schott) and the Ventriloquist (with Scarface). Batman and Superman team-up to tackle the situation. A few days in, Superman introduces Batman to Jimmy Olsen. Batman is disgusted that Superman would bring a civilian, and one carrying a camera no less. Batman knocks Jimmy’s camera out of his hands and swings away to deal with the villains by himself. Later, Batman learns how close Superman and Jimmy really are, including the fact that Jimmy has a special signal watch that he can use to call the Man of Steel for help at any time.
–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman Vol. 2 #7 and Batman: Killing Time #5—originally told in the Batman The Animated Series TV show. Batman defeats the second incarnation of the Clock King (Temple Fugate). Note that Batman has yet to meet the original Clock King, although he will meet him later. Interestingly, while clearly modeled after the Animated Series‘ Temple Fugate, this guy never actually goes by the name Temple Fugate in any comics. In fact, he’s called “William” or “Bill,” which is also the name of his predecessor. Make of that what you will. (Some folks online call Clock King II “William Tockman,” but that’s bizarre since the original Clock King was always named “William Tockman.” We now potentially have two Clock Kings named “William,” so why muddy the waters even further?)
–FLASHBACK: In Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—and referenced in Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Bruce and Dick spar with bō staffs. Later, Bruce watches Dick train on the gymnastic rings. This flashback/visual reference combo is drawn vaguely enough that it could be an image of Dick or Jason. But I’ve gone with the assumption that it is Dick.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #26 and Batman: Killing Time #5. Batman busts the scarified knife-wielding serial killer Victor Zsasz and his henchmen. Zsasz’s trademark is cutting a tally mark into his own flesh whenever he kills someone.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #79. Catwoman steals the Coner Diamond from the Gotham Museum, but Batman steals it back.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #150. Batman defeats an escaped Ventriloquist (along with Scarface and his newest henchman Teddy Critchley). Batman does some digging on Teddy, learning that he and his wife Kim Critchley have just had a baby named Yuto Critchley. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, Batman will secretly keep tabs on Teddy and his family. Teddy will wind up henching for various super-villains. It’s entirely possible that Batman will scrap with Teddy again, although we’ll simply have to imagine those interactions over the years to come on our chronology ahead.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #38, Year of the Villain: The Riddler #1, and Batman: Killing Time #5. Batman busts pharaoh-themed super-villain King Tut. While we will rarely ever see King Tut on our chronology, Year of the Villain: The Riddler #1 tells us that King Tut will often challenge Batman, but the Dark Knight will usually ignore his threats. Thus, while they won’t have much interaction, moving forward on our timeline, we should imagine Batman shaking his damn head at a lot of King Tut notes left for him at the police station.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Killing Time #2. November. This item occurs seventeen days before the start of the main action of Batman: Killing Time. (The date specifically given for this item is January 18, but, as stated earlier, we cannot take any date specificity by writer Tom King at face value, especially if Batman: Killing Time is meant to jibe with his The Penguin #6-7 timeline.) Catwoman and an escaped Riddler rob a jewel shop. Batman busts them, sending both to Arkham Asylum. Behind bars, Catwoman and Riddler will continue to scheme together.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Detective #4. Batman defends a deli from some would-be thieves, earning the praise and thanks of the deli’s mom and pop owners.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #971, Detective Comics #995, and the 2nd feature to Batman Vol. 3 #128. Batman activates the “red phone,” a direct “hotline” connection to Commissioner Gordon. Batman has long been able to phone Gordon, but now Gordon can phone him too. The red phone exists in the form of both a kitschy scarlet antique phone in the Batcave and a crimson-colored cellphone in Batman’s utility belt. Gordon’s hotline is also connected to Wayne Manor so that Batman and Alfred can receive calls at home too. (Note that Batman, as new tech becomes available, will always upgrade his cellphone to new models throughout the years to come.)
–REFERENCE: In Shadow War: Alpha #1. Batman defeats the debuting femme fatales Silken Spider, Tiger Moth, and Dragonfly, who are all secretly members of the League of Assassins.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: One Bad Day – Mr. Freeze #1. As part of Dick’s ongoing training, Bruce and Alfred give him special final exams, including one where he has to hack into a STAR Labs satellite.
