Rebirth Era (Post-“Superman Reborn”) Chronology
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YEAR EIGHT (2009)
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–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #19. This item supposedly occurs one year after Grant Wilson’s death, but that’s impossible since it features Dick as Robin instead of Nightwing. Therefore, the most amount of time that could have passed since Grant’s death is a mere four months max. Robin meets with Deathstroke alone and enters into a secret pact with the killer. In exchange for Robin befriending and providing his young daughter Rose Wilson with the Bat-Family’s positive values, Deathstroke will stop trying to kill the Teen Titans, going so far as to turn his long-running lucrative contract with HIVE into a “Lazarus Contract,” effectively canceling out any hits he is working on for them. Shortly thereafter, Dick befriends Rose. Presumably, Batman monitors all of this via hidden Robin cam. Dick will meet with Rose regularly, moving forward.
–Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 1
A main part of this Marv Wolfman story is that it supposedly occurs on Dick’s eighteenth birthday, but, thanks to Mark Waid having Dick debut as Robin at ten-years-old (as referenced in Batman and Robin: Year One #12), this can no longer be the case. As such, we must ignore the birthday stuff. At this juncture, Dick is only fifteen. Onto a synopsis! Batman and Robin save a priest from Victor Zsasz, but Robin disobeys a direct order during the fight. Back home, Batman chews-out Robin. Later, the Dynamic Duo foils a robbery attempt at the museum, during which the Boy Wonder again disobeys Batman’s orders. Upon returning home, Dick thanks Batman for everything he’s done for him, but resigns from his post. Yes, Dick quits being Robin! As referenced in Nightwing Vol. 4 #79, we learn that Batman fires Robin, so we must assume there’s a follow-up conversation where Bruce does a petty “you can’t quit because your’e fired” thing. Shortly after that, Dick packs up and moves out of Wayne Manor. As referenced in Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #14 Part 2, Bruce and Dick are no longer on speaking terms.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #39, and Detective Comics #965. Now that Dick has quit his sidekick role, Batman puts his final Robin costume on display in the Batcave.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #35 and Nightwing Vol. 4 #39. Much to the disappointment of Bruce and Alfred, Dick drops out of college.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #21, Nightwing Vol. 4 #39, Detective Comics #965, Batgirl Vol. 5 #50, and the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #2. Inspired by Superman telling him about a legendary Kryptonian warrior, Dick becomes the superhero Nightwing, wearing the modified (blue-and-yellow) version of his dad’s Flying Grayson outfit. (Dick has already tailored the costume and even recently wore it while working a Judge case in Blüdhaven.) Bruce sets up a stipend for Nightwing, through which he will fund his former sidekick’s crimefighting for years to come. Note that Nightwing will wear several different costume styles moving forward, including his modified blue-and-yellow Flying Grayson outfit and sleeker blue-and-black duds.
–NOTE: Referenced in Deathstroke Vol. 4 #27, Nightwing Vol. 4 #39, and the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #2—originally told in “THE JUDAS CONTRACT.” Jericho (Deathstroke’s son Joseph Wilson) and Terra (Tara Markov) join the Teen Titans. However, Terra is quickly outed as a double-agent working for the manipulative Deathstroke. (Terra is also outed as having an unsettling quasi-sexual affair with the much older Deathstroke, who is committing statutory rape in this “relationship.”) Batman and Nightwing learn that Terra has revealed their secret identities to Deathstroke. Shaken to their core, the Teen Titans begin a short hiatus.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 4 #5. Bruce, presumably to really up his reckless playboy facade (but also to scratch a daredevil itch) competes in a series of car races, winning a couple awards/trophies.
