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(2014)
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–REFERENCE: In Batgirl Vol. 5 Annual #1. Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) re-debuts. (Supergirl was killed during the original Crisis on Infinite Earths, at which time her entire history was erased from collective memory.) Now back with memory and history restored, Supergirl has de-aged a bit, and is now thirteen-years-old. (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1, which occurs in 2021, shows Kara’s twenty-first birthday, which is how we know her age here.)
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1090. Bruce’s meets Scarlett Martha Scott (Joe Chill’s daughter) for the first time since she was a baby. Martha becomes the youngest ever chief geneticist at WayneTech (at age twenty-six). Bruce and Scarlett will remain very close, moving forward. We’ll have to imagine them hanging out every-now-and-again on our timeline ahead.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #11 Part 4. Bruce and Alfred have been training Ace the Bat-Hound for nearly a year now. Finally, the vicious pup calms down and takes to his new owners.
–DC’s Legion of Bloom #1 Part 8 Epilogue
January. DC’s Legion of Bloom #1 Part 8 is a Superman story that spans the first few weeks of January, but Batman only makes a single panel appearance, roughly three weeks into January, as part of the epilogue. Here is a synopsis of this epilogue. Batman, having reviewed Superman’s crimefighting work this year so far (along with his public dedication toward being kind, even to super-villains), jokingly tells the Man of Steel that springtime is usually when people decide to turn over a new leaf. But not Superman—kindness has been all about New Year’s resolutions for him, thus far. Superman spends the day continuing to be nice to people, including Mr. Mxyzptlk, Bizarro #1, Perry White, the Superman-Family, and others.
–REFERENCE: In Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War – Battle Lines #1. Batman and Robin fight Riddler, who uses a new henchman named Craig Groff. Groff isn’t a great henchman, and he’ll only last for about a week before getting canned.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman vs Robin #5. Batman saves an unnamed old man from muggers.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: One Dark Night #1-2. Edward M Pressler (EMP) escapes from Arkham Asylum, causing mass chaos across Gotham. EMP’s powers go out of control, killing many while causing all the residents of an entire city block to suffer permanent brain damage. EMP accidentally injures his own son Brody Pressler and accidentally kills his own wife. Rita Vasquez, a Child Services worker that started her career with Wayne Foundation grant funding, loses her entire family. Batman re-detains EMP. Despite all that has occurred, Batman has sympathy for EMP, who never really wanted to hurt anyone. However, Rita vows revenge. Motivated by what has occurred Rita initiates an anti-crime organization known as the Prison Bureau.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Giant #6 (aka Batman: Universe #2). Solovar’s son Nnamdi becomes the new king of Gorilla City, returning the city to its more isolationist roots. While unspecified, Batman and Aquaman anger new King Nnamdi upon meeting him. Nnamdi will hold a personal grudge against Batman for many years to come.
–FLASHBACK: From Green Arrow 2024 Annual #1—and referenced in Shade the Changing Girl/Wonder Woman Special #1, Justice League Vol. 3 #39, Adventures of the Super Sons #1, Wonder Twins #1, Titans Giant #3 (aka Titans: Burning Rage #5), Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1 Part 4, and Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 Part 1. Originally told in Justice League of America Vol. 2 #0-7 (“THE TORNADO’S PATH”). The Justice League reboots its lineup yet again and also sets up two new state-of-the-art headquarters: a new orbiting Watchtower satellite and a revamped Hall of Justice in Washington DC. Unlike in previous eras, the Watchtower on the Moon still stands, although it remains unused. And also unlike in previous eras, the Hall of Justice is not a new building that is created now. It’s been around since the early days of the JL, so we must simply assume that the Hall is now revamped and put back into use for the first time in over a decade. Note that this version of the JL will also sometimes call itself the “Justice League of America.” The lineup features Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hal Jordan, Black Canary, Black Lightning, Hawkgirl, Red Tornado, Red Arrow (formerly Arsenal), and Vixen. Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), Firestorm, Zatanna, and John Stewart join the JL as part-time members. The Cavalier (Mortimer Drake) becomes a confidential informant for the JL, ratting on all his pals. It’s probable that the visual reference in Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1 Part 4, which is a Hall of Justice museum display depicting the cover image to Justice League of America Vol. 2 #0, means that the new JL (along with other superheroes) poses for a photo.
–REFERENCE: In Aquaman Vol. 8 #49—originally told in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #50-51. Aquaman is murdered by his own son Koryak. (Koryak, also known as Narwhal, is the son of one of Aquaman’s former lovers, Kako.) Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and Hal Jordan travel to Atlantis to attend Aquaman’s funeral.
–Titans Giant #7 (aka Titans: Burning Rage #7)
The Teen Titans (Robin, Raven, and Beast Boy) break into the Watchtower satellite to borrow a Justice League shuttle, which they use to travel to WarWorld to rescue their kidnapped team-member Starfire. On WarWorld, the teen heroes join Starfire to help her defeat Mongul and Blackfire (Starfire’s sister). While heading back to Earth, Batman video-phones in to scold Robin for having stolen the shuttle.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 Part 6–originally told in Detective Comics #822. Batman takes down a debuting Roxy Rocket.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Doomsday Clock #9, and Dial H for Hero #1—originally told in The Brave and The Bold Vol. 3 #27. Robby Reed uses the H-Dial for the first time in a long time, turning himself into a telepath known as Mental Man. Robby then sees a premonition that prompts him to give the H-Dial to wandering hobo Travers Milton, whose destiny is to team-up with Batman. Sure enough, a powered-up Milton teams-up with the Dark Knight to defeat an escaped Joker. Milton dies and the H-Dial returns to Robby. Batman and Alfred note how even non-users can feel the H-Dial’s power resonate in their minds when it is activated. Batman tells Alfred to notify him immediately if the H-Dial is used again in the future. Note that this H-Dial will eventually go into the JL’s trophy room at some point in the next couple years.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #999. February—Bruce’s birthday. As he does every 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.
–REFERENCE: In Heroes in Crisis #7 and Punchline: The Gotham Game #1—originally told in Booster Gold Vol. 2 #1 Part 2. Rip Hunter meets with Booster Gold and exclaims that all of history is in a “malleable” state. Basically, the entire past of the DCU is like wet cement and is filled with temporal anomalies in the form of very accessible worm-holes. These worm-holes are vulnerable to manipulation by evil forces and thus, Rip Hunter recruits Booster Gold (and Skeets) to travel throughout the timestream to seal up the holes and fix any possible errors. Soon after, Booster busts the Royal Flush Gang’s Heart Cell—King of Hearts (Rex Quintain), Queen of Hearts (Regina Quintain), Jack of Hearts, and Ace. Impressed, Batman offers Booster Gold a spot on the JL, but Booster turns it down in order to take on the more important ongoing mission with Rip Hunter. Soon after that, Batman learns about Booster and Rip’s mission. From this point forward, Rip will give Batman constant updates about every mission he and Booster go on, always logging this info into a database known as the “Time-Break Files.”
–REFERENCE: In Stargirl: Spring Break Special #1—originally told in Justice Society of America Vol. 3 #1. A new JSA lineup forms. Membership includes Alan Ladd-Scott, Jay Garrick, Cyclone (Maxine Hunkel), Damage (Grant Emerson), Hourman (Rick Tyler), Liberty Belle II (Jesse Chambers), Mr. Terrific, Power Girl, Wildcat (Ted Grant), Obsidian (Todd Rice), and an eight-year-old Stargirl (former Star-Spangled Kid, Courtney Whitmore).
–REFERENCE: In Green Arrow Vol. 6 #37 and Lazarus Planet: Next Evolution #1 Part 3—originally told in Manhunter Vol. 3 #28. Batman meets the violent superhero Manhunter, who is secretly high-profile attorney Kate Spencer. Kate has taken up the Manhunter mantle from Mark Shaw. She teams-up with Batman to take down Everyman (Hannibal Bates).
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #38—originally told in Batman #659-662 (“GROTESK”). Cyborg vigilante Grotesk (Wayne Franklin) begins assassinating Russian and Yakuza mobsters and stealing their body parts. Batman rescues Johnny Karaoke (head of the Yakuzas) and fights Grotesk, who accidentally falls to his death.
–REFERENCE: In Superman Vol. 4 #37 and Dark Crisis: Young Justice #1—originally told in “THE LIGHTNING SAGA” and All Flash #1. Batman interacts with the time-displaced 31st century heroes known as the Legion of Super-Heroes, specifically members Karate Kid, Dream Girl, Star Boy, Dawnstar, Sensor Girl, Timber Wolf, and Wildfire. From the Legionnaires, Batman collects a Lightning Rod, a mystical future artifact from the alien Lightning World of Winath. (The Lightning Rod has the power to trap beings connected to the Speed Force. It can also sometimes be used to resurrect the dead at the expense of the life of another.) Batman adds the Lightning Rod to his anti-Flash contingency plan briefcase. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Inertia and the Rogues murder Flash (Bart Allen), but his spirit goes into another Lightning Rod owned by the Legion. The Legion also brings Wally West and his family back from their exile in an alternate reality. Upon learning that Bart has died, Wally re-dons his Flash costume and gets revenge.
–REFERENCE: In The Green Lantern #1—originally told in The Brave and The Bold Vol. 3 #1-6 (“THE LORDS OF LUCK”). Batman and Hal Jordan discover that sixty-four identical corpses are scattered all over the globe. A clue leads the heroes to a Las Vegas casino owned by villainess Roulette. There, two aliens from the planet Ventura, members of The Lords of Luck (aka The Luck Lords), steal the Book of Destiny (as in Destiny of the Endless‘ book that tells the past, present, and future) from Roulette. Hal and Supergirl chase one Luck Lord to the planet Rann (which is still in the ongoing Rann-Thanagar War that started months ago) while Batman and nine-year-old Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) go after the other in El Paso. (Yes, Blue Beetle is only nine, and we know this because he doesn’t graduate high school until 2022.) The new Blue Beetle gets his power from an alien scarab named Khaji Da, who is a member of the species known as The Reach. During their pursuit, Batman and Blue Beetle fight immortal gun-runner La Dama (Amparo Cardenas), and time-traveling future villains Epoch (aka The Lord of Time) and The Fatal Five (Emerald Empress, Tharok, Mano, Validus, and Persuader). The Luck Lords use the Book of Destiny to destroy the entire multiverse, but the heroes eventually defeat Rannian war-monger Mondrath to regain control of the Book of Destiny, which they use to undo the Luck Lords’ devastation. Destiny then reclaims his tome.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Giant #6 (aka Batman: Universe #2). The Rann-Thanagar War ends. Batman realizes that he actually doesn’t know much about the history of the war, nor does he know much about Rannian or Thanagarian culture. Batman notes to himself that he should do some research, but it’s not a top priority and he won’t ever actually get around to doing it.
–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman Vol. 2 #5. Batman studies the new Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), inventing a special device that can take control of his powerful scarab, should the need ever arise.