–Batman: Killing Time #1-6[5]
Early December—nearly a year (about eleven months) since The Penguin #7. (The date range specifically given for this item is March 4-8, but we cannot take any date specificity by writer Tom King at face value, especially if Batman: Killing Time is meant to jibe with his Penguin #6-7 timeline.) Penguin has hired Catwoman (who rocks a new all-black leather costume), Riddler, and Killer Croc to pull off the heist of the Eye of Christ artifact, which Bruce received from Ra’s al Ghul a few years ago and is currently stored in a United Bank of Gotham vault thirty miles outside of Gotham. (Note that, starting now, Catwoman will go through a variety of different costumes—including her latest—over the course of the next few years.) Unknown to Penguin, the villains (plus Temple Fugate aka Clock King II) are playing/using him. While Catwoman fleeces and kidnaps the United Bank president’s wife, Croc robs a different bank as a distraction for Batman and the cops. Commissioner Gordon, who is said to be “newly appointed” (this is another King continuity error), calls on Batman for help. While Batman is engaged with Croc, the United Bank president, with his wife being threatened by Catwoman, is forced to access the vault and hand over the Eye of Christ to Riddler. The Help acts as a courier, delivering a ton of Penguin’s cash to Croc’s girlfriend Vera Angleton aka Vera Miles. This is payment to Croc for having been bait and taken the fall. As planned, Penguin meets Catwoman and Riddler. But instead of turning over the Eye of Christ (in exchange for a large cash sum that has already been given to them), Riddler and Catwoman betray Penguin. Riddler beats the shit out of him, specifically in a way that leaves a morse code message in his bruises and contusions. (Riddler can’t help but leave clues for Batman and will do so throughout this arc.) Riddler plans to sell the Eye of Christ to a buyer willing to pay even more—the US government. Batman quickly realizes that the villains have stolen the Eye of Christ. Batman also realizes that Clock King is involved. A day later, Catwoman and Riddler hide at Clock King’s lake house forty miles north of Gotham (which is also paradoxically stated to be 120 miles southwest of Gotham). Meanwhile, Batman and Gordon visit Arkham Asylum. Gordon tells Batman, “This is all new. These Arkham people… You don’t know them and they don’t know you.” (This references the fact that Dr. Jeremiah Arkham has recently—within the past couple years—carried on his family legacy and taken control of the prison.) Batman and Gordon interrogate Croc, connecting him to Vera. Batman interrogates Vera, which leads him to the Iceberg Lounge where he learns of Penguin’s condition. Batman visits Penguin at the hospital, which points him the address of the lake house. On Penguin’s dime, the Help goes to the lake house and shoots Riddler in the stomach. Batman arrives and begins fighting the Help. (Our story narrator, Clock King, regards this as the first of several epic scuffles between the two, but they definitely only clash this one time in this arc, so who knows about that line.) The Help kicks Batman’ ass, leaving him unconscious. Meanwhile, Catwoman and the badly wounded Riddler escape in the stolen Batmobile. After they leave, a US government representative arrives (the new buyer) only to get tortured and killed by the Help. Batman comes-to, finds the burning Batmobile down the road. Catwoman has taken Riddler to an acquaintance that runs a big cat sanctuary with hopes of getting him surgical help. A day later, the Help tortures and interrogates the hospitalized Penguin to learn that the Eye of Christ is the MacGuffin at the heart of the story. Batman borrows a motorcycle, leaving an envelope containing $100k (presumably Catwoman and Riddler’s Penguin payoff recovered from the lake house) for the bike’s owner. Upon arrival at the big cat sanctuary, Batman fights released tigers. Meanwhile, a recovering Riddler meets with US government agent Nuri Espinoza at a diner to explain what went south with the lake house exchange. They argue, after which Nuri’s government comrades point guns at Riddler. Catwoman emerges and kicks all their asses. Back at the big cat sanctuary, the Help saves Batman from the tigers. They reluctantly join forces. Later, a vengeful Penguin begins hiring the henchmen of all of Gotham’s prominent super-villains, with plans to create a goon army to unleash upon Riddler and Catwoman. While we don’t see every henchman-loan approval, we do see Penguin chatting with Two-Face about hiring his muscle. A day later, Riddler and Catwoman meet with Nuri at Gotham’s Moldoff Park to exchange the Eye of Christ for more cash. The deal is authorized by US President George W Bush, who also green-lights military action should things go badly again. And of course, things go very badly. Riddler is betrayed by both Catwoman and Nuri. Penguin’s army of hundreds of henchmen arrives along with Batman, the Help, and a squad of FBI agents.[6] Chaos ensues. Dozens are violently killed. While this is a henchmen-only conflict, the real Joker shows up and kills a bunch of folks. The Help fights Catwoman. Batman fights Nuri. Clock King (Temple Fugate), as planned, recovers the Eye of Christ and makes a clean escape. The military attempts to drop a bomb on Moldoff Park, but Batman stops them. Riddler shoots Nuri, who survives but with a brain injury. (Nuri will eventually recover, garnering an intense hatred of Batman for the rest of her life.) Batman drops knockout gas on the park from above to neutralize the situation. Riddler, Catwoman, and the Help all flee the scene. A day later, Batman puts together all the pieces of the puzzle. He punches out Penguin in the Iceberg Lounge. Meanwhile, Clock King takes a commercial flight to Europe. Bored now that the game is over, he gives the Eye of Christ to a flight attendant. (By year’s end, the Eye of Christ will wind up in Nat Yellin’s pawn shop where it’ll get purchased by Vera Angleton.) Note that Killing Time has two epilogues yet to come (roughly a month from now). These will be listed below on our timeline.