–FLASHBACK: From Red Hood: Outlaw #35, Red Hood: Outlaw #48, Truth and Justice #10, Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 6, Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4, and DC KO: Red Hood vs Joker #1—and referenced in Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #7, Red Hood & The Outlaws Vol. 2 #12, Red Hood & The Outlaws Vol. 2 #18, Batman Vol. 3 #33, Detective Comics #968, Nightwing Vol. 4 #39, Detective Comics #1052, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Originally told in Batman #408-409. Batman meets unhoused juvenile delinquent Jason Todd (who is a former Red Hood Gang member) when the latter boldly attempts to steal the wheels off the Batmobile! Batman catches him red-handed, but gives the spunky kid a break. After a lengthy conversation over cheeseburgers, Batman tells Jason thats “his friend” Bruce Wayne will help him get into a decent orphanage—Faye “Ma” Gunn‘s Home For Wayward Boys. Later, Bruce secures a spot for Jason at the home. Bruce then visits Jason at the latter’s dingy squat apartment to tell him the news. Jason soon goes into the care of Ma Gunn, who lies and tells Jason his dad (Willis Todd) is dead. Unknown to Jason, Ma Gunn is Willis’ biological mother, meaning Ma Gunn is Jason’s grandmother! Unknown to the public, Ma Gunn is a criminal. Jason soon contacts Batman and helps him bust Ma Gunn. (As referenced in the second feature to Detective Comics #1052, Jason briefly lives at the Wayne Orphanage and a mental institution after Ma Gunn’s arrest.) Seeing promise in Jason, Bruce makes the troubled teen his legal ward. Bruce takes Jason home to Wayne Manor and introduces him to Alfred. Shortly thereafter, Bruce reveals his superhero secret to Jason and offers him the position of being Batman’s new sidekick-in-training. Despite the fact that Dick and Bruce aren’t on good terms at the moment, Bruce still introduces Jason to Dick. They become fast friends. Jason starts on an intensive six month training course. Note that there’s currently nothing in contemporary canon that says how long Jason’s training period lasts. While Dick’s training period was virtually non-existent before he donned the Robin costume (as per Batman and Robin: Year One #1), Dick was already at an advanced level by the time he met Batman. Jason would surely require a longer training period, so I’ve kept the standard six months, which is what it was in prior continuity.[1]
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #11 Part 1. One of the very first lessons that Batman teaches Jason Todd as part of his training is how to deal with pain.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #1 Part 1. While he certainly isn’t Robin yet, Batman gives Jason part of what will eventually become his Robin costume (designed by Alfred). Jason then spends a week of training focusing on Batarang and shuriken throwing. Batman expresses his hatred for guns to Jason. After a chat with Alfred, a curious Jason is very surprised to stumble upon Batman’s hidden gun collection in the Batcave. Batman, returning from patrol, finds him there, awestruck at the sight of the firearms. Batman explains that he uses these guns for reference and forensic study while working cases.
–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 Batman: Legends of Gotham #1. Jason explores the Batcave and all the attached caverns connected to it. Batman secretly monitors his every movement, and he will do so every time Jason explores the caves, moving forward.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman hears that an underground black market store, which sells super-villain memorabilia, has the gun that was used to kill his parents. (Years ago, Batman once had the gun in his possession but either discarded it or lost it—and now he wants it back again!) As Matches Malone, Batman visits the store and purchases Joe Chill’s old piece. Batman then melts down the gun and fashions it into a bulletproof chest-plate. For years to come, Batman will wear this special armor under his costume. (Note importantly that this Kevin Smith item contradicts Geoff Johns’ “The Button,” specifically Flash Vol. 5 #21, which says that Bruce tried to find his parents’ murder weapon but failed to find it. Thus, Detective Comics #1000 Part 2 is a straight-up retcon. This should surprise absolutely no one since Kevin Smith is basically the King of Retcons.)
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman fights Catwoman (in her purple-and-green dress outfit).
–REFERENCE: In DC KO #2. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are abducted by Mongul and forced—wearing leather loin cloth outfits—to fight in his gladiatorial pit on Warworld.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman fights an escaped Joker at a three-ring circus.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 11 and Detective Comics #1014. Batman fights Mr. Freeze, who is still trying to revive his beloved Nora Fries. (Note that these two flashback images technically don’t have anything to do with one another. They simply both show a random generic fight scene between Batman and Mr. Freeze. I’ve lumped these panels together because they look almost exactly the same.)
–REFERENCE: In DC’s Spring Breakout! #1 Part 2. Batman devises a rather elaborate plan designed to bring down Mr. Freeze in future combat. The scheme involves tricking Mr. Freeze with a toy heat gun and then detaining him in a thermal trap.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #7—originally told in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film. Joker holds a parade in downtown Gotham, luring the masses to the event with the promise of throwing millions of dollars in cash into the crowd. Batman arrives in time to stop Joker from releasing deadly Joker Venom (in gas form) onto the audience via large clown parade balloons.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1039 Part 2. Ever since he was a little boy, teenager Hue Vile has an insect-like symbiotic parasite that lives in his throat. When not outright feeding on people or slaughtering them just for kicks, Vile and the parasite spread a virus that causes the infected person to go into a fit of murderous mayhem. When one of Vile’s victims lashes out and gets shot down by cops, Batman investigates, but Vile makes sure to stay hidden.
–FLASHBACK: From Nightwing Vol. 4 #47. The Trinity assembles for unspecified action.
–FLASHBACK: From Super Sons #5. Batman and Superman get in a bad argument about an unspecified topic. Batman gets so heated that he punches-out Superman.