–Batman Vol. 3 Annual #4
March 7 to April 24. On March 7, Batman busts the debuting Cavalry Charge gang on horseback. On March 8, a sword-wielding Batman defeats an ancient dragon that comes to life thanks to a malediction placed upon Gotham by a monk in the 16th century. As the dragon dies, it gives birth to a deadly baby dragon, which Batman promptly kills as well. On March 9, Batman defeats UFC Heavyweight Champion Henry Feder in a charity non-title match, part of a heavily hyped up pay-per-view MMA card. On March 10, Batman solves the whodunnit murder case of Bruce’s friend Colonel Eric Yellin, exposing Eric’s disgruntled son as the killer. On March 11, Bruce learns that his first love Adrienne Williams is on the lam for murder, having gotten involved with a bad criminal situation with her husband, who has been killed. Bruce meets with a shaken Adrienne, chatting with her and hugging her. On March 12, Batman learns that municipal missile defense system codes have been stolen and will be sold to a terrorist group aboard a train. Batman boards the train, takes down and disguises himself as the seller, then busts the would-be buyer. On March 13, Batman is temporarily transported to a psychedelic interdimensional realm where he is challenged by a giant patchwork alien creature with a single cyclopean eye. On March 14, Batman battles a bunch of resurrected mummies in a Gotham subway. On March 15, Batman defeats two towering kaiju monsters that rampage across the city. On March 16, Batman rescues some scientists from a downed submarine stuck in Gotham Harbor. On March 17, Batman parachutes onto an armored blimp that is attacking the city, taking it down. On March 18, Batman busts the debuting Rad Racer. On March 19, Batman interrogates serial killer Vanya Chenka, learning where a few hidden bodies are located. On March 20, Darkseid sends his adoptive son Kalibak to terrorize Gotham, but Batman kicks his ass. On March 21, Batman busts the debuting Frozen Man, who puts all of Gotham under a sheet of heavy ice and snow. On March 22, Batman rides the BatRocket into Earth’s orbit to fix a malfunctioning 911 communications satellite. On March 22, a time anomaly brings dinosaurs to Gotham, forcing Batman to corral them. On March 24, Batman debugs a citywide computer virus. On March 25, Batman is able to remove cells affected by Joker Venom while performing surgery on one of the villain’s victims. On March 26, Batman finds a missing boy. On March 27, Batman deals with a congregation of loose alligators. On March 28, Batman busts a man wildly flying an old bi-plane. On March 29, Batman is abducted and chained-up by bad guys, but he escapes. On March 30, Tim makes a rare visit to Wayne Manor to commemorate the first anniversary of his dad’s death. On March 31, a deadly plague hits Gotham, but Batman synthesizes and distributes a cure. On April 1, Batman talks down a suicidal man that is threatening to jump off a roof. On April 2, Batman is abducted and brought to a faraway jungle. On April 3, Batman escorts the elderly Mrs. Norris back to her old folk’s home. After fighting some crooks, Batman sees that Mrs. Norris has sneaked out again, so he brings her back to the old folk’s home once more. On April 4, Batman fights a fake Batman. On April 5, Batman plays some charity football before a packed stadium audience. On April 6, Batman leaps onto an escaping helicopter. On April 7, Batman dons Bat-branded medieval armor and jousts against a knight on horseback amid a Renaissance Faire-type environment. On April 8, Batman confronts a whisky-sipping femme fatale in her office. On April 9, Batman gets in a brutal fight that leaves him battered, bruised, and bloody. On April 10, Batman teams-up with a giant Gundam-esque robot. On April 11, Batman tightrope walks across a fiery chasm. On April 12, Batman pilots an antique pirate schooner. On April 13, Batman does some chemistry work in the Batcave lab. On April 14, Batman fights ninjas. On April 15, Batman dons his zebra-striped costume and enters a zebra-striped room, presumably to defeat Zebra Man. On April 16, Batman saves a dog from a flood. On April 17, Batman kills a vampire. On April 18, Batman fights a villain (or villains) that shoot arrows at him. On April 19, Batman saves a child from getting run over by a truck. On April 20, Batman creates and dons a gaudy new Bat-spacesuit and pilots a space craft in outer space. On April 21, Batman fights a sword-wielding villain that slashes him up pretty good. On April 22, Batman teams-up with and saves Catwoman’s life. On April 23, Joker and Harley Quinn capture Batman. Harley attempts to lower him into a vat full of piranhas. On April 24, Batman busts Joker.
–REFERENCE: In Robin Vol. 3 #3. Batman prevents Constantine Drakon from assassinating a politician in Gotham, kicking the villain’s sorry ass.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5-6 and The Green Lantern: Season Two #3—originally told in Green Lantern Vol. 4 #15-17 (“WANTED: HAL JORDAN”). After being falsely accused of murder, Hal Jordan goes on an illegal mission to rescue his on-again-off-again lover Cowgirl (Jillian Pearlman) in Russia. There, Hal fights an army of Rocket Reds, a bunch of alien bounty hunters, and some mind-controlled Global Guardians—Jet, the Tasmanian Devil, Gloss, Crimson Fox (either one of the originals or a new one, unknown), Freedom Beast (Dominic Mndawe), Manticore IV, and Sandstorm. (As revealed in Doomsday Clock #8, Sandstorm is only a little boy. At this point, he’d probably be around six or seven-years-old.) The Justice League arrives and offers Hal support. (Hal will soon be found innocent of all charges.) Meanwhile, deep in the Antimatter Universe, Sinestro recruits members for his new group of Yellow Lanterns known as the Sinestro Corps. Hoping to turn Batman into a Yellow Lantern, he rockets a yellow power ring through the multiverse and onto Earth-0. The ring slips onto Batman’s finger and he reacts poorly. However, Batman is able to use his willpower to reject the ring’s influence, sending the cosmic jewelry on a new search. Afterward, Batman has no idea what has just occurred. The yellow ring intended for Batman moves on and selects Amon Sur (son of Abin Sur) as the newest member of the Sinestro Corps.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #2. Bruce’s annual Wayne Enterprises psych exam is held as usual. And, as usual, Bruce lies his way through it.
–REFERENCE: In DC All In Special #1—originally told in Superman/Batman #37-42 (“TORMENT”). Desaad and Scarecrow kidnap Superman, delivering him to Darkseid on the New Genesisian dwarf planet/interstellar battleship Tartaros. Batman travels to Tartaros only to be attacked by a Darkseid-possessed Man of Steel. Orion’s wife Bekka saves Batman’s life. Afterward, Bekka and Batman have sex! (Bekka has the hots for Batman, and she has the New God power to emit pheromone-like waves that cause anyone near her to become sexually and emotionally attracted to her.) Darkseid imprisons Superman inside the Source Wall, forcing Batman and Bekka to rescue him and restore his mind. Tartaros is destroyed. Later, in the privacy of their own home, Orion argues with Bekka about her adultery. After Orion storms off, Bekka is murdered by the mysterious God-Killer—a serial killer that has recently begun offing New Gods left-and-right. Unknown to all, the God-Killer is none other than the Source itself, having merged with its evil half (the Anti-Life Entity) and been granted anthropomorphic form. The evil Source has been using New God Infinity Man as his living weapon to murder all the New Gods in a quest to re-shape the entire multiverse. (It’s likely that the Great Darkness is behind this.)
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1, Doomsday Clock #5, and The Green Lantern #3—originally told in “OUTSIDERS: FIVE OF A KIND.” Batman disbands the Outsiders and forms a new version of his covert-ops team, featuring Martian Manhunter, Grace Choi, Thunder, Catwoman, Francine Langstrom, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), ReMAC, the Creeper, Owlman (Roy Raymond Jr), Freight Train, the Olympian (Aristides Demetrios), and soon-to-be-eleven-year-old Batgirl (Cassie Cain). Right out of the gate, Martian Manhunter and Thunder challenge Darkseid’s son Grayven. Later, Grayven is murdered by the God-Killer (i.e. the Source/Anti-Life Entity/Infinity Man). The Outsiders will continue going on unspecified missions and investigating the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #10, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #32, Detective Comics #1033, Man-Bat Vol. 4 #1, Robin Vol. 3 #1, and Robin Vol. 3 #15—and also referenced in Superman Vol. 4 #20, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #1, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #30, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #34-35, Infinite Frontier Secret Files #4 (Infinite Frontier Secret Files Print Edition #1), Robins #2, Batman: Urban Legends #7 Part 1, and Batman vs Robin #4. Originally told in “BATMAN AND SON.” Talia al Ghul attacks Gibraltar with ninja man-bats, dropping a sword-wielding seven-year-old Damian in Batman’s lap. (Note that Damian was originally ten-years-old, but multiple Death Metal era retcons alter his debut age.) Batman is shocked to learn that he has a son. Batman brings the wild and orgulous boy home to Wayne Manor, but Damian immediately raises hell, beating up Alfred and nearly killing Robin after impaling him on a stalactite in the Batcave. Considering himself to be the heir to the mantle of the Bat, Damian then kills a kidnapper that has abducted Gotham’s corrupt new political leader, Mayor Sebastian Hady. (In the Modern Age, the kidnapper is The Spook, but he is not canon in current continuity.) Batman returns to Gibraltar (with Damian) when Talia strikes again, ending her threat. Despite Damian’s protests, the boy returns to the League of Assassins with his mother.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #30-35. This item picks up shortly after Batman’s first encounter with Damian. Back in Gotham, Batman, who has secretly taken some of Damian’s DNA, confirms that the boy is indeed his genetic offspring via testing. Bruce and Alfred discuss the ramifications of this, and Bruce says he’ll tell the rest of the Bat-Family later. When he says nothing, a pissed-off Robin confronts Alfred about it. Meanwhile, Talia, wanting to mess with everyone’s heads, puts fake DNA test results, which say that Deathstroke is Damian’s real dad, on the dark web. She makes sure this fake info gets to Robin. Tim seals up the doctored test results, believing them to be real, and records a video for Damian, telling him about his findings. Unsure of what to do next, Tim decides to sit on the info. He saves the video but doesn’t send it, and he puts the falsified test results into a safe deposit box.