–FLASHBACK: From The Batman Who Laughs #4, Robins #2, Robins #6, Dark Crisis #1, Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #6, and Batman: City of Madness #2—and referenced in Flash Vol. 5 #21, Flash Vol. 5 #64, Nightwing Vol. 4 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #37, Teen Titans Vol. 6 #8, Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #7, Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1 Part 4, Detective Comics #965, Detective Comics #971, Detective Comics #996, Batman Vol. 3 #33, Batman Vol. 3 #55, The Terrifics #3, The Batman Who Laughs #4, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #6, Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 3 #7, Justice League Vol. 4 #53, Robins #1, the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #122, and Batman Vol. 3 #130. Originally told in Batman Chronicles: The Gauntlet and Batman and Robin Vol. 2 Annual #2. Early December. Dick Grayson completes his six month training and becomes Batman’s sidekick. Based on Dick’s own designs (modeled after his circus gear), Batman and Alfred tailor two additional bright red-and-green costumes for the boy—a classic-looking speedo outfit and a more modern-looking (New 52 style) full body-coverage outfit. Dick will wear both of these interchangeably, moving forward.[7] Despite having helped make the costume, upon seeing Dick wearing it for the first time, Batman warns him that yellow might be too bright. When Dick says he’s chosen the name “Robin,” Batman pauses for a moment, thinking of the death of AJ Dodge. Batman secretly imbeds hidden cameras into the breastplates of all Robin’s costumes (and into the breastplates of each spare costume as well). From these cameras, Batman can (and will) monitor Robin when he gets out of his line of sight or does anything solo. The cameras will also save video footage and archive cases on the Bat-computer. (Note that, while it won’t be listed on our timeline moving forward, Batman will have the inveterate tendency to embed hidden cameras and/or homing beacons on many future Bat-Family members’ costumes in order to keep tabs on them. It is thanks to these secret costume cams and homing beacons, for instance, that Batman will be able to log and view all of Robin’s future Teen Titans cases. Some of the more savvy Bat-Family members—such as Damian, Batgirl, and an adult Dick—will be able to avoid their mentor’s spying.) Batman puts Robin through one final “gauntlet” exercise, tasking him with a six-hour game of rooftop tag. However, during the challenge, Robin winds up going solo to help bust gangster Joe Minette and his right hand man Lou Delcaine, shutting down the entire Minette crime organization. Robin then goes on his first official patrol with the Caped Crusader at his side, during which they bust the mutated warthog gangster called Tusk. Batman also introduces Robin to Commissioner Gordon, who does not approve of a child fighting in the Dark Knight’s war on crime. Gordon makes his views on child safety very clear to Batman. The Commish will never fully accept minors battling alongside Batman, but he will eventually come to respect Robin (and the other future Bat-Family kids to follow). The newly formed “Dynamic Duo” (as Batman and Robin will quickly be labeled) becomes the immediate scourge of Gotham’s underworld. Batman and Robin then go on an unspecified adventure during which they escape from an exploding building, which leads to their photo being taken and used in newspapers. (This bit about the photo is taken via reference from the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #122, in which Batman is shown wearing his yellow oval costume. This costume depiction is an out-and-out error.) The news media immediately labels Robin as the “Boy Wonder,” “Teenage Typhoon,” “Young Daredevil,” “Living Hurricane,” and “Hard-Fisted Little Scrapper.” Note that Dick quickly realizes that part of his “job” as Batman’s sidekick is to mellow out the grim n’gritty attitude of the Dark Knight. Dick will be quite good at this, putting a smile on Batman’s face quite often by making near-constant jokes and puns while on patrol. This includes Robin saying his signature “Holy, Batman!” catchphrase, which will enter the cultural lexicon by the end of the year. Dick will often tell Batman it’s okay to smile every once in a while. This concept of Robin being the “light that brightens the darkness” will get passed down the line to each new Robin. Batman notices that Dick loves swinging from rooftop to rooftop whereas he prefers to be at street level. (Batman will notice that all future Robins will enjoy rooftop swinging.) Note that Dick is emotionally damaged at this juncture, especially with the recent deaths of his parents. For Dick, being a crime-fighting jester of sorts is his only outlet to deal with his loss. Also note that Robin will sometimes be headstrong, disobeying direct orders and going off-script. This will result in an angry Batman benching Robin from time to time. (This will also happen with Robins 2, 3, and 4.) Dick will also spend a lot of time trying (and failing) to sneak up on his mentor. Not all of these incidents are specifically shown on our timeline. As such, they will not all be specifically listed, moving forward. We must simply imagine them scattered throughout the chronology.[8]
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. Early December—the editorial caption mistakenly says January of Year Three, but, due to its narrative content, the earliest this flashback can go is right now, making it slightly out of order compared to what the issue shows. As he does every month, Joker sends an evil “birthday” present to Batman. This time, it’s an odd birthday card that is seemingly co-signed by Penguin. Batman puzzles over the nonsensical card, which reminds Batman to “water his Robins or they’ll never grow into strong and strapping Batmans.” Obviously, this is a reaction to the recent debut of Robin. We shouldn’t take Joker’s bizarre poetic license to mean that there are already multiple Robins.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Casting #1, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #36, and Batman Vol. 3 #54. Dr. Paul Dekker debuts as Crazy Quilt, a gaudy super-villain, who has deep knowledge of the occult and bizarre chemical science. Crazy Quilt tries to hypnotize Batman and Robin using the color spectrum, but the heroes put him behind Arkham bars.