–DC’s Spring Breakout! #1 Part 2
Spring. Alfred convinces Bruce to show up at the 40th Annual Wayne Spring Ball. During the festivities, Mr. Freeze shows up hoping to force one of the attendees, renowned cancer researcher Dr. Lapointe, to save his frozen Nora. Bruce sneaks off into the Batcave, dons his Bat-gear, and then sneaks outside in order to crash through his own window! Talk about putting on a show. Batman initiates his toy gun/thermal trap scheme in order to bring down Mr. Freeze.
–FLASHBACK: From Catwoman Vol. 5 #17. Batman fights Catwoman, who is, for the first time, wearing a sexier new version of her old purple-and-green dress outfit. This one is low-cut and sports a domino mask.
–Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 Part 2
After Solomon Grundy kidnaps a seemingly metahuman baby in Gotham, Batman is on the case. A perfunctory investigation points the Caped Crusader in Swamp Thing’s direction, so he travels to Houma, Louisiana to visit the plant elemental, who has just finished checking-in on his pal, Interpol agent Matthew Cable. Batman and Swamp Thing team up to bust some poachers and talk about the abducted child. This item is Len Wein’s final work, which was meant to have been the start of the seventh volume of Swamp Thing (picking up where Wein’s own “early era Swamp Thing” Volume 6 ended). Because Wein died shortly after writing it, there is no follow-up. Suffice to say, we can assume that Batman and Swamp Thing kick ass and solve the case.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman fights Penguin at the latter’s Iceberg Lounge casino.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1. Batman fights an escaped Poison Ivy, who unleashes giant carnivorous piranha plants upon him.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 2. Batman takes on an escaped Joker, who heaves an old-timey spherical black bomb at him.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #17 Part 2. Batman reinforces the Bat-Submarine with Nth Metal.
–FLASHBACK: From Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #40—and referenced in Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #36. Batman busts the debuting Maxie Zeus.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #75. Batman defeats the pyromaniac super-villain Firebug.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #38 and Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #15. Batman fights the debuting Film Freak (Burt Weston).
–REFERENCE: In New Talent Showcase 2017 #1 Part 1. Batman continues training Jason Todd, telling him that, in hostile environments, they must operate quickly and efficiently, making sure to focus on fighting and not talking. Batman also tells Jason about all his rogues, giving advice for each. For instance, he tells Jason to always appeal to the Harvey Dent side of Two-Face when engaging with him. Batman also tells Jason that he’ll never be alone, no matter what.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #11 Part 1. Batman and Zatanna Zatara join together to perform an occult ritual, preventing the dark forces (which they accidentally unleashed as teens) from being released into the world.
–Batman Giant Vol. 2 #3 Part 1 (Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #4)
Billionaire businessman Hiram Bosch invites Bruce and a few others to a ritzy country club. There, Bruce hears about Bosch and company’s illicit dealings, which includes embezzlement, sex-trafficking, drug-running, chemical dumping, and more. Surely, Bruce must have had an inkling about this stuff prior to now, but, enough is enough, I guess, as Bruce steps away only to return as Batman to kick their asses and send them to Blackgate Prison. Bruce visits Bosch and his pals in jail, getting more info about their illegal operations. Batman then shuts down Bosch’s operations for good. In order to make Bosch think Bruce isn’t a snitch, Commissioner Gordon has Bruce “arrested” and jailed as well. An escaped Joker, hoping to milk the Bosch and Bruce for all they have left, throws himself into the mix, breaking the inmates out of prison and taking them to his lair. Bruce phones Alfred and, in code-speak, gives him instructions to bomb their location. Using a remotely-controlled Batmobile and a concrete grenade, Alfred does as he is instructed. Before fleeing the scene, Joker tells Bruce that Bosch and his associates were laundering money through investors at Wayne Enterprises. Later, Batman visits Wayne Enterprises to examine files relating to Joker’s revelation. Our story ends here, but you can bet your sweet ass that heads roll at the office the next morning. Although, let’s face facts, this is your company, Bruce—so the buck should have stopped with you.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #5 Part 1. As part of Jason’s training, Batman tells the boy a pro detective tip: If you want to know the most about someone, look in their bathroom cabinet.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 4 #12. Batman rescues a busload of nuns from an escaped Joker.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #44—and referenced in Nightwing Vol. 4 Annual #1. Originally told in Batman #355. Vicki Vale trails the Dark Knight and even interacts with him on a few successive cases, but she still has no clue that Bruce and Batman are one and the same. After seeing Bruce on a date with Vicki, a jealous Catwoman runs Bruce and Vicki off the road in her Catmobile. Thinking Bruce will come to her apartment to confront her, Catwoman leaves a clue hinting that she will be at a downtown warehouse. But Bruce stays with Vicki, who has suffered injuries, at the hospital for two days. Robin, visiting from college, offers to help bring Catwoman in, but Bruce tells him to stand down—it’s personal, he’s got to do this alone. Soon after, Batman goes head-to-head with the pissed-off Catwoman, who frustratingly exclaims both her love and hate for the Dark Knight as they duke it out. Eventually, unsure of what their relationship has become, the Bat and the Cat simply hug in tears.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #80. Early Summer. While this item has nothing to do with Batman, he’d surely be aware and supportive. Babs graduates high school and immediately starts college. She will eventually obtain a law degree.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #19 and Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #5 Part 1. Batman tells his “criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot” mantra to Jason.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Bruce spars with Jason as part of the latter’s ongoing training. This flashback panel is drawn vaguely enough that this technically could be Bruce sparring with Dick or Jason, but I’ve gone with Jason.