–REFERENCE: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Talia sends Batman an old photo of a cute three-year-old Damian wearing an oversized Batman costume. Note that little Damian was shown wearing this costume in the New 52’s Batman and Robin Vol. 2 #0, but when we wore it then, it was long before he met his father, and his father never knew about this. Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4 clearly shows the image of little Damian wearing the Bat-costume as a distinct memory of Bruce’s, meaning he must have seen it somehow, which is why we must assume Talia sends him a picture of it on our current timeline.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 3. Batman adds sonic disruptors, specifically designed to take down the new threat of ninja man-bats, to all his Whirly-Bats.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Nights: Metal #1-2, Nightwing Vol. 4 #29, and Detective Comics Annual #2 (2019)—originally told in Batman #664-665 and Batman #667-679. Bruce begins dating Jezebel Jet. Batman defeats Josef Muller and Branca, Simon Hurt’s returning Substitute Batmen. After scanning his Black Casebook, Batman realizes his fight against them from seven years ago, which he had always thought was a mere hallucination, was actually real. Later, John Mayhew invites all the old members of the Club of Heroes to a reunion on his private island. Batman, along with Knight (Cyril Sheldrake) and the new Squire (Beryl Hutchinson), attends the reunion, which includes all the other former members. Hurt appears via remote live video feed, explaining that he controls the criminal organization known as the Black Glove and the heroes will soon suffer. The Legionary and the Ranger (now going by “Dark Ranger”) are both killed by a traitorous Wingman, who reveals he is in league with the Black Glove. Unfortunately for Wingman, the Black Glove is just using him. Mayhew shoots Wingman dead. Hurt, from his secret distant location, makes sure that Mayhew is fatally stranded on the island as a bomb is activated. Batman is now aware of the Black Glove, but he knows virtually nothing about the organization, and has yet to learn of Hurt’s involvement with the group.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #32—originally told in Batman Annual #26. Dusan al Ghul (Ra’s al Ghul’s biological son, aka “The White Ghost”) initiates a plan—based on a combination of his father’s “if I die” contingency and an 18th century prophecy—wherein which The Demon’s Head will be resurrected using Damian’s body as a host. (Talia has long known about the prophecy and her dad’s desire to use Damian as a vessel for his immortal soul, but she’s never been down with the idea.) Talia and Damian avoid an ambush by Dusan al Ghul and some League of Assassins ninjas, after which Batman shows-up to finish-off the bad guys.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #57. Harley Quinn kidnaps Animal Man’s children Cliff Baker and Maxine Baker. As ransom, she forces Animal Man to tell bedtime stories to her pet hyenas Bud and Lou. Batman reluctantly (and angrily) gets involved.
–Batman Secret Files #3 Part 1
Batman is challenged by the deadly assassin Cheshire (Jade Nguyen), who threatens to murder philanthropist Karl Fogle under the Dark Knight’s nose. Batman underestimates Cheshire’s murderous nature, which allows for Fogle to get killed and the Caped Crusader to get poisoned. Batman barely makes it to Leslie Thompkins’ clinic in time for her to save his life.
–Batman Secret Files #3 Part 2
Batman learns that super-assassin (and Oliver Queen’s biggest rival) Malcolm Merlyn has accepted a hit on the Dark Knight and come to Gotham hoping to cash in. Batman calls up Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) for some insight and they team-up. Merlyn lures Batman into the burning Gotham Children’s Museum, at the center of which is a kidnapped child. Batman saves the child but takes several arrows directly into his back. Green Arrow kayos Merlyn, saving Batman’s life.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Nights: Metal #2, Super Sons #15, and Doomsday Clock #6—originally told in “UNLIMITED.” Lex Luthor, Joker, and the Cheetah start up a new incarnation of the Injustice League. Over two dozen super-villains gather at Luthor’s mobile Hall of Doom HQ in the Everglades. Notable villains on the roster include Luthor, Joker, the Cheetah, Dr. Light (Arthur Light), Poison Ivy, Parasite, Deathstroke, Gorilla Grodd, Mr. Freeze, Giganta, Cheshire, Fatality, Manticore III (Saied), Shadow Thief, Jewelee, Mr. Terrible, and Volcano Man. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the better organized Justice League defeats the IJL.
–REFERENCE: In Heroes in Crisis #3—originally told in Titans Vol. 2 #1-2. A brand new Teen Titans East—featuring Cyborg, Anima, Hawk (Holly Granger), Dove (Dawn Granger), Lagoon Boy, Son of Vulcan, Little Barda, and Power Boy—forms. (Cyborg is twenty-two-years-old, so he’s really pushing the limit of being a Teen Titan in terms of age.) The evil sons of Trigon (Raven’s demon father) greet the new team by brutally injuring all of them and murdering Power Boy. Thus, the Teen Titans East experiment ends after only one mission together. The spawn of Trigon also sends demons to attack the main roster of the Teen Titans—currently consisting of Robin, Miss Martian, Red Devil (aka Kid Devil), Ravager (Rose Wilson), Supergirl, and Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark). When demons assault a bunch of ex-Teen Titans, Nightwing responds by forming a new Titans team with Flash (Wally West), Starfire, Red Arrow, Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg, and Donna Troy. These Titans, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman then scour the globe rescuing other ex-Teen Titans from Trigon’s kid’s henchmen. Nightwing’s new Titans venture will only last a few months before disbanding.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 4 #40, Green Lantern Vol. 6 #1, and Green Arrow Vol. 7 #7—originally told in Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman-Prime #1 and Green Lantern Vol. 4 #25. Sinestro begins the “Sinestro Corps War,” attacking Earth with the full force of the Sinestro Corps (including Lyssa Drak, Kryb, Arkillo, Superboy-Prime, Snap Trap, Tri-Eye, Romat-Ru, and more). All by himself, Superboy-Prime takes on most of the Green Lantern Corps (including B’dg, Rot Lop Fan, Hannu, Tomar-Tu, and Chaselon) and nearly every single superhero of Earth (including Batman). Despite overwhelming odds, Superboy-Prime bests them all! The Guardians of the Universe respond by sending their strongest new Green Lantern, Sodam Yat, to challenge Superboy-Prime, but he is defeated as well. Eventually, the heroes regroup and defeat Sinestro and Superboy-Prime, exiling both of them.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #958 and Deathstroke Vol. 4 #32—originally told in “THE RESURRECTION OF RA’S AL GHUL.” Ra’s al Ghul is resurrected, but thanks to the machinations of his rival pop Sensei, his soul winds up in the poisoned body of a League of Assassins underling! At a League of Assassins hideout in Tibet, Talia introduces Damian to his grandfather, but Ra’s al Ghul isn’t a sentimental guy. He immediately demands use of Damian’s body to use as a host vessel. Talia and Damian flee, with the latter running to Wayne Manor for protection. Eventually, Robin and Damian are captured by ninjas and brought to Tibet. After Talia gives Batman the 12th century Suit of Sorrows, magickal armor linked to an ascetic splinter sect of the Order of St. Dumas known as The Order of Purity, the Dark Knight is ready for action. In Nanda Parbat, Batman, Nightwing, Alfred, and Talia wind up fighting two sects of the League of Assassins: one loyal to Ra’s al Ghul and the other loyal to the Sensei. Eventually, the Sensei is defeated and the boys are saved. Ra’s al Ghul is forced to leave his poisoned body and soul-hop into his son Dusan’s body. (This not only kills Dusan’s spirit and soul, but also erases his physical traits as Ra’s al Ghul’s physical traits replace them.) Ra’s al Ghul then assumes sole control of the League of Assassins once again. Batman and company then fight Ra’s al Ghul’s super-team known as The Seven Men of Death (Malcolm Merlyn, a resurrected Hook, Maduvu, Shellcase, Whip, Detonator, and Razorburn) until Rama Kushna kicks everyone out of Nanda Parbat. Talia runs off with Damian. Afterward, Batman keeps the Suit of Sorrows as a trophy in the Batcave.
–REFERENCE: In Truth and Justice #11—originally told in Countdown to Final Crisis #20-14. While Red Hood (Jason Todd) galavants around the multiverse with the Challengers From Beyond aka Challengers of the Beyond (a team consisting of himself, Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, and Ray Palmer), he changes his superhero moniker to Red Robin. (Note that Tim Drake has always had the nickname “Red Robin,” so this move is likely a fuck you to Tim as well.)
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5-6, Detective Comics #992, and Action Comics #1010—originally told in Checkmate Vol. 2 #24-25 (“CASTLING”). With Max Lord dead, Amanda Waller and Mr. Terrific, and Count Vertigo are now at the apex of the Checkmate organization. Under their command, Checkmate learns that the Kobra Cult, which has gotten even more fanatically into Kali Yuga apocalypse prophecies ever since Black Adam murdered their leader last year, has gained access to the remnants of Lex Luthor’s old “Everyman Project” and used it to turn people into homicidal metahumans. Checkmate officials Valentina Vostok, Carl Draper (aka Castellan aka Master Jailer), Sasha Bordeaux, and Mr. Terrific brief the Justice League, Global Guardians, Hayoth, Ghost Fox Killer, and others on the situation. This large contingent of heroes then begins a global assault on the Kobra Cult. Batman secretly leads the Outsiders, who assist from the shadows, during the assault. Eventually, the heroes are aided by Checkmate’s own Rooks (Sebastian Faust, Cinnamon, Gravedigger, and GI Robot) to defeat the Kobra Cult and rescue a bunch of babies that had been kidnapped in order to be brainwashed into the next generation of cultists. Note that GI Robot has been reprogrammed as GI Robot JAKE 6.1.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #68—originally told in Blue Beetle Vol. 7 #25. Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) and Batman organize the defense of the entire planet from an invading alien species known as The Reach. From behind the scenes, Batman guides Blue Beetle, Guy Gardner, Fire, Ice, Booster Gold, and Traci Thirteen into battle, sending the Reach armada back to where it came from.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1006—originally told in Tales of the Unexpected Vol. 2 #4. When the Spectre begins brutally killing criminals in Gotham (his human host vessel Crispus Allen has temporarily lost control of Wrath), the Dark Knight joins forces with GCPD Detective Marcus Driver confront the ghoulish anti-hero. Batman tells the Spectre never to show his face in Gotham again.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21—originally told in Tangent: Superman’s Reign. Earth-0’s heroes—including Batman—travel to Earth-9 where Tangent Superman (Earth-9 Harvey Dent) rules as dictator alongside his lackeys, Tangent Powergirl and Tangent Orion. Batman and Earth-0’s heroes join forces with Tangent versions (Earth-9 versions) of the Spectre, Green Lantern, Batman, and the Outsiders to fight the evil tyrants. Eventually, Tangent Superman, along with Tangent Ultra-Humanite, attacks Earth-0, prompting heroes and villains to unite in defense of the planet. Tangent Superman is defeated and sent back to Earth-9, where he is imprisoned. Afterward, the Justice League keeps Tangent Superman’s staff as a trophy for the “lost and found” room.
–REFERENCE: In Batgirl Vol. 6 #1—originally told in Batgirl Vol. 2 #5-6 (“REDEMPTION ROAD”). In Platinum Flats, California, with Batman and Robin watching, Batgirl saves Oracle from her father David Cain, defeating him in hand-to-hand combat. Afterward, Bruce officially adopts Cassie as his daughter!