–FLASHBACK: From Poison Ivy #21. First, Batman is wearing his yellow oval costume in this story, which must be ignored. At Seattle University, Dr. Pamela Isley experiments with Ophiocordyceps Lamia fungus alongside fellow botanists (including her lovers Dr. Jason Woodrue and Dr. Bella Gartner, her married friends Dr. Alec Holland and Dr. Linda Holland, and her associate Dr. Philip Sylvian). The experiments leave Pamela with plant powers and a connection to the Green (the mystic force that binds together all vegetal life). Pamela travels from Seattle to Gotham City where she learns how to use her powers, badly injuring a man with her deadly pheromones. While this man isn’t named in Poison Ivy #21, it must be Guy Mandrake, who gets saved by Batman but will later become the super-villain Mr. Noxious (as per reference in Batwoman: Rebirth #1). Soon after, Pamela debuts as the super-villain Poison Ivy, publicly threatening to release bio-toxins across the city. Batman and Robin meet and defeat Poison Ivy, who accidentally runs into the waiting arms of Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD. At Arkham Asylum, Poison Ivy chats with a fellow patient named Violet before being quickly released. Outside, Poison Ivy sees a patrolling Batman, who confronts her a few days later. For a moment, Batman and Poison Ivy tease joining forces, but Batman ultimately parts ways, telling Poison Ivy he’ll never trust her terroristic ways. As referenced in Poison Ivy #25, an unnerved Batman will always associate the scent of wet earth that accompanies Poison Ivy with the smell of a freshly dug grave. As referenced in Batman Giant Vol. 2 #2 (Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #3) and Poison Ivy #25, following this encounter, Batman begins stocking herbicide/defoliant and anti-hallucinatory medications in his utility belt. Notably, while a most of the public will quickly come to regard Poison Ivy as a mass murdering eco-terrorist (as mentioned in Batgirl Vol. 5 #35), she won’t actually kill anyone for many years to come (as referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #43).
–the second feature to Batman Vol. 3 #122-123
First, as previously mentioned, Batman is shown wearing his yellow oval costume in this story. This is wrong. Someone puts a hit out on Robin, prompting Batman to go into protective mode. Batman meets with Commissioner Gordon to discuss the hit, after which he comes across Deathstroke. (Notably, Batman encountered Deathstroke once before but, heretofore, had never known his name. Also of note, Deathstroke is already wearing a different costume than before. Like Catwoman, he’ll wear a few different costumes rather interchangeably.) A grinning Deathstroke (dosed with Joker Venom) unmasks, revealing that he’s been hired by Joker. Batman offers to help Deathstroke if he stands down, but the assassin shakes off the effects of Joker Venom while swearing vengeance against the Clown Prince of Crime. Batman trails Deathstroke to Joker’s hideout where the trio engage in a fight. Batman busts Joker, allowing Deathstroke to flee. Later, Batman and Robin debrief with Commissioner Gordon while Deathstroke debriefs with his right hand man William Randolph Wintergreen.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #44, Batman Vol. 3 #78, Batman Vol. 3 #85, and Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #6—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #24, Batman Vol. 3 #50, Batman Vol. 3 #79, and Detective Comics #1012. Originally told in Batman #1 Part 3. Batman and Robin board a boat called the SS Dolphin to prevent the theft of a priceless diamond by an escaped Catwoman, who is disguised as an old woman. After unmasking Catwoman, Batman recovers the diamond, hidden in a bandage around her ankle. Batman, sensing empathy in her eyes, falls for Catwoman and allows her to go free. Later, Bruce realizes that the love he feels for Catwoman is legit. He knows that he’s met his equal and there will never be another quite like her. Bruce purchases the diamond that Catwoman had attempted to steal on the boat and stores it in a safe place, knowing deep down that one day, he will give it to her.[9]
–Catwoman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular Part 6[10]
Batman learns that Catwoman has stolen an antique mezuzah, so the Dark Knight confronts Selina at her apartment where she is still plying her trade as a sex worker. They flirt, but Batman can’t get her to say why she took the Jewish artifact. Later, Catwoman gives the mezuzah to one of her childhood foster mothers, who is on her deathbed in an old folks home.