–FLASHBACK: From Truth and Justice #10 and DC KO: Red Hood vs Joker #1—and referenced in Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #7, Red Hood & The Outlaws Vol. 2 #12, Flash Vol. 5 #64, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4. Jason Todd’s training ends and he debuts as the new Robin, wearing his Alfred-designed costume.
–FLASHBACK: From Robins #2—and referenced in Robins #1. Originally told in Batman #424-425. Note that, in the Modern Age, this item was one of Jason’s last cases as Robin, whereas in the Infinite Frontier Era, it is his literal first. Robin goes on his very first patrol with Batman, finding shellshocked rape victim Gloria Stanson. Bogatagoan drug dealer Felipe Garzonas has raped Gloria, but the police can’t touch the creep because he has diplomatic immunity. Batman challenges Robin to take down Felipe as part of his final “gauntlet” training exercise. Unfortunately, Felipe’s misogynistic antagonization continues, which leads to the Gloria’s suicide. At Felipe’s apartment, an enraged Robin confronts the villain, who falls twenty stories to his death. Batman arrives a second later and asks Jason point blank if he killed the man. Jason says cooly, “He slipped,” and then swings away. Soon after, Felipe’s vengeful diplomat father José Garzonas kidnaps Commissioner Gordon to lure the Dynamic Duo into a showdown. Batman and Robin take down José.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #3 Part 1. On the heels of the Garzonas case, Batman introduces his new Robin to Commissioner Gordon.
–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 2021 Annual. Worried about Jason’s behavior and feeling he’s possibly still not ready, Batman temporarily benches Robin (letting him know multiple times very clearly that he’s not as good as Dick). When Batman departs on an unspecified solo mission, sneaky Alfred takes the opportunity to invite Dick to Wayne Manor, leaving him alone with Jason. Alfred knows this meeting will be good for both young men. Nightwing and Robin patrol together, with the former imparting important knowledge upon the new Boy Wonder. After the duo saves a boy from kidnappers, Nightwing sees the dark violent side of Robin. Nevertheless, back home, Nightwing gives Robin praise, calling him his brother.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #130. Batman continues training with his new Robin, and while we won’t see it ahead, they will train often. However, Jason hates training and will often show disdain toward it.
–REFERENCE: In DC KO: Red Hood vs Joker #1. Batman and Robin fight Joker. This is Jason’s first time seeing Joker, and he’s shocked at the sight of the cackling super-villain holding his own against Batman.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: One Bad Day – Two-Face #1—originally told in Batman #410-411. Batman and Robin take on an escaped Two-Face, who briefly kidnaps the Boy Wonder and holds him at gunpoint in his brand new Two-Face-mobile. Robin escapes and reunites with Batman. Later, a green Robin loses his cool while fighting Two-Face again, nearly costing the Dynamic Duo dearly. However, after regrouping, Batman and Robin bust Two-Face.
–FLASHBACK: From Titans: Beast World Tour – Gotham #1 Part 3. Batman goes on patrol, perching atop a gargoyle, as he is often wont to do.
–REFERENCE: In Event Leviathan #2. Batman creates a bunch of contingency plans for a variety of major-threat-level occurrences that involve everything ranging from the collapse of modern society to recondite conspiracy theory events. He shares these plans with his new Robin.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #3 Part 1. Presumably while on patrol, Batman introduces Robin former jewel thief gone straight, Salvatore Greco.