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5—originally told in Nightwing #145. Evil scientist Creighton Kendall kidnaps Mother of Champions, a member of the Chinese superhero team known as Great Ten. Mother of Champions has the super-multipara ability to birth litters of twenty-five metahuman babies every three days. Kendall has kept the fecund Mother sedated and has been artificially inseminating her round-the-clock, spawning over 200 super-babies. The only problem is that the babies age ten years daily, making their development really screwed-up and making their lifespan about ten days long. Kendall brainwashes Mother’s winged-metahuman children and sends them (on days two through four of their development stage) to kill Nightwing. Nightwing defeats his attackers, and apprehends one of them, who continues aging rapidly. Nightwing brings the now old man to visit Batman and Robin. After the Dynamic Duo interrogate the poor creature, they depart to deal with Ra’s al Ghul. Meanwhile, Nightwing teams-up with Talia to save Mother of Champions and defeat Kendall.
–REFERENCE: In Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 2 #10 (Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 2 Print Edition #5). Batman busts an escaped Calendar Man, who takes inspiration from both Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek holidays as part of an ill-fated crime spree.
–REFERENCE: In DC All In Special #1—originally told in Death of the New Gods #2-8. The God-Killer (the Source/Anti-Life Entity/Infinity Man) continues its New God murder spree. Dozens of New Gods have now been killed. In response, the superhero community mobilizes, but they are out of their depth. One by one, all the New Gods are assassinated except for Orion and Darkseid. Eventually, Darkseid exposes and defeats the God-Killer, although no superheroes are present for the fight except for Superman.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21 and Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 2—originally told in Trinity #1-52. Despite a warning to the Justice League from superhero Gangbuster, the “Evil Trinity” of Morgaine Le Fey, Enigma (Earth-3’s Edward Nigma), and Kanjar Ro steal the Cosmic Egg from the Watchtower, using it to build a loyal but paltry squadron of metahuman soldiers, including Sun-Chained-in-Ink, Primat, and Trans-Volitional Man. Le Fey is able to cast a spell on the “Good Trinity” of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, which sends the trio to prehistoric Earth-1 where they lose all memory and sense of their humanity, becoming giant gods that rule over the planet for thousands of years! Meanwhile, on Earth-0, the existence of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman gets erased, radically altering the timeline. Altered heroes, after fighting the “Evil Trinity”—now consisting of Le Fey, Enimga, and Konvikt—cast a spell of their own, transporting themselves to Earth-1. There, they meet the super-god versions of the “Good Trinity” and everyone remembers the way Earth-0 is supposed to be. The super-god “Good Trinity” and the altered heroes return to Earth-0 where Superman uses his god-powers to return everything back to status quo. Still in giant super-god form, the “Good Trinity” battles a bunch of villains, including the “Evil Trinity”—now Le Fey, Despero, and Krona (who has escaped from the Cosmic Egg). Krona destroys the entire planet. Only the super-gods survive. With help from the cosmic Worldsoul (the literal soul of Earth-0), the super-gods defeat Krona in space, exiling him to Earth-1. The Worldsoul reforms Earth-0 and returns everyone back to life. The super-gods, on their own accord, morph back into regular Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Afterward, the Cosmic Egg is returned to the Watchtower Trophy Room.
–FLASHBACK: From Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 6. Batman and Robin do some investigative work in the Batcave crime-lab and later bust an escaped Two-Face.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #960. Batman once again discovers the existence of the League of Shadows, but Ra’s al Ghul and his minions, as before, capture and magickally mind-wipe Batman’s memories regarding the illuminati organization.
–REFERENCE: In Action Comics #1001. Batman takes down a heavily-pierced punk crook, sticking her with several razor-sharp Batarangs in her ear and down her shoulder and back. Scallop, as she will call herself from now on, will keep the Batarangs in her flesh as new permanent “piercings.”
–the second feature to All-Star Batman #10-14 (“KILLERS-IN-LAW”)
Batman learns that the Myasnik family’s Russian mob organization is set to ship guns to Gotham to start a war against the Falcones, so he takes-out Russian bruiser Knockout (Alexey Nokaut) and assumes his identity. After studying the geography of Moscow, disguising himself as Knockout, and traveling to Russia, Batman competes in a series of bare-knuckle pit fights before meeting the heir to the Myasnik crime organization, Princess Vik (Victoria Myasnik). After getting legitimately drunk to keep up appearances, Batman (as “Knockout”) accompanies Princess Vik on a raid of a building belonging to the rival Pushka Mob. (The Pushka Mob is run by the Pushka family.) While the tipsy Batman busts heads, Vik lifts a matryoshka doll. Together, they flee. Later, at a party, Vik introduces “Knockout” to Papa Myasnik. During the party, Batman sneaks off and takes apart the matryoshka doll to find GPS coordinates to an illegal Pushka weapons depot at its center. Vik enters, exposing the truth about “Knockout” and forcing Batman to make a quick escape. At the Pushka weapons depot, Batman fights mafioso, taking a bullet in his arm. Batman is forced to retreat, but not before putting a geo-tracer on one of the gun boxes. Later, Batman spies on the Myasniks, learning that they now know about his humbug as “Knockout” and are planning on moving forward with the gun shipment ASAP. Batman then fights Princess Vik atop a moving caravan of trucks before departing to steal a truckload of Pushka weapons. Not long after, Batman strikes at both the Pushkas and Myasniks in a scene that sees multiple explosions and reveals Papa’s dirty secrets, including the fact that he killed his own wife (Vik’s mom). Utterly betrayed and downtrodden, Vik stabs her dad to death. With all the Russian mob weapons irreparably destroyed, Batman returns home. Vik becomes the new head of the Myasnik crime empire.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #57. Joker and Harley Quinn attempt to poison Gotham’s supply of sugar cereal, but Batman foils their plans.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 Annual #5. Joker and Harley Quinn—with hyenas Bud and Lou—rob a diamond store and then stop off for some pho. Joker brutally kills the owners of the restaurant, leaving their eleven-year-old son Bao Pham orphaned. Batman chats with Bao, promising to avenge his parents. He also gives Bao a Batarang as a keepsake.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Secret Files: The Gardener #1. Poison Ivy attacks Gotham City, but Batman busts her.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #11 Part 1. As they have before, Batman and Zatanna perform an occult ritual to keep evil forces (which they accidentally released as teens) at bay.
–FLASHBACK: From Monkey Prince #1. Batman accosts married super-science hench-couple Dr. Laura Shugel-Shen and Dr. Winston Shugel-Shen at their home. As he is roughing them up, their young adopted son Marcus Shugel-Shen walks in. Batman quickly departs, and the Shugel-Shens leave Gotham.
–FLASHBACK: From Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #16. Batman busts Harley Quinn, who gets remanded to the custody of GCPD Officer Samantha “Sam” Payne. Sam will one day become the costumed vigilante known as “Verdict.”
–REFERENCE: In Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1—originally told in Superman/Batman #81-84 (“SORCERER KINGS”). Batman, Superman, Klarion the Witch Boy, and The Shadowpact (Detective Chimp, Blue Devil, Ragman, Darla Aquista, and Nightshade) prevent a dystopian future from occurring by defeating the evil team-up of Morgaine Le Fey, Blackbriar Thorn, Felix Faust, and Brother Blood.
–REFERENCE: In All-Star Batman #10, DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1 Part 4, Catwoman Vol. 5 #40, and Catwoman Vol. 5 #68—originally told in “BATMAN RIP – HEART OF HUSH.” Worried that the Black Glove will kill batman before he has a chance to, Hush makes his return by permanently surgically altering his face to look exactly like Bruce. Hush then stabs Catwoman, surgically removes her heart, and hooks her up to experimental life support tech. On Hush’s orders, Scarecrow injects Venom into a ten-year-old boy named Colin Wilkes, turning him into the hulking behemoth known as Abuse. (Abuse has the ability to “hulk up” into a Venom-pumped monster-man at will.) Batman defeats Scarecrow, and Abuse runs away, but is inspired to become a superhero. Hush then directly attacks Batman, but the Dark Knight defeats him. Mr. Terrific, Dr. Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross), and Zatanna then save Catwoman’s life using a mix of super-science and magick. Afterward, Bruce professes his undying love to Selina.
–REFERENCE: In Plastic Man Vol. 4 #5, Suicide Squad Vol. 5 Annual #1, Batman Vol. 3 #79, Flash Vol. 5 #61, Catwoman Vol. 5 #51, and The Joker Vol. 2 #15—originally told in Secret Six Vol. 3 #1-2 (“UNHINGED”).[1] A gangster named Junior (Alex Merkel) bankrolls the super-villain team known as The Secret Six—Deadshot, Catman, Rag Doll II (aka Junior’s brother, “Ragdoll” Peter Merkel Jr), Scandal Savage, and Bane—to break sixth member Tarantula out of Alcatraz Prison. Batman and Huntress get involved, along with a lot of villains hired by Junior.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #22 Part 4—very loosely based on Justice League of America Vol. 2 80-Page Giant #1. Time Commander attempts to steal back his hourglass from the Justice League trophy room, but the JL—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), and Vixen—stop him.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #146—and referenced in Flash Vol. 5 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #29, New Year’s Evil #1 Part 6, The Joker Vol. 2 #6, Robins #6, and Batman Vol. 3 #126-127—originally told in “BATMAN RIP.” The Black Glove organization makes waves in Gotham as Michael Lane, Simon Hurt’s third Batman substitute, returns and attacks Batman. Batman finally recalls the name “Simon Hurt,” which had been previously blocked from his mind, and realizes that Hurt is responsible for messing with his head during sleep deprivation. Batman’s post-hypnotic trigger is activated, causing him to go into convulsions. After being drugged by Hurt and Black Glove minions El Sombrero, Scorpiana, King Kraken, Le Bossu, Pierrot Lunaire, Swagman, and Charlie Caligula (collectively known as the Club of Villains), Batman is dumped on the streets. The eccentric Hurt then dons Thomas Wayne’s old masquerade ball Bat costume and turns the Batcave into his new HQ. Intoxicated and without memory, Bruce’s psychological backup defense kicks in and he becomes the bizarre “Batman of Zur-En-Arrh!” Hurt and the Black Glove lure the “Batman of Zur-En-Arrh” to Arkham to face-off against Joker in a life-and-death battle. Eventually, Batman shakes off his Zur-En-Arrh persona, regains his sangfroid, and defeats Joker, Hurt, and the Black Glove with the help of the Bat-Family and Talia al Ghul. Talia chases down Jezebel Jet and kills her as well. During the chaos, the Order of Purity steals the Suit of Sorrows from the Batcave. Afterward, Batman records everything about this adventure into the Black Casebook.