–Batman Vol. 3 Annual #2 Part 1
The crafty Catwoman, having discovered Batman’s secret ID, breaks into the Batcave via the manor above, stealing the Batmobile! Alfred alerts a patrolling Batman, who chases after Catwoman, who crashes the car into Porky’s Bar. Present at Porky’s are owner Porky and the watering hole’s usual offbeat customers, including Silver St. Cloud, Elmer Fudd, Taz, an unnamed guy and his pet frog named Michigan J Frog, Bugs the Bunny, Yosemite Sam, and William Ernest Coyote.[11] Notably, Tom King writes this scene as if Porky gives Batman the name “Batmobile” for his cars, but that must be ignored as a continuity error. Batman has been using the term “Batmobile” for a long while already. The Dark Knight retrieves the smashed-up Batmobile, in which he finds that Catwoman has left him a mouse. Batman keeps the mouse as a pet in Wayne Manor. Shortly thereafter, Batman busts Riddler and turns him over to Commissioner Gordon, at which time the villain delivers a cryptic riddle. A day later, Bruce lounges at Wayne Manor and tries to make sense of the riddle. When a pen goes missing, Alfred jokes about calling Superman for help. Bruce realizes that Catwoman is inside the house again. He chases her, but she hops out the window and gets away. Outside, police and news media have gathered—called to the scene by Catwoman herself in order to make a spectacle. Inside, Catwoman has left Bruce another mouse, which goes in the cage with the other rodent. Bruce immediately installs extra security alarms in Wayne Manor. A few days later, Catwoman breaks into Wayne Manor again, taking Bruce’s mother’s pearl out of the safe to examine it. Batman enters and they talk about their orphan childhoods while flirting with each other. (This scene is shown via flashback from Catwoman Vol. 5 #17, although Catwoman is wearing the wrong costume in it.) Catwoman sets off one of Batman’s smoke pellets and escapes, leaving another mouse, which gets added to the cage. A couple days later, Batman catches Catwoman atop Wayne Manor, trying to break in yet again. He chases her while she tells him that she’s testing him to make him stronger because she wants him to survive his dangerous vigilante quest. Catwoman disappears into the woods, but once again leaves another mouse, which joins the rest of the little squeakers. After some quick detective work, Batman is able to locate Selina’s new apartment. There, Bruce and Selina kiss for the first time ever! They then jokingly argue about how they first met, debating which encounter—their actual first meeting on the street or their recent meeting on the boat, during which they discovered their love for one another—is more legit. This debate will be an in-joke that will stay with the duo for decades. Despite being at odds and occasionally warring with one another, Batman and Catwoman will remain on-again-off-again lovers from this point forward. Their intermittent love affair will continue for years to come, although most of it will remain invisible on our timeline.
–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #30
Thanks to editorial notation (and writer Mark Waid’s own narrative), this item specifically tells the story of Batman and Superman meeting Wonder Woman for the second time (with Wonder Woman Vol. 5 Annual #1 Part 1 being the first time), prior to the formation of the Justice League. It also details Robin’s first meeting with Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, Batman is drawn wearing the wrong yellow oval costume, which is a continuity error that must be ignored. When a murder occurs on Themyscira (aka Paradise Island), Wonder Woman calls Batman and Superman for assistance. After learning more about Themyscira, Batman fills in Robin, who begs to join. Upon arrival, Wonder Woman introduces the heroes to her mother, the queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta. Superman, Batman, and Robin examine the body of the victim. After riding a kanga (an Amazonian kangaroo), Robin assists Superman in questioning Magala, who says she has been attacked by a mystery person that emerged from the Well of Souls, which connects to the underworld of Tartarus. Meanwhile, Batman and Wonder Woman discover that the corpse isn’t even real, meaning there is no murder. The entire charade has been perpetrated by Apate (the Greco-Roman goddess of deceit) and her brother Dolos aka The Duke of Deception (the Greco-Roman god of trickery) in an effort to steal the magickal item known as the Secret Flame of Prometheus. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman fight Apate and Dolos, causing the destruction of the Secret Flame of Prometheus. Robin arrives with a squadron of Amazons (including Nubia and Penelope), who push Apate and Dolos back through the gate to Tartarus. With the case solved, Superman invites Wonder Woman to have coffee with he and Batman, setting a date shortly in the future. Presumably, the trio has this meeting.