–the second feature to Detective Comics #1052
The “Shadows of the Bat: House of Gotham” arc continues here, shortly after the Batman-less second feature to Detective Comics #1051. At an ice cream shop, Jason Todd runs into a former acquaintance from Ma Gunn’s school, a delinquent named Elliot Strummer. Elliot and a fellow teen (the boy orphaned by Joker several years ago) brag to Jason that they work for Penguin. At Wayne Manor, Jason tells Bruce that Penguin is using child soldiers. Later, as Matches Malone, Batman visits the Iceberg Lounge. Seeing that there are indeed kids under Penguin’s employ, Batman switches to his fighting togs and begins kicking henchman ass. The orphaned teen betrays Penguin, helping Batman bust him. The orphaned teen then runs outside only to get kayoed by Robin. The orphaned teen is arrested and will eventually wind up at Arkham Asylum in a couple years.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #3 Part 1. Batman and Robin work an alleyway murder case along with Commissioner Gordon. Gordon expresses concerns about Batman bringing on a new Boy Wonder, saying that the kid seems a little rough around the edges. While they chat, Robin spots Salvatore Greco nearby and begins assaulting him. Batman stops and scolds Robin, telling him he was out of line.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #20 Part 1. With Zatanna and Bat-Mite watching secretly from the shadows, Batman takes on a throng of League of Assassins ninjas, after which he smooches with Talia. As she always does, Zatanna prevents Bat-Mite from messing with Batman. Notably, Batman and Talia’s romance fizzles out entirely starting now.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #957—originally told in Batman Confidential #13-16. Batman and Nightwing defeat the vengeful new Wrath (Elliot Caldwell), who was trained by the original Wrath.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #5 Part 1. Riddler catches wind that there’s a new Robin in town and decides to put the rookie Boy Wonder to the test. Riddler captures Batman, putting him in a sealed chamber death trap that can only be deactivated by solving a puzzle-riddle on the outside. Jason solves the riddle, freeing Batman.
–FLASHBACK: From Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #5—loosely based on a combination of Batman Annual #10 and “Prey” (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #11-15). Professor Hugo Strange returns, donning his very own Batman costume. With an out-of-control obsession, Strange declares that he is the legit Batman and fights the real deal. Batman bests him.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #14 Part 2—originally told via flashback from Detective Comics Annual #1 and The Question #2. (Editorial incorrectly says the flashback is originally from The Question #1.) The rookie superhero known as The Question gives some unwanted assistance to Batman on a stolen radium case. Afterward, Batman deduces his secret ID as reporter Vic Sage. (In the Modern Age, thanks to Detective Comics Annual #1, the exact placement of Question’s debut was unclear, technically making sense going anywhere between a couple years prior to the Crisis on Infinite Earths or just after the Crisis. To mirror the Batman Chronology Project’s version of the Modern Age, we have the Question debuting here—before the Crisis. This, of course, is a personal headcanon decision.)
–REFERENCE: In Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1 Part 4. While on an unspecified Justice League mission, Batman makes a joke, surprising his teammates with his humor.
–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #18. Batman and Robin save a suicide jumper who leaps off a bridge. However, the tortured face on the jumper, even after being saved, upsets Robin greatly. This moment will stick with Robin for the rest of his life.
–FLASHBACK: From Poison Ivy #25. Batman faces off against Poison Ivy, who drugs him with hallucinogens and escapes captivity. Note that Poison Ivy has green skin in this flashback. While this is the first time we’ve seen her with a chlorophyll tone, her skin actually does turn green every once and while.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #143. Batman challenges Catwoman, who uses sign language with her henchmen during a silent heist.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: City of Madness #1. Batman meets and befriends Arkham Asylum psychiatrist Dr. Ruth Adams. While we won’t see it on our timeline ahead, Batman will interact with Dr. Adams every once in a while.
–REFERENCE: In the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #4—originally told in DC Comics Presents Annual #2. In the 29th century, Professor Kristin Wells (a descendant of Jimmy Olsen) studies the mysterious history of a “Superwoman” that briefly appeared and then disappeared in the year 2009. Wanting to solve the mystery, Kristin time-travels from the 29th century to 2009 where she herself becomes Superwoman, helping the Justice League defeat super-villain King Kosmos. Thus, the mystery is solved via this classic time-traveling paradox. Kristin was the 2009 Superwoman all along. Kristin says her goodbyes and returns to the 29th century. (Kristin will eventually get amnesia—the very reason she didn’t know—or, rather, won’t know—about her history as Superwoman.)
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1 and Dark Days: The Casting #1. In the Justice League Trophy Room, Batman examines magickal metallic items, including Wonder Woman’s bracelets, the Helm of Nabu (Dr. Fate’s helmet), and the Trident of Neptune (which is sometimes drawn with five points, sometimes three, depending on the artist). In each of these items, Batman discovers a compound containing traces of a dangerous mystery metal. This metal has a very specific “dark energy” signature. After 3D scanning, holographic image mapping, and detailed analysis of these items, Batman concludes that the mystery metal exists in nature and that it could potentially be very dangerous to all life on the planet. Concerned, Batman decides the very existence of the dark metal warrants further (and extensive) investigation. Batman records all of this dark metal info onto his Shadow Drive (aka Shadow File)—and he will continue to do so in regard to anything dark metal-related, moving forward. Batman (presumably with the help of a select group of metahumans) builds a secret underground wing in Batcave, called Sub-Cave Alpha, dedicated to further study of the mystery metal. In this secret cave within a secret cave, masked by a false holographic rock wall, Batman puts all the recently-scanned 3D images onto holographic pedestal projector displays. The Caped Crusader will continue to investigate and study the mystery metal and the “dark energy” signature for years to come. Unknown to Batman, the immortal Carter Hall and Shiera Sanders Hall have not only been aware of the “dark energy” signature and “dark metal,” they have also been investigating all things related to the Dark Multiverse ever since the early 1900s. (See a footnote in Year 16 for details on Carter and Shiera’s lengthy connection to this case.)