–FLASHBACK: From Justice League Vol. 4 #51, Robin Vol. 3 #5, Justice League Incarnate #4, DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 Part 7, and DC All In Special #1—and referenced in Flash Vol. 5 #21, Flash Vol. 5 #33, Flash Vol. 5 #64, Detective Comics #958, Detective Comics #1010, Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #7, Dark Days: The Forge #1, Dark Days: The Casting #1, Dark Nights: Metal #1-2, Batman: Lost #1, Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1, Dark Nights: Metal #6, The Unexpected #1, The Unexpected #5-7, Sideways #7, Justice League Vol. 4 #7, Justice League Vol. 4 #27, Heroes in Crisis #3, Doomsday Clock #12, The Green Lantern #6, Action Comics #2020, Truth and Justice #11, Dark Nights: Death Metal – Multiverse’s End #1, Deathstroke Inc #4, Dark Crisis: Young Justice #1, Batman vs Robin #3, City Boy #4, DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 Part 7, and DC All In Special #1. Originally told in Final Crisis, Final Crisis: Superman Beyond, Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #1-2, “BATTLE FOR THE COWL,” and Batman & Robin #1-3. Darkseid, having recently been killed by Orion, was able to send his own spirit backward through time and resurrect himself into a human persona called “Boss Dark Side.” Secretly under the influence of Perpetua, Boss Dark Side orders Libra to murder Martian Manhunter. Boss Dark Side then uses Metropolis Police Detective Dan Turpin as his new host vessel, becoming Darkseid once more. All the evil New Gods are resurrected as well. Empowered via the discovery of the Anti-Life Equation, Darkseid murders Orion (by shooting him with a special Radion bullet) and prepares for a hostile takeover of Earth. (Darkseid, unaware of his own personal connection to the Great Darkness, also hopes to lure out the Great Darkness in an effort to take over its vast power.) A new Mr. Miracle (Shilo Norman), the only hero aware of Darkseid’s return and plot, recruits Japan’s Super Young Team (Shiny Happy Aquazon, Lolita Canary, Most Excellent Super Bat, Big Atomic Lantern Boy, and Well-Spoken Sonic Lightning Flash) to combat the dark lord. Rising Sun, leader of the stuffier elder Japanese superhero team known as Big Science Action, publicly denounces Super Young Team. Using the Anti-Life Equation, Darkseid—along with Desaad, Granny Goodness, and a vast army of Justifiers—completely takes over Earth, initiating “Crisis IV” (or what the public dubs “The Final Crisis.”) As the skies burn bright red, most of the Earth’s protectors succumb to the Anti-Life Equation, leaving a precious few—including the Super Young Team and Tattooed Man (Mark Richards)—to help defend the planet. During this period, Cain separates the Spectre from his human host Crispus Allen, killing Allen in the process. Meanwhile, Darkseid’s minions manage to capture Batman. With the Caped Crusader off the playing field, Darkseid attempts to remove Superman as well—by attacking and injuring Lois Lane. Superman travels through the distant barriers of the multiverse, into the Place Between Pages (aka Comic Book Limbo), into the sentient Overvoid, and into the dark Monitor home-realm known as Nil (aka the Monitor Sphere).[2] In Nil, Superman deals with the Thought Robot (an emanation of the real life conceptual/noospheric idea of heroic goodness from which the fictional Superman stems)[3] and fights Dax Novu (aka the evil Monitor known as Mandrakk) in order to save Lois. Concurrently, the Legion of Super-Heroes resurrects both Bart Allen and Conner Kent from the dead! Bart changes his name from Impulse to Kid Flash. Meanwhile, Darkseid’s army makes Blüdhaven its base. There, Apokoliptian agents Simyan and Mokkari torture the Batman in a failed attempt to clone him, during which the Caped Crusader uses his own memories as weapons against The Lump. As the entire multiverse begins to collapse, several diffident heroes fill a rocket ship time capsule with memorabilia and historical items, hoping to preserve them. The rocket is launched into the disintegrating Bleed, with hopes that it will reach some distant unharmed reality or alternate universe. Meanwhile, Batman shoots Darkseid with a Radion bullet, badly injuring him. Darkseid simultaneously zaps Batman with the Omega Sanction, sending the Dark Knight spiraling backward in time to 38,000 BCE. A deadly Hyper-Adapter monster and the rocket ship time capsule also travel with Batman, who will only be able to time-leap forward during solar eclipses. As per Darkseid’s plan, the Hyper-Adapter will be connected to Batman’s movements, making him a living weapon that could doom the entire universe should he successfully reach present day. With Batman out of the picture, a resurrected and returning Flash (Barry Allen), racing away from The Black Racer (a New God that exists as an aspect of Death), causes the latter to run smack-dab into Darkseid, ending the tyrant’s control over the planet. Darkseid’s final defeat comes at the hands of Superman, who destroys the his non-corporeal form using a Miracle Machine. Then, Superman and the other heroes—including the last benevolent Monitor Nix Uotan (Dax Novu’s son), the “Supermen of the Multiverse” (Earth-47’s Sunshine Superman, Earth-5’s Captain Marvel, Earth-7’s Principal, Earth-8’s Hyperius, Earth-22 Superman, Earth-41 Apollo, Superman from Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns universe, and more), the Super Young Team, Mr. Miracle (Shilo Norman), Earth-26’s Zoo Crew (Captain Carrot, Pig-Iron, and Yankee Poodle), the Green Lantern Corps, the Heavenly angels collectively known as the Pax Dei, and others—rally to save the exposed multiverse from the opportunistic threat of the new Mandrakk (Dax Novu’s partner, ex-Monitor Rox Ogama, who is now being controlled by the Great Darkness). After the multiverse is saved, the world mistakenly believes Batman is dead thanks to a Batman-clone corpse left behind by Darkseid’s minions. Friends and family mourn Batman’s passing and bury the clone. Hush is forced to play the role of Bruce Wayne to avoid suspicion. The Order of Purity appoints Michael Lane as the new Azrael, gifting him with the Suit of Sorrows, the Sword of Sin, and the Sword of Salvation. Shortly thereafter, Jason Todd discards his Red Robin outfit and dons his own Batman costume, claiming to be rightful heir to the mantle of the Bat. Nightwing defeats Jason, thus becoming the new Batman. Damian—moving back to Gotham and finally taking his father’s last name of Wayne—becomes the new Robin, wearing a costume designed for him by Alfred. The new Batman and Robin operate out of the Wayne Tower sub-basement bunker. Meanwhile, in 38,000 BCE, an amnesiac Bruce bears witness to the death of an elderly Anthro (one of the last of the Bear Tribe) before getting involved in a war between two Native American tribes, the Deer People and the Wolf Tribe (which also goes by several other names, including Wolf Clan, Blood Mob, and Blood Tribe). The defeated Hyper-Adapter, in giant bat form and having retreated backward to 38,000 BCE from the End of Time, is slain by the leader of the Wolf Tribe, Vandaa aka Vandar Adg, who gains immortality and will one day be known as Vandal Savage.[4] Bruce dons the flesh of the Hyper-Adapter as a gimcrack cape-and-cowl and then defeats Vandaa in combat. (Unknown to all, the celestial synchronicity of an anomalous confluence of bats—a cosmic bat monster being slain and then worn by a bat warrior—has drawn the attention of Barbatos—evil bat-demon god of the Dark Multiverse. From his realm, Barbatos sees Batman for the first time and becomes obsessed, realizing that, despite the fact that Batman won’t exist for 40,000 years, he will one day be able to use the Caped Crusader as a doorway to enter the regular multiverse via an occult ritual known as “The Mantling.” Thus, via actions of the Hath-Set-led Bat Tribe and, later, the Strigdyae priests of the Judas Tribe, Barbatos initiates and executes his sinister plan, which will last for 40,000 years and involve subtle manipulation of Bruce life, once he is born.) After meeting Bruce, the Deer People change their tribal name to Miagani, meaning “Bat People,” and vow to protect the land that will become the future site of Gotham. Inspired to make bat-themed cave drawings and take on bat-themed customs, the Miagani will do so for thousands of years to come. Nomadic tribes will re-draw the bat-pictures in Eurasia and the Middle East, spreading bat-worshiping religions across the globe as a result. (As per Barbatos’ influence, the Bat Tribe will form, followed by the Judas Tribe, and, eventually, Parliament/Court of Owls.) With a solar eclipse, Bruce then leaps to the Puritanical Gotham of 1640 where he fights the Hyper-Adapter and then assimilates into society by taking the name “Mordecai Wayne.” Bruce lives a quiet life in 17th century Gotham for months while the new Batman and Robin have adventures in present-day Gotham.
–REFERENCE: In Batwoman: Rebirth #1, Detective Comics #974 Part 2, and Deathstroke Vol. 4 #34. Now that Damian Wayne is the new Robin, a disgruntled Tim Drake angrily confronts Dick about his place in the Bat-Family. Dick and Tim argue about what has happened to Bruce, with the latter refusing to accept that he is gone. Dick essentially fires Tim from the Bat-Family, leading to Tim not only moving out of Wayne Manor and into his own apartment, but also dropping his Robin name to pick up Jason Todd’s discarded Red Robin persona instead. (Tim has always had the nickname “Red Robin,” but now it’ll be his official title.) The new Red Robin sets up a secret high-tech “Robin’s Nest” HQ in Gotham, although Batman (Dick) knows its location. Dick will pass along the hidden “Robin’s Nest” address to Bruce when he eventually returns.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #5 Part 5—and referenced in Batwoman Vol. 3 #11, Superman: Son of Kal-El #9, Batman vs Robin #5, and Batman Incorporated Vol. 3 #6. Originally told in Batman & Robin #1-3 (“BATMAN REBORN”). The new Batman (Dick) and Robin debut a flying Batmobile, which they utilize to fight The Circus of Strange—Mr. Toad, Big Top, Siam (Kushti), and Phosphorus Rex—in a losing effort. Back home, Dick complains about the hollowness of his Bat-legacy, sulking about how he spent years building up his Nightwing reputation and is now forced to carry on the Bat-legacy he never really wanted. Because of this, Dick doesn’t think he can successfully walk in Bruce’s shoes. After a pep-talk from Alfred, Dick screws his head on straight (although Dick will always feel like an impostor Batman deep down, moving forward). Redeeming themselves, the new Dynamic Duo takes down the vilest member of the Circus, Professor Pyg (Lazlo Valentin), a porcine villain that speaks aloud to his inanimate “mommy made of nails” (a mannequin head attached to a frame of metal wires and spikes) and burns masks onto the faces of his brainwashed Dollotron henchwomen. (Unknown to Batman and Robin, the Circus of Strange is run by Simon Hurt.)