–FLASHBACK: From Wonder Woman Vol. 5 #35, Flash Vol. 5 #21, Flash Vol. 5 #40, Justice League Vol. 4 #51, and Absolute Power: Task Force VII #6—and referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #26, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #5, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #27, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #42, Titans Vol. 3 Annual #1, Superman Vol. 4 #37, Justice League Vol. 3 #24, Justice League Vol. 3 #38, Green Arrow Vol. 6 #29, Wonder Twins #1, Suicide Squad Vol. 5 #25, The Green Lantern #7, Batman Giant #12 (Batman: Universe #5), Green Lantern 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular Part 2, Superman Vol. 5 #25-26, Wonder Woman #793, Green Arrow Vol. 7 #5, Nightwing Vol. 4 #109, and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23. Originally told in Justice League Vol. 2 #1-6 (“JUSTICE LEAGUE” aka “JUSTICE LEAGUE: ORIGIN”). The world learns of the existence of the New Gods when the evil New God Darkseid and his army of Parademons invade from the extradimensional planet Apokolips.[12] In response, the Justice League aka “Justice League of America” (JL/JLA) forms. Its initial lineup features Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash (Barry Allen), Aquaman (Orin/Arthur Curry), Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and a thirteen-year-old Cyborg (Silas Stone’s son, Victor Stone).[13] (As referenced in Action Comics #978, Super Sons #5, and Superman Vol. 5 #25, starting now and moving forward, Superman will randomly alternate between his regular red trunks costume and a New 52-styled Mandarin/Nehru collar costume.) When Superman is captured and taken to Apokolips, Batman travels there to rescue him from Darkseid’s minions Desaad and Steppenwolf. (Nightwing Vol. 4 #109 tells us that an injured Batman—while doped up on painkillers—headbutts a New God. I’m not sure if this is a reference to something specific, but it could very easily be a nod to his first encounter with the New Gods here.) While in Apokolips, Batman learns that Darkseid’s lifelong goal has been (and continues to be) the search for The Anti-Life Equation, a cosmic sentient mathematical formula with which one can dominate all life. After defeating Darkseid and his army, Batman tells Robin all about his cosmic adventure. Batman also studies the physiology of a dead Parademon and learns about the New Gods’ sentient computers/wormhole-opening devices known as Mother Boxes. Batman keeps a Mother Box for study. With the aid of metahuman-powered construction, the JL quickly builds two separate HQs, one public-facing and one hidden—the Hall of Justice in Washington DC and the Secret Sanctuary in Happy Harbor, RI, respectively. At the Hall of Justice, the JL installs a semi-sentient networked super-computer, affectionately named Supercomputer. Presumably, this network connects to the Secret Sanctuary too. (In Wonder Twins #1, which takes place in 2018, Superman mentions that the Hall of Justice was built “before cellphones.” There were definitely cellphones in 2003, but definitely no touch-screen smartphones. Thus, Superman’s comment actually makes sense. The addition of the Hall of Justice in conjunction with the Secret Sanctuary is unique to the Rebirth Era. In previous comic book continuities, the Hall of Justice wasn’t built until much later. However, having it implemented here, early on our timeline, coincides with the way things were in the old Super Friends TV show from the 1970s. Suffice to say, the Justice League will utilize the private Sanctuary much more often than the Hall of Justice. Both HQs will have everything a good superhero lair requires, including training facilities, trophy rooms, armories, and more.) Cyborg, being too young to continue as a member, departs and is immediately replaced by the Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz). As such, Cyborg and Martian Manhunter are technically both founding JL members. Batman learns about the Green Lantern Corps, a universal police force created by the Maltusian immortals known as The Guardians of the Universe, who live on the planet Oa. Hal is but one of many soldiers in this army, each of whom wears their own sentient power ring. Hal provides Batman and the rest of the Justice League with a bunch of signal devices that can be used to contact the Green Lantern Corps. Batman, despite being interested enough to memorize the “Green Lantern Oath,” does not get along with Hal. Batman and Hal are like oil and water, and they’ll remain that way for years to come. The JL also learns about Martian history and J’onn’s psychic and telepathic abilities. They also learn much more about Themyscira (aka Paradise Island), home of the Amazons. Furthermore, Aquaman introduces his partner Mera to the other heroes. While Aquaman and Mera act as husband and wife, they technically won’t officially marry until years from now. Presumably, Batman and the other heroes learn all about the undersea kingdom of Atlantis as well. Note that, while Aquaman is an essential part of the JL, he won’t trust surface dwellers for years to come. Also note that the Secret Sanctuary will only be a secret to villains and civilians. As referenced in Justice League of America Vol. 5 #27, the JL will hold meetings with several other superhero teams in the Sanctuary over the course of the next few years. Who these other teams are is beyond me, but just imagine these gatherings occurring on our timeline below. Also note that, from this point forward, all Justice Leaguers will trust their secret IDs with all other members (with some exceptions, of course). It is a serious honor to be on the JL. To be on this team means to be 100% trustworthy. Each member of the JL receives an official paper Certificate of Membership (and every forthcoming member will get one too).