–REFERENCE: In Dark Nights: Metal #1-2 and Teen Titans Vol. 6 #12. Batman continues his “dark energy” investigation, learning about a legend that tells of an omniscient being from another world. While the details are ambiguous, Batman believes he is somehow at the center of the mystery—that an evil power has supposedly been targeting him for thousands of years. He can sense that something has been (and continues to) watch him from some far away realm, somehow subtly shaping his life. While unexplainable, Batman comes to think of himself as the key to the “dark energy” conundrum, which is linked to some unfathomable cosmic event yet to unfold. Batman will haunted by this thought for years to come. With this troubling motivator in mind, Batman’s investigation will remain fully-fueled for years to come.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #985 and New History of the DC Universe #2—and referenced in Dark Days: The Forge #1, Suicide Squad Vol. 5 #25, Doomsday Clock #5, Detective Comics #986, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 Part 2, New History of the DC Universe #2, and the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #2. Originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #1-3. When his teammates won’t support assisting in an international affair involving the small Eastern European nation of Markovia, Batman quits the Justice League. Batman and Black Lightning then secretly intervene in a civil war in Markovia, helping King Viktor Markov, Prince Gregor Markov, and Prince Brion Markov—who has just been publicly turned into the superhero Geo-Force by Dr. Helga Jace—fight against the wannabe dictator Baron Bedlam. With the aid of Black Lightning, Geo-Force, Metamorpho, Halo, and Katana (whose famed Soultaker blade contains the trapped souls of many, including her dead husband Maseo Yamashiro), Batman is able to combat the heavily-armed militias of Baron Bedlam. During the war, Batman goes after gun-runner Fleet Delmar (aka “The Man of Fear”), who has been torturing parents in front of their own children. After a brief knife fight, Batman easily bests Delmar, doses him with Fear Gas, and leaves an ultrasonic bat-attracting relay-emitter by his side. A swarm of bats scars Delmar’s face and gouges his eyes out. Eventually, King Viktor dies, after which Prince Gregor is crowned the new king. Soon after, Batman and his new pals defeat Baron Bedlam’s forces, bringing peace and freedom to the Markovian people. Afterward, Batman decides to keep this unit together as a top-secret team. In conjunction with his ongoing studies of the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe, Batman deputizes this group into his covert “black-ops” team known as The Outsiders.[2] The Outsiders’ primary goals are to go on unsanctioned covert missions and to uncover hidden truths about the mystery metal linked to the “dark energy” signature. Batman immediately forms a close bond with Katan, who will be one of his most loyal soldiers. Young Halo moves in with Katana, who becomes her guardian. The Outsiders will continue working on-and-off with Batman for years to come, disbanding and reforming with updated line-ups several times. Batman will keep the operational details of all versions of the Outsiders more-or-less a secret from the greater superhero community.
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 4 #1 and Adventures of the Super Sons #1. Batman isn’t directly involved in this item, but he is definitely connected and would be very aware of its details. The Justice League is in shambles, especially without Batman, who recently quit the team. Following a fight against the cosmic warrior Koll, who does severe (but only temporary) damage to the JL Satellite, the JL officially disbands yet again. In its wake, a new Justice League is formed—sans the Trinity. The new team, which moves its headquarters to a brand new building in Detroit, features Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna (in yet another new costume), Vibe, Vixen, Elongated Man, Gypsy, Firestorm, and Commander Steel (Hank Heywood III).
–REFERENCE: In the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #2. Batman isn’t involved in this item, but he would definitely be made aware of what goes down. Barry Allen’s new fiancée Fiona Webb leaves him after he stands her up at the altar while stuck fighting Reverse-Flash (Professor Zoom aka Eobard Thawne). During their fight, Flash kills Reverse-Flash and is subsequently charged with murder and fast-tracked into a show trial. Flash is found not guilty, after which he discovers that his wife Iris West-Allen is actually still alive in the 31st century. Barry also learns that Iris gave birth to his twin babies (Don Allen and Dawn Allen) shortly after going to the 31st century. Barry decides to move to the 31st century to live with her and his kids.