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #34. Worried that their first outing was a little rough and that chemistry is lacking, a nervous new Batman (Dick) hatches a sneaky plan to win over Robin. Dick forges a letter from Bruce to Damian, basically urging Damian to support Dick as Batman in the event of his death or absence. Damian immediately realizes that it’s fake, but accepts the letter anyway. Batman will have to earn Robin’s deference the old fashioned way.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League: Road to Dark Crisis #1 Part 1—originally told in Batman #687 Part 2 and Superman/Batman #76 Part 2. Batman (Dick) publicly takes down Scarecrow, after which Superman angrily confronts Dick, nearly physically forcing him to remove the costume. Superman exclaims that Dick donning Bruce’s costume so soon after his death is “grotesque.” Superman zooms off to consult with Wonder Woman, who calms him down.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: One Bad Day – Two-Face #1—originally told in Batman #689-691 (“LONG SHADOWS”). Two-Face hires a metahuman named Nola to help him target the Bat-Family. Using a left-behind Batarang as a telepathic/telekinetic link, Nola is able to teleport Two-Face to its place of origin: the Batcave. Alarms are triggered, prompting Batman (Dick) to rush into an ambush. Two-Face drugs and pummels Batman, but thanks to a distraction from Alfred, Batman is able to gain the upper hand and take down the villain.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #20, Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1 Part 1, Batgirl & The Birds of Prey #12, Batman Vol. 3 #43, and Detective Comics #990—originally told in Gotham City Sirens #1. Harley Quinn has very recently broken up with and ditched the abusive Joker for good. Harley begins a sexual relationship with Poison Ivy, moving in with both she and Catwoman. The gals move into Riddler’s old apartment, courtesy of The Broker (Sherman Fine), a super-villain that specializes in providing top quality properties for use as evil lairs. Batman (Dick) keeps tabs on the three gals’ living situation and watches as they defeat one-shot villain Boneblaster.
–FLASHBACK: From Gotham City Villains 100-Page Anniversary Giant #1 Part 5. Batman (Dick) and Robin defeat Mad Hatter, shutting down his macabre theme park eighty miles outside of Gotham. This is Robin’s first encounter with Mad Hatter.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 3 #29, Justice League Vol. 4 #6, Justice League Vol. 4#51, Superman Vol. 4 #37, Wonder Woman Vol. 5 Annual #2, Heroes in Crisis #5, Aquaman Vol. 8 #49, Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Blackest Night #1, and DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 Part 6—originally told in “BLACKEST NIGHT.” Tons of dead superheroes and super-villains (including deceased heroes from alternate universes) rise up from the grave as evil zombies courtesy of Nekron, Black Hand, and the dark energy of the Black Lantern Power Battery. (As referenced in Justice League Incarnate #5, Nekron is an agent of the Great Darkness.) A big war erupts on Earth involving the zombie Black Lantern Corps, evil Yellow Lanterns (Sinestro’s Sinestro Corps), the Green Lantern Corps, and a host of other superheroes. While the main action of “Blackest Night” doesn’t really involve any member of the Bat-Family, Batman (Dick Grayson), Robin, Red Robin, and Deadman do encounter some zombie Black Lanterns in Gotham. (Note that, as per DC’s Terror Through Time #1 Part 8, Damian does not meet Deadman.) “Blackest Night” is also important because it alerts Hal Jordan and Flash (Barry Allen) to the fact that something ain’t right about Bruce’s corpse. This happens when the Black Power Battery summons “Bruce” out of his grave, revealing that it was actually his mindless clone that they buried, not the real Bruce. Despite this, Hal and Barry aren’t 100% sure. They immediately tell Dick that Bruce might still be alive, but unfortunately, Dick doesn’t believe them. Eventually, Nekron tries to kills the emergent Entity, part universal demiurge and living embodiment of the White Light of Creation, which spawned the rest of the Emotional Electromagnetic Spectrum way back when life first appeared in the cosmos. By his actions, Nekron causes the Entity to retreat into White Lantern Battery form and then divest its power into Hal, who spreads the White Light into some of the Black Lanterns to create a resistance force of White Lanterns. The good guys are joined by the other multicolored Lantern armies: the Red Lantern Corps, Blue Lantern Corps, Indigo Tribe, Star Sapphire Corps, Green Lantern Corps, and Larfleeze (the sole “Agent Orange,” who controls a few zombified Orange Lantern ring-constructs). The different Lantern armies also recruit new members, with various colored rings going to Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman, Ganthet, Barry Allen, Scarecrow, Mera, and others. This mass assemblage of superheroes is too much for the bad guys to take. After the Black Lanterns and other villains are defeated, Dick keeps a black power ring and yellow power ring and stores them in the Bat-Bunker. The White Lantern Power Battery restores life to several deceased people, most notably Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Boomerang, and Max Lord. The heroes celebrate the return of their friends (and lament the return of their foes). Lord is able to use his metapowers to keep a low profile.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Green Arrow Vol. 6 #23, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #17, Titans Vol. 3 #20-21, Infinite Frontier Secret Files #2 (Infinite Frontier Secret Files Print Edition #1), and Nightwing Vol. 4 2021 Annual—originally told in Justice League: Cry for Justice, “RISE AND FALL,” and Justice League of America Vol. 2 #41-42 (“TEAM HISTORY”). In the wake of “Blackest Night,” Vixen disbands the Justice League. Batman (Dick Grayson) and Donna Troy form a new Justice League with various random members. The new team hunts for a fugitive Prometheus, Electrocutioner, and Clayface III (who now is permanently free of his containment suit) after the villains critically injure Red Arrow and bomb Star City. One of Prometheus and Electrocutioner’s bomb blasts injures Clayface III and kills Red Arrow’s five-year-old daughter Lian Harper. Red Arrow is so distraught that he relapses into heroin use. After the heroes bust Electrocutioner, a solo Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) finds Prometheus before anyone else and executes him, shaking the hero community to its moral core. (Prometheus will rear his vile head again, so he either gets resurrected or isn’t actually dead now.) After this louche affair concludes, Prometheus’ costume goes on display in the Watchtower Trophy Room. Eventually, the JL line-up whittles itself down to only Dick, Donna, Supergirl, Congo Bill (William Glenmorgan), and Congorilla. (Congo Bill is a human that can magickally swap minds with the giant golden King Kong called Congorilla.) Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Starfire, Jade, Starman (Mikaal Tomas of the planet Talok III), and Jesse Quick (former Liberty Belle II, and daughter of Johnny Quick and the original Liberty Belle) will eventually join too, though.[5]
–Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red #7
Harley Quinn attempts to purge Joker from her life once and for all, so she begins burning items related to him in the living room of her apartment (much to the chagrin of housemate Poison Ivy). When Harley accidentally blows up the entire place after putting some of Joker’s bombs into the flames, the gals gather up their stuff and runs out to the street. One of Poison Ivy’s super-plants grows out of control in the rain, which leads to Harley chopping it to bits with a machete. An angry Poison Ivy begins wrestling with Harley in the street until Batman (Dick Grayson) swoops in and busts them both.
–FLASHBACK: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #68. Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin patrol together.
–REFERENCE: In DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1 Part 6–originally told in Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-2 (“BATMAN: REBORN”). Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin meet Abuse (Colin Wilkes). Abuse becomes good friends with Cassie Cain and Damian.
–NOTE: In DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1 Part 1—originally told in Batgirl Vol. 3 #1 and Bruce Wayne: The Road Home – Batgirl #1. Cassie Cain passes the torch to a returning Stephanie Brown, who becomes the new Batgirl. Like her time as Robin, Stephanie’s time as Batgirl won’t be for very long—only a couple months, after which she’ll return to her Spoiler moniker.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #6 and Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #6—originally told in “BRIGHTEST DAY / THE DARK THINGS.” Batman (Dick Grayson) and Supergirl take down the Japanese Water Elemental known as Naiad. Afterward, the JLA and JSA battle against Alan Ladd-Scott, Obsidian, and the new Dr. Fate (the original Dr. Fate’s grandnephew, Kent V Nelson), who have been possessed by the powerful (and sentient) cosmic artifact known as the Starheart. The heroes are able to best their friends and restore them back to benevolent status quo.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Nights: Metal #1-2, Nightwing Vol. 4 #29, and Batman: One Dark Night #1—originally told in Batman & Robin #4-6 (“REVENGE OF THE RED HOOD”). Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin spy on a mob meeting between the Neon Dragons aka Neon Dragon Triad and Simon Hurt’s Mexican El Penitente drug cartel. Batman and Robin not only deal with the threat of an angry Jason Todd and his sidekick Scarlet, but they also combat the debuting Eduardo Flamingo—a flamboyant assassin representing El Penitente. Flamingo goes down, but not before shooting Damian in the spine.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Incorporated Vol. 3 #8—originally told in Batman & Robin #7-9 (“BLACKEST KNIGHT”). Picking up directly from our prior item, Damian undergoes emergency surgery with League of Assassins doctors. Meanwhile, in the UK, Batman (Dick Grayson) teams-up with Knight and Squire against Old King Coal. The heroes then question The Pearly Prince at the prison known as Basement 101, which is run by British superhero Beefeater. (Basement 101 is London’s equivalent to Arkham Asylum, complete with an incarcerated Welsh version of Joker named Dai Laffyn.) After the Pearly Prince reveals the location of a nearby Lazarus Pit, Batman, Batwoman, Knight, and Squire lower Bruce’s exhumed corpse into the life-giving goop. Of course, “Bruce” isn’t really Bruce. Darkseid’s evil Batman-clone is resurrected and goes on a global rampage. In Gotham, Alfred and a recovering Damian fend off the clone until Batman and Batwoman arrive to put him down for good. With this series of events, our heroes shockingly confirm that Bruce is still alive. After Dick notifies the Justice League and Tim Drake, the latter is able to ascertain that Bruce alive but lost in time.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21 and Heroes in Crisis #5—originally told in Justice League of America Vol. 2 #50-53 (“OMEGA”). A time-delayed dark matter bomb, triggered by Alexander Luthor Jr on his deathbed (at the conclusion of Infinite Crisis), now wreaks havoc across Universe-3 and Universe-9, causing the Crime Syndicate of Amerika to flee to Earth-0. The CSA teams-up with evil New Gods Dr. Impossible, Hunter, Neon Black, and Tender Mercy to attack the Justice League and Earth-9 Green Lantern (Tangent Green Lantern). Owlman defeats Batman (Dick Grayson) and steals Luthor Jr’s corpse in an attempt to revive him. However, Dr. Impossible’s crew double-crosses Owlman in an attempt to resurrect Darkseid. The New Gods fail, instead creating the dark energy being known as Omega Man, who immediately kills them. After a few double-crosses (and triple-crosses), the JL temporarily resurrects Luthor Jr, who not only helps defeat Omega Man and the CSA, but fixes the damage done by his dark matter bomb. Having done one final act of good, Luthor Jr returns to the afterlife. Afterward, the Justice League keeps Earth-9 Green Lantern’s lantern as a trophy.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #21-23. Batman (Dick Grayson) busts the debuting Tiger Shark.
–REFERENCE: In Heroes in Crisis #3—originally told in Nemesis: The Impostors #1-4. Despite having been “reprogrammed” by a cloak-and-dagger government organization and completely lost his marbles, Nemesis (Tom Tresser) stalks his rivals in the international criminal cartel known as The Council. After a violent clash between Tresser and the Council on the streets of Gotham, Batman (Dick Grayson) intervenes and questions Tresser, who believes that a prominent US senator now secretly leads the Council. Eventually, Tresser fights-off his own doppelgänger (which has been sent by the Council) and kills the senator. Batman then busts Tresser, who goes behind bars. Or is it the doppelgänger that has been busted?