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<<< Rebirth Era Year 2 <<< ||| >>> Rebirth Era Year 4 >>>
- [1]COLLIN COLSHER: Note that Superman vs Lobo is a Black Label title, meaning that its canonicity could go either way. Since there is nothing within the Superman vs Lobo arc that seems to contradict continuity, I’ve regarded it as canon. Bear this in mind as you regard future instances of this title.↩
- [2]COLLIN COLSHER: The 5th Dimension is a magickal plane that is home to powerful djinns, elementals, and imps. Notable residents are Bat-Mite, Mxyzptlk, and Yz. According to superstring theory, the 5th Dimension—being the next dimensional layer beyond the 4th Dimension of time—is basically an expression for derived physical quantity in terms of alternate reality. It is, in essence, a fundamental underlying concept of multiverse theory. Superstring theory, multiverse theory, and M theory state that the macroscopic world has three spatial dimensions, a 4th Dimension of time, and six other imperceptible (possibly microscopic) quantum dimensions, plus an 11th Dimension at the definitively microscopic scale. (There are likely even more unknown dimensions.) The fictive world of the DCU plays with superstring theory, treating the insensible quantum dimensions (those beyond time) as the most out-there magickal sci-fi alternate realities possible.↩
- [3]COLLIN COLSHER: On the ages of Dick Grayson (fourteen-years-old) and Tim Drake (five-years-old) at the time of the death of the Flying Graysons, the reasoning mostly comes from having to combine Tom King’s overall timeline (from Batman: Killing Time and The Penguin #6-7) with the fact that Dick stops being Robin on his eighteenth birthday (according to Marv Wolfman’s Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 1). Notably, James Tynion’s Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 7 tells us Tim is specifically four-years-old at this time, but that’s slightly off (by a year). Just as Dick’s age must jibe with the rest of the Wolfman/King timeline, so does Tim’s.↩
- [4]COLLIN COLSHER: Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #4 Part 5 tells a tale of Batman meeting the Flying Graysons for the first time while working a case at Haly’s Circus. However, this story is non-canon because it shows a pacifier-sucking eight-to-twelve-month-old Dick Grayson. There is no primary timeline in which Batman exists a decade prior to Robin’s debut.↩
- [5]COLLIN COLSHER: Killing Time occurs definitively after Penguin’s debut but definitively before Batman and Catwoman have become a bonafide couple. We know the former because the Help (whom Penguin meets in The Penguin #7) is featured in Killing Time. We know the latter because Batman and Catwoman are most definitely not yet a thing in Killing Time. Creator social media accounts generally provide guidance in terms of order, and a Twitter comment from Tom King seemingly helps elucidate in this fashion. In 2022, King tweeted, “Batman: Killing Time is an in-continuity Batman story. It takes place in the time between ‘Year One’ and Dick Grayson becoming Robin. Before Batman and Catwoman first hooked up.” While this comment helps us with placement, King’s dates and “years priors” are way off in Killing Time, containing several big errors (and even internal contradictions from issue to issue). Notably, Killing Time‘s “Day 2” is labeled with a specific date in issue #1 but then labeled with a wholly different date in issues #2-3. In later issues, there are also other date captions that change randomly despite referencing the same day. Plus, if we are to go by King’s math (determined by supposed number of years after the origin of the Eye of Athena artifact), the main action of Killing Time would occur in the mid 18th century instead of the 21st century. Last but certainly not least, issue #2 includes the character of bartender Rich Capobi, who is said to have fixed drinks for Penguin for the past five years. By King’s own over-arching Penguin origin, the villain hasn’t been around for that long—not even close. Because of all this, we shouldn’t trust any dates or “years prior” mentions in this series.↩
- [6]COLLIN COLSHER / MARTÍN LEL: In the Killing Time #5 hench-war, there are three hench-folk covered in ivy leaves, one of whom is specifically highlighted and dressed very similarly to Poison Ivy. While these three are never directly linked to Poison Ivy in the text, nor is Poison Ivy’s name mentioned once by Tom King, it’s clear that he meant for these people to be Poison Ivy’s goons. At the time of Killing Time‘s publication in 2022, Poison Ivy might’ve been fair game to use in the sandbox, but that’s not the case in current canon. We must ignore these characters outright or link them to another villain because, thanks to G Willow Wilson’s Poison Ivy #21 (2024), Poison Ivy hasn’t arrived on the scene yet, nor will she until after Robin’s upcoming debut.↩
- [7]COLLIN COLSHER / DYLAN ROBINSON: Certainly long tights or long sleeves with boots would be warmer than a speedo and pixie shoes, so we could surmise that Dick has a costume for warmer weather and a costume for colder weather. While there’s a nice logic to the idea, nothing has ever been specifically stated about this, and in fact, it’s been fairly clear in the Rebirth/Infinite Frontier continuity that the costumes aren’t really meant to signify cold weather, instead rather to simply point toward a particular timeline era. This is definitely a personal headcanon decision.↩
- [8]COLLIN COLSHER: Robin & Batman #1-3 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen (2021) tells a tale of Dick’s final days of training prior to debuting as Robin. However, it’s in the running for most out-of-continuity story ever. Robin not only debuts after all the other pre-teen and teen sidekicks, he debuts after Elongated Man and Firestorm have joined the Justice League. Plus, this arc double-functions as a Teen Titans origin story, with the team going on its first missions alongside the JL, immediately upon Robin meeting his comrades. This story doesn’t fit on any primary timeline of any era. It’s a wholly Elseworlds-type of yarn.↩
- [9]COLLIN COLSHER: Bruce and Selina have a running joke where they talk about the two separate times they first met—on the street (a reference to Frank Miller’s “Year One,” the first Modern Age meeting between Bruce and Selina) and on the boat (a reference to Batman #1, the first Golden/Silver Age meeting between Bruce and Selina). In Batman Vol. 3 #79, Selina explains this contradiction, saying that the first time they actually met was on the street. But the boat happened “later,” she says, “[after] you’d been Batman for a while. You had the sidekick and the mask and the belt and all of that.” The general idea behind the two different “first” meetings is that Bruce and Selina literally met for the first time on the street, but it was on the boat that they first truly fell in love. Here’s where added confusion enters the narrative. The boat meeting reads like it should go much earlier on our timeline, but Robin is undeniably a part of this item, which is why we have it later. Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #6 shows Robin present via flashback, while Batman Vol. 3 #79 specifically mentions Robin being present. Writer Tom King, who already has a dubious track record when it comes to matters of continuity, only further confused matters, stating on Twitter, “I struggle with [knowing whether or not the boat scene occurs earlier on the timeline sans Robin versus later with Robin’s involvement]. In my mind, Batman spent years fighting all the rogues before he met Robin, but I know in that first Catwoman boat appearance in 1941, Robin is there… blame it on Superboy Prime banging on the wall.” Sigh.↩
- [10]JACK JAMES: Mindy Newell’s Catwoman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular story is set before Batman Vol. 3 Annual #2 Part 1, seeing how, in Newell’s story, Catwoman mentions not knowing Batman’s identity yet but intends to find out: “who is under that suit… watching me… two can play at that game… even if it kills me.” Thus, it actually ties in nicely into Batman Vol. 3 Annual #2 Part 1 as its direct precursor.↩
- [11]COLLIN COLSHER: A note about these Looney Tunes-inspired characters. On the Rebirth Era Earth-0 timeline, thanks to writer Tom King, the slapstick Looney Tunes characters have all been reverse-anthropomorphized (or de-toon-ified) into grim-and-gritty versions of themselves, all of whom hang out at a Gotham dive bar called Porky’s—as we see in Batman/Elmer Fudd #1 and Batman Vol. 3 Annual #2 Part 1, and as referenced in Batman Vol. 3 #67. Note that all of the DC/Looney Tunes comics published in 2017-2018 are out-of-continuity on the Rebirth Era Earth-0 timeline except for Batman/Elmer Fudd #1.↩
- [12]COLLIN COLSHER: Throughout most of our timeline, many of the Darkseid appearances we’ll see will be mere emanations/avatars of his True Form, but more on that much later. However, if you are interested in learning more about the New Gods as “living ideas” right now, check out this blog post. Notably, Darkseid’s True Form, whether he is aware of it or not, is connected/linked to the Great Darkness. Justice League Incarnate #5 reveals the Empty Hand as the “right hand” of the Great Darkness and Darkseid as the “left hand” of the Great Darkness.↩
- [13]COLLIN COLSHER: Note that this Justice League debut is a highly-retconned Rebirth/Infinite Frontier version of the original New 52 version. Even the visuals from the flashbacks should be taken loosely (primarily in regard to costumery). Many folks regard Geoff Johns’ “Justice League: Origin” as having been retconned to have absolutely nothing to do with the original JL’s debut, instead placing it later—around Year 13 as a signifier of the start of New 52 era reference material on the Rebirth timeline. Since there’s really nothing definitive in any comic book that lets us know exactly how this story fits into the Rebirth Era, it’s really up to your own personal headcanon. However, Priest’s Justice League Vol. 3 #38 has Cyborg claim to have founded the team—a claim that Simon Baz shits-on to Cyborg’s face with the diss: “You were there.” This tells us that Johns’ “Justice League: Origin” does indeed go here, albeit in highly-altered Rebirth/Infinite Frontier form. Notably, Cyborg is much younger than in the original, and he doesn’t stick around as a team member afterward. Cyborg Vol. 3 #1 tells us definitively that Cyborg is a teenager when he joins the JL.↩