–REFERENCE: In Batman vs Robin #2—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #8. Batman and the Outsiders battle and defeat the evil wizard Tannarak.
–REFERENCE: In Black Lightning Vol. 3 #3—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #9-10. Batman and the Outsiders battle and defeat the Masters of Disaster (New Wave, Coldsnap, Heatstroke, Windfall, and Shakedown).
–REFERENCE: In The Penguin #3 and The Penguin #8—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders Annual #1. Batman and the Outsiders fight the vigilante team known as The Force of July (Major Victory, Lady Liberty, Mayflower, Silent Majority, and Sparkler). The Force of July is directly overseen by the US government’s American Security Agency (ASA).
–REFERENCE: In Justice League Unlimited V0l. 2 #15—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #16-20. Batman discovers Halo’s true identity—that of midwestern teen Violet Harper. Halo goes to live with her parents in Missouri only to learn she has criminal ties to Tobias Whale, Syonide, and Dr. Moon. Meanwhile, Simon Stagg’s henchmen kill Metamorpho, but Batman and the Outsiders are able to quickly resurrect him. After besting the ancient Egyptian wizard Ahk-Ton. Batman and the Outsiders rescue Halo from Whale, Syonide, and Moon, but Halo’s birth parents are killed during the battle. Halo returns to Gotham to live with Katana.
–REFERENCE: In Red Hood & The Outlaws Vol. 2 #14, Batman Vol. 3 #45, Justice League Vol. 4 #51-52, and Absolute Power #2—originally told in Superman Annual #11. Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman visit Superman at the Fortress of Solitude. However, upon arrival they discover that Mongul has buffeted Superman with Black Mercy, a type of sentient alien plant that causes people to undergo zombie-like hallucinations of their greatest subconscious desires. The heroes rescue Superman, who proceeds to angrily burn Mongul with heat vision. Afterward, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman place the Black Mercy plant into the Justice League trophy room/armory. Note that Batman and Superman will tell the story of the Black Mercy vision to their fellow superhero friends quite often, moving forward. The story will serve as an anecdote: No matter how dark the world may be, the alternatives could always be worse, even if appearances seem to imply otherwise.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #992—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #25-27. Batman and the Outsiders prevent the Kobra Cult from causing a global nuclear holocaust.
–FLASHBACK: From Justice League: Road to Dark Crisis #1 Part 5—and referenced in Doomsday Clock #6 and Suicide Squad Vol. 7 #2. Bruce meets gorgeous pale-skinned astronomer Natasha Knight (aka Natalia Knight), falling for her charming blandishment, blarney, and beauty. But Bruce soon discovers that she is the thieving vampire known as Nocturna. Batman chases after Nocturna and her adoptive brother Anton Knight (aka Night-Thief aka Night-Slayer). Not long after, the Caped Crusader and Nocturna become brief lovers. While Batman is distracted with Nocturna, Catwoman pokes around and busts Anton. Batman and Nocturna call off their fling and fight one another. Eventually, Nocturna leaves Gotham.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1000 Part 5, Detective Comics #1000 Part 10, and Batman Vol. 3 #159. September 21. Batman and Dr. Leslie Thompkins visit Crime Alley (as they do every year on the anniversary of the Wayne murders). Batman also visits the cemetery where his parents are buried.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #50. Catwoman—now back to wearing her skintight purple (with black thigh high boots) costume—goes on a stealing-spree, luring Batman into a playful chase.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1. Batman chases after Catwoman (possibly even a continuation of our previous item), but the latter escapes by trapping the former in a laser grid.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #44—originally told in Detective Comics #565. Catwoman once again plays on the side of good, teaming-up with Batman to track down axe murderer Roy Spivey. As they investigate, Batman talks with Catwoman—in her skintight purple with black thigh high boots ensemble—atop the roof of a Gotham building. They discuss their on-again-off-again relationship. Batman says they are drifting apart, asking her what is wrong. Catwoman, with tears running down her cheeks, says “Nothing… Everything.” Batman winds up busting Spivey on his own.
–FLASHBACK: From Flash Vol. 5 #21, Justice League Incarnate #4, and New History of the DC Universe #2—and referenced in Dark Days: The Forge #1, Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1, Dark Days: Metal #6, Justice League Vol. 3 #39, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #5, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #8-9, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #28, Justice League Vol. 4 #22, Justice League Vol. 4 #51, The Unexpected #5, Detective Comics #1010, Flash #758, Dark Nights: Death Metal – Multiverse’s End #1, Infinite Frontier #5, Nightwing Vol. 4 2021 Annual, Justice League Vol. 4 #75, Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #4, Dark Crisis: Young Justice #4, Dark Crisis: The Dark Army #1, Dark Crisis: Big Bang #1, Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1, Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman #1, and New History of the DC Universe #2-3. Originally told in The Crisis on Infinite Earths. Here’s the synopsis. Pariah arrives on Earth with startling news: a major “Crisis” has begun! The omniverse (aka multi-multiverse) is slowly being destroyed by a powerful super-villain known as The Anti-Monitor (Universe-3’s Mobius), who has successfully outmatched his rival brother, The Monitor aka Over-Monitor (Mar Novu), a cosmic being tasked with watching-over and protecting the local multiverse. Earth’s heroes learn about Pariah, specifically how he accidentally released the Anti-Monitor thanks to botched experimentation with an Antimatter Chamber. Unknown to all, the super-celestial Great Hand known as Perpetua, from her prison in the Source Wall, is secretly influencing the Anti-Monitor’s bad behavior. Beyond this curtain, the living evil known as the Great Darkness is influencing and will continue to influence Perpetua, the Anti-Monitor, and others, moving forward. The Great Darkness and Perpetua will secretly influence the majority of the “Crises” to come.[3] As the Anti-Monitor’s deadly wave washes over the omniverse, an “infinite number” (i.e. billions) of universes are destroyed in one fell swoop. Not only are countless beings killed, but entire timelines are erased forever. As the wave of destruction reaches the edge of the local DC multiverse, the skies burn bright red over all the threatened planets. After creating a new heroic Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), the Monitor is fatally wounded and disappears into the ether. Despite his condition, the Monitor is able to raise golden interdimensional tuning towers on multiple Earths. These tuning machines act as antennas designed to both delay the wave of destruction and draw surviving universes into a safe haven by aligning their vibrational planes. With the erasure wave slowed, all the heroes are whisked away to the Monitor’s HQ by Harbinger. Harbinger and Earth-3’s Alexander Luthor Jr brief the heroes (including 31st century Legionnaires Blok, Bouncing Boy, Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Dawnstar, Element Lad, Lightning Lass, Matter-Eater Lad, Shrinking Violet, and White Witch) on how to defeat their opponent. Eventually, all the superheroes of the multiverse band together to fight against the evil Anti-Monitor, his army of Shadow Demons, and his lackey Psycho-Pirate. Specifically, Batman officially joins the Detroit-based JL, teaming with them in battle. The Dark Knight specifically forms a close bond with Vixen, even telling her all about the death of his parents and how he became Batman. Ramified across multiple universes, all the heroes witness chaos and villainy like never before. Notably, Chemo is dropped onto an alternate Earth’s New York City, leveling it completely. The war erupts into bedlam, pitting the JL, JSA, Outsiders, Amazons, Global Guardians, Infinity Inc (Star-Spangled Kid aka Sylvester Pemberton, Jade, Obsidian, Silver Scarab, Fury aka Lyta Trevor, Nuklon, Dr. Midnight, Hourman aka Rick Tyler, Northwind, Dr. Mid-Nite (Elizabeth Chapel), and Wildcat aka Yolanda Montez), Christopher Chance, and Freedom Fighters (Uncle Sam, Black Condor, Doll Man, Human Bomb, The Ray aka Langford Terrill, Phantom Lady) against various villains. Joining the side of good are a few heroes that, despite having had their timelines erased, still exist as anomalous remnants. These remnants include an alt-Superboy named Superboy-Prime, an alt-Superman named Kal-L, an alt-Lois Lane-Kent, alt-Wonder Woman, an alt-Robin, alt-Huntress, and Power Girl (Kara Zor-L/Karen Starr). Alt-Huntress and Power Girl join the ranks of the JSA in battle.[4][5] During the chaos, Clayface II is killed, Dove is killed, Kole Weathers is killed, Supergirl is killed (and memory-erased), and Flash (Barry Allen) literally runs himself to death to prevent the Anti-Monitor from wielding a cosmic WMD. A large funeral is held to mourn the passing of Flash, after which Wally West becomes the new Flash! Despite suffering casualties and losses (including the destruction of the JL Satellite—don’t worry, the trophies are saved thanks to automatic phase-shift technology), the heroes take the fight to and defeat the Anti-Monitor. Thanks to the actions of the Spectre, all of reality is rewritten as the entire multiverse is temporarily contracted/merged into one confluent timeline. Without a timeline to call home, alt-Robin, alt-Huntress, and alt-Wonder Woman fade into oblivion. However, Superboy-Prime, Kal-L, and alt-Lois get to remain in existence, although they are exiled into a pocket universe. Instead of returning to a re-created Antimatter Universe (Earth-3), Luthor Jr joins Superboy