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Dark Nights: Metal #2, and Nightwing Vol. 4 #29—originally told in Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #2-4 and Batman & Robin #10-12. Months have passed since Bruce was trapped in time due to Darkseid’s Omega Sanction. A time-displaced Bruce now leaps from 1640 to 1718 where he has a pirate adventure. Bruce then leaps from 1718 to the late 19th century where he becomes a masked cowboy vigilante on horseback, starting a full-scale war-on-crime against outlaws. From there, Bruce leaps to the time period shortly after his parents’ deaths. Meanwhile, in present day, Batman (Dick Grayson), Robin, and a disguised Joker fight Simon Hurt’s army known as The 99 Fiends. In the past, Bruce gets involved in an occult ritual being held by the Black Glove members Simon Hurt, Carter Nichols, and others. Nichols betrays Hurt, allowing Bruce to jump to Vanishing Point at the literal End of Time. From the End of Time, Bruce leaps back to the present day with the Hyper-Adapter in tow. With the help of the Justice League, Red Robin, and Rip Hunter, the Hyper-Adapter is defeated and is sent spiraling backward through time.
–FLASHBACK: From Justice League Vol. 4 #51—and referenced in Flash Vol. 5 #21 and Nightwing Vol. 4 #29. Originally told in Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #6 and Batman & Robin #13-16. This item picks up directly from our previous item. Simon Hurt, with Professor Pyg and two armies (Dollotrons and the 99 Fiends), takes over Gotham, capturing Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin. Batman (Bruce), having arrived from the past only minutes ago, helps the Bat-Family defeat Hurt and company. Joker buries the immortal Hurt alive.
–REFERENCE: In Superman Vol. 4 #21, Superman Vol. 4 #37, Justice League Vol. 3 #29, Super Sons/Dynomutt Special #1, The Silencer #7, The Silencer #13, Dark Days: The Forge #1, Doomsday Clock #2, Doomsday Clock #5, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #48, Detective Comics Annual #2 (2019), New Year’s Evil #1 Part 4, Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #16 Part 2, Batman: Three Jokers #1, Batman Vol. 3 #121, and Absolute Power: Task Force VII #7—originally told in Batman Incorporated #1-2 and Batman Incorporated Vol. 2 #0. Bruce is officially back! After the Bat-Family catches-up with their beloved progenitor and learn about his ordeal, they fill-in Bruce on all he has missed while he was gone. Dick gives Bruce a black power ring and yellow power ring, which both go into storage in a reopened Batcave. Bruce then officially returns to active duty as Batman (although Dick will stay as Batman for a short while too). Bruce tailors and begins using a new costume with a raised-yellow oval (which doubles as a spotlight) on his chest. Bruce will wear this costume interchangeably with his usual duds for the next few months. After some planning, Bruce publicly initiates Batman Incorporated, a massive enterprise that will see international Bat-agents working to fight crime all over the globe. Outside of the Bat-Family, Batman (Bruce) constructs a troop of GI Bat-Robots and recruits Commissioner Gordon, Lucius Fox, Traktir, Spidra, Batman Japan, Batwing (David Zavimbe), a new Dark Ranger, Ravil, Nightrunner, Man-of-Bats, Raven Red (formerly “Little Raven”), Gaucho, The Hood, Knight, Squire, a new Legionary, Batman Japan (Jiro Osamu), Cassie Cain, an unnamed Greek superhero, Blue Falcon, and Dynomutt. (Robin is particularly fond of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt.) Via this network of heroes, Bruce will now have access to international intelligence, resources, and bases. Bruce also builds various international versions of the Batcave, including one underneath a home that he owns in Pyrgos, Greece.[6] Additionally, Bruce reconciles with Jason Todd, who joins Batman Incorporated as the new Wingman. Bruce also disbands the Outsiders and reforms the covert-ops team to feature Red Robin, Katana, Metamorpho, Black Lightning, Looker, and Freight Train. The Outsiders not only join Batman Incorporated, but will also continue going on unspecified missions and investigating the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe. (This Outsiders team will only last for a few months before fizzling-out.) Soon after solidifying the Batman Incorporated global roster, Bruce becomes aware of the threat of Leviathan, a widespread international criminal organization. On his first ever Batman Incorporated mission, Batman Japan helps Bruce defeat Leviathan agent Lord Death Man. They imprison the semi-immortal villain inside a WayneTech satellite and launch him into space.
–REFERENCE: In Shadow War: Alpha #1, Batman vs Robin #3, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—originally told in “BRUCE WAYNE: THE ROAD HOME.” Disguised as the mysterious “Insider,” Bruce tests each member of the Bat-Family with a series of challenges. (This is Bruce’s first time seeing Damian in action as Robin.) Bruce also secretly watches as the Bat-Family defeats Ra’s al Ghul’s Seven Men of Death (with their new lineup that sees an unnamed shuriken-wielding assassin replace Merlyn). Afterward, Bruce is very impressed and satisfied with his fam. Notably, Bruce sees that Tim is doing fine on his own as a solo hero.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #145. Now that Bruce and Damian are living under the same roof for the first time (aside from their very brief introduction period earlier in the year), Bruce discovers that his son suffers from post-patrol insomnia and nightly bad dreams. As such, Bruce begins the practice of sitting in Damian’s room until he drifts off to sleep. The next day, Damian pretends like it didn’t happen. Damian will always pretend his dad doesn’t sit in to help soothe the pain caused by his nightmares. We’ll have to imagine these sit-ins and next-day denials as occurring sporadically ahead on our timeline.
–REFERENCE: In Batman vs Robin #3—originally told in Azrael Vol. 2 #14-16 (“THREE MYSTERIES”). Bruce orders Batman (Dick) to check up on Azrael (Michael Lane). Unfortunately, Azrael is mentally compromised and stabs Dick in the chest with the Sword of Sin before committing suicide. Bruce and Dick learn that the Sword of Sin magickally manifests guilts and doubts in an opponent’s mind, amplifying them. Soon after, Ra’s al Ghul resurrects Azrael via Lazarus Pit, hoping that he will serve the League of Assassins. Batman (Bruce) and Batman (Dick) try to convince Azrael to join the side of good. Azrael chooses neither side, remaining a true wild card.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #21 Part 3—originally told in Batman #704-707 (“EYE OF THE BEHOLDER”). Selina has trained young Kitrina Falcone (Alberto Falcone’s daughter) to become Catgirl, much to the chagrin of Batman (Bruce), Batman (Dick), and Robin (Damian). Later, Batman (Dick) teams up with Peacock (Sasha Lo) against the Sensei, who is in Gotham searching for a magickal artifact that belongs to the secret organization known as The Jade Compass Society. (In the Modern Age, the Jade Compass Society was run by a returning Gilda Dent. It’s unclear whether or not Gilda has returned or if she has any connection to the Jade Compass in current continuity, so it’s up to your personal headcanon on this detail.) Later still, Batman (Dick) and Robin defeat Riddler and his debuting daughter Enigma! Batman (Dick), Robin, Lucius Fox, Dr. Tamara “Tam” Fox (Lucius’s daughter), Luki Lo (Peacock’s brother), I-Ching, and Catgirl are all involved in the defeat of the Sensei and his henchmen.
–FLASHBACK: From Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 6. Now that Bruce is back, he reconnects with Damian. Alfred watches as father and son return to Wayne Manor after an outing. Alfred has witnessed this scene play out before with Dick, Jason, and Tim—but now it’s Damian’s time.
–REFERENCE: In Robins #3. Batman (Bruce) has a long overdue talk with Jason Todd about the specifics regarding his murder and resurrection. Bruce records info from this conversation into the Bat-computer.
–FLASHBACK: In Batman Vol. 3 #104. Batman (Bruce) reaches out to the Ghost-Maker, offering him a huge olive branch in the form of a co-leadership role for Batman Incorporated. The Ghost-Maker turns Bruce down, and as usual, they fight.
–REFERENCE: In Hawkgirl Vol. 2 #3. Bruce meets powerful CEO Farlane Candor, becoming business colleagues with him. While we won’t see their interactions ahead on our timeline, we must imagine meetings between the two of them peppered throughout the chronology in the future.
–REFERENCE: In Superman vs Lobo #1. Batman (Bruce) begins monitoring Lobo with secret cameras that are programmed to record him as soon as he comes to Earth. While we won’t see all the monitoring on our timeline ahead, Bruce will watch Lobo closely, seeing lots of video that is extremely NSFW.
–REFERENCE: In Batgirl Vol. 5 #50 Part 1. Bruce sets up a regular allowance for Red Robin, through which he will fund his former sidekick’s crimefighting for years to come.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red #4. Batman (Bruce) poses for a photo with Gotham’s most famous underground rapper, Goth.I.Am.
–REFERENCE: In DC’s Terrors through Time #1 Part 8. Deadman pesters Batman (Bruce), telling him that he can ward off evil spirits by sprinkling black beans around his home around midnight.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. Note that this item is specifically listed by writer Matt Fraction as occurring in “Year Fifteen, Month One.” However, I’ve put it months earlier since next year Joker will be faceless and engaged in a long scheme that contradicts with this flashback. Here’s a brief synopsis. Joker celebrates Batman’s “birthday” at Arkham Asylum by dressing up in a makeshift Batman costume and brutally murdering a bunch of his fellow inmates. Batman (Bruce) arrives too late to stop Joker’s carnage.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #119. Batman (Bruce) has an unspecified encounter with Lex Luthor.
–FLASHBACK: From Justice League Incarnate #4. A random assortment of heroes mobilizes into unspecified action. The panel image includes Batman (Bruce), Robin (Damian), Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman, Mera, Black Canary, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), Martian Manhunter, John Stewart, Zatanna, and Hawkgirl.
–REFERENCE: In Batwoman: Rebirth #1, Batwoman Vol. 3 #7-8, Batwoman Vol. 3 #17-18, Lois Lane Vol. 2 #1, Lois Lane Vol. 2 #4, and Gotham City Monsters #4—originally told in 52 #38, 52 #48, Detective Comics #857-860, and flashbacks from Detective Comics #948-949. Batwoman (Kate Kane)—guided by her dad Jake Kane—debuts as a superhero. (Batwoman is Bruce’s cousin, and Jake is his uncle.) Along with Kyle Abbot, the Question, and her girlfriend Detective Renee Montoya, Batwoman takes on The Religion of Crime and Bruno Mannheim‘s Intergang. Religion of Crime cultists stab Batwoman in the heart, but she survives and makes a miraculous recovery (likely with the aid of magick or a sci-fi cure). Immediately thereafter, the Question travels to the Himalayas with Renee in hopes of finding a cure for his terminal cancer, but he dies just outside the mystical hidden city of Nanda Parbat. (The Question will eventually get revived in Nanda Parbat, but will remain off the grid for a while.) Renee returns to the States and debuts as the new Question. Shortly thereafter, with Jake guiding her, Batwoman spies on the Dark Knight, but Batman (Bruce) surprises Kate at home, telling her that he doesn’t approve of her vigilantism but won’t stand in her way. Unknown to Bruce and Kate, they are secretly watched via hidden camera that belongs to Jake’s clandestine paramilitary group known as The Colony. (The Colony has been watching Bruce since his debut as Batman.) Jake and his top man Simon Samuels (codenamed “Colony Prime”) view Bruce conversing with Batwoman. A couple days later, after lunch with cousin Bruce, Kate realizes that Bruce is Batman and that he is testing her. Shortly thereafter, Batwoman fights her long lost twin sister Beth Kane, who returns to Gotham as Alice, the super-villain leader of the Religion of Crime. Alice attempts to bomb Gotham Harbor, but is stopped by Batwoman, Kyle Abbot, and Jake. Alice seemingly perishes during the chaos after falling into the harbor from a plane. (Spoiler: She’s still alive.) Angry, sad, and confused about all that has occurred, Kate cuts off all communication with her dad.
–Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #16 Part 2
Lord Death Man crashes back to Earth, escaping his WayneTech satellite prison. Batman (Bruce) briefs Batwoman while she is en route to the crash site. There, Batwoman defeats Lord Death Man, encasing him in concrete. Afterward, Batwoman chats with her girlfriend, Detective Renee Montoya (aka the new Question). (Lord Death Man, as he always does, will quickly escape his inescapable prison.)
–REFERENCE: In Catwoman Vol. 5 #62—originally told in Secret Six Vol. 3 #36.
In Gotham, the Secret Six (Bane, Catman, Deadshot, Jeannette, Rag Doll, and Scandal Savage)—along with King Shark and Knockout—take Venom pills and make their glorious last stand against Batman (Bruce), Batman (Dick), Robin, Red Robin, Superman, Superboy, and dozens of other superheroes. Facing a serious numbers disadvantage, the Secret Six are defeated.
–REFERENCE: In Superman Vol. 4 #21, Superman Vol. 4 #37, Justice League Vol. 3 #29, Super Sons/Dynomutt Special #1, The Silencer #7, The Silencer #13, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #48, New Year’s Evil #1 Part 4, and Unstoppable Doom Patrol #6—originally told in Batman Incorporated #3-11 and Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes. Batman Incorporated fights Leviathan all over the planet, including an unspecified Damian/Dynomutt team-up and a scuffle against El Sombrero and Scorpiana. Batman (Bruce) discovers that the evil confederation has infiltrated the covert ops group known as Spyral. Shortly thereafter, Bruce remotely guides Batman Japan and Lolita Canary into battle in Tokyo where they defeat Leviathan’s Lady Tiger Fist, a cyborg that has pet robot tigers, whose heads pop off and become her fists. Batman (Bruce) then shuts down St. Hadrian’s School for Girls, a Spyral training academy that has secretly long been run by Leviathan. Despite defeating villains Johnny Valentine (Professor Pyg’s son) and Miss Hexley to sever Leviathan’s control over St. Hadrian’s, Bruce still doesn’t know that Talia is in charge of the vile fraternity. Following a huge battle against Lord Death Man and ex-Nazi Otto Netz (Doctor Dedalus) that appears as a loss for the good guys (and during which Robin kills Netz), Talia al Ghul reveals herself as the leader of Leviathan.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Secret Files #3 Part 5. Bruce updates his will, making Alfred, Dick, Tim, Jason, and Damian primary beneficiaries in the event of his death.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1030. Bruce shows Damian his Black Casebook, stressing the journal’s importance.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 Annual #5. Batman (Bruce) chases after Joker, who drives a brand new Jokermobile. It’s unknown which Joker appears here.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #10 Part 4. Christmas. Batman (Dick) and Robin celebrate Xmas with Alfred. We can imagine that Batman (Bruce) is out patrolling.
–REFERENCE: In the quasi-canonical Harley Quinn’s Villain of the Year #1—originally told in Batman & Robin #17-19 (“SUM OF HER PARTS”). Bruce, in order to keep up playboy appearances, briefly dates socialite Una Nemo. Soon after, Una is shot in the head during a mugging. Due to a bizarre medical condition, Una survives the gunshot wound, but develops a giant hole in the middle of her head. She then debuts as the super-villain known as The Absence. The Absence runs circles around Batman (Dick Grayson) and Robin, eventually executing the men that mugged her.
–REFERENCE: In Batgirl & The Birds of Prey #11, Batgirl Vol. 5 Annual #2, and The Batman Who Laughs #3—originally told in Detective Comics #874-875, Birds of Prey Vol. 2 #7-10 (“THE DEATH OF ORACLE!”), and Detective Comics #879-881 (“SKELETON CASES”). Commissioner Gordon’s troubled son (and Oracle’s brother) James Gordon Jr, now nearly eighteen-years-old, comes back to Gotham. Jim, Barbara, and Babs are happy to see him, but they don’t trust him due to his troubled history. Shortly thereafter, Babs meets with Bruce and tells him that she wants to stop being Oracle. Meanwhile, the Calculator (Noah Kuttler), having recently learned Oracle’s secret ID only to be mind-wiped by her, wants revenge. Along with Mortis, Mammoth, Current, and some HIVE henchmen, Calculator strikes out at Batman (Bruce) and an Oracle-led Birds of Prey team consisting of Black Canary, Hawk, Dove, Misfit, Proxy (Wendy Harris), and Savant. Oracle herself joins the battle in a helicopter and—as per her plan—fakes her own death in an explosion. Batman (Bruce) and the Birds of Prey then bust Calculator and company. Oracle is officially retired. Later, the Gordon family confirms what they always feared—that twelve-year-old James Junior is a serial-killer. James Junior kidnaps and tortures both his mom and Babs, stabbing the latter in her legs with a knife. Babs frees herself and stabs out one of James Junior’s eyes. Batman (Dick) and Commissioner Gordon rush in to save Barbara and Babs, busting James Junior. Despite only being twelve-years-old, the devil child is tried as an adult and sent to Arkham Asylum. Following this case, Commissioner Gordon helps secure all of James Junior’s old journals and notebooks in an effort to better understand what makes the sick boy tick. These materials are submitted to psychologists at the GCPD and eventually get securely filed away.
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- [1]COLLIN COLSHER: All of the issues listed here as reference material are indirect, but they all speak to the canonicity of the full history of Gail Simon’e Secret Six team. In The Joker Vol. 2 #15 (a Bane-heavy issue), we learn that the Network has taken Scandal Savage’s DNA, which speaks to Scandal’s broader debut and involvement with the Secret Six (including Bane himself). Secret Six member Rag Doll’s inclusion by Gail Simone in Plastic Man Vol. 4 #5 (along with his inclusion in Suicide Squad Vol. 5 Annual #1) clearly nod to the team’s rich history. The inclusion of Knockout (Scandal’s partner) in Flash Vol. 5 #61 and Batman Vol. 3 #79 also subtly hint at the history of the Secret Six as well. Notably, Catwoman Vol. 5 #62 mentions Scandal, Jeannette, and Black Alice as Secret Six members as well, pretty much confirming the canonicity of the full history of the Secret Six.↩
- [2]COLLIN COLSHER: The Place Between Pages (aka Comic Book Limbo) is but one of many Limbo spaces that separates the Sphere of the Gods from Nil (aka the Monitor Sphere). Comic Book Limbo is a purely metaphysical place outside of time and space—and beyond the fourth wall of fiction—where unused characters are banished. Upon returning from Comic Book Limbo, one wouldn’t have any knowledge they were even there, nor would they remember that they were fictional or have any memories of Comic Book Limbo at all. Superman is one of the few characters that gets to visit Comic Book Limbo and retain knowledge of the fact that he is nothing more than fiction. Although, this metalepsis, in terms of experience, would be something less like a profound realization and more like a cosmic epiphany beyond human (or even superhuman) comprehension. Notably, the name “Place Between the Pages” comes from Outsiders Vol. 5 #6.↩
- [3]COLLIN COLSHER: For further elucidation about the concept of the Thought Robot, check out my blog piece “Infinite Frontier: The Physics and Metaphysics of the Omniverse and Beyond.”↩
- [4]COLLIN COLSHER: In both the Modern Age’s Return of Bruce Wayne (by Grant Morrison) and the New 52’s “Endgame” (by Scott Snyder), it is heavily implied that the Hyper-Adapter, a creature made of the eternal-life-giving Dionesium, endows Vandaa with immortality in 38,000 BCE. Vandaa (later Vandal Savage) will hazily recall his origin story as a radioactive comet crashing on Earth and endowing him with immortality. This “comet,” unknown to Vandal Savage, is likely the Hyper-Adapter itself, emerging through time and crash landing smack dab in the middle of Wold Tribe territory circa 38,000 BCE.↩
- [5]COLLIN COLSHER: Note that legacy characters like Jesse Quick, daughter of 1940s heroes Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle, muddy up the Rebirth timeline a bit. Because Jesse appears to be around the same age as Barry Allen (if not younger), this means that Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle must have had Jesse when they were in their 60s or 70s. But don’t forget that many of the 1940s heroes—as was the case in prior continuities—had extended youth, thus allowing them to conceive children at a much older age than usual. If magickal extended youth isn’t the case, we’d have to fanwank that Jesse is much older but looks younger thanks to the Speed Force and/or exile into the Speed Force. A similar explanation must be applied to any legacy character whose parents were active as superheroes in the 1940s or 1950s. Keeping the older heroes linked to the 1940s is a dubious continuity move—akin to keeping the Punisher’s origins linked to Vietnam or something like that. If continuity slides, you should contemporize the topical references to match. Oh well.↩
- [6]COLLIN COLSHER: The Pyrgos Batcave, interestingly, contains trophies, including giant dice and a giant stuffed Orthrus (the two-headed dog of Greek myth). Since Bruce already has giant dice as trophies in the States, it’s safe to assume that these trophies belong to someone else, namely the unnamed Greek agent of Batman Inc.↩
–REFERENCE: In Batgirl Vol. 5 Annual #1. Superman’s cousin, Supergirl (Kara Zor-El), debuts. She was actually born prior to Superman, but having been stuck in suspended animation, she is only now thirteen-years-old. (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1, which occurs in 2021, shows Kara’s twenty-first birthday, which is how we know her age here.)
If you don’t mind me asking, what element of Batgirl Vol. 5 Annual 1 points to this? I was hunting through it but can’t seem to find it.
Hey Dylan, Batgirl Vol. 5 Annual #1, which depicts the first meeting between Batgirl and Supergirl, simply is one of the first post-Superman Reborn Rebirth Era appearances of Supergirl. She exists therefore she debuted kind of thing, that’s all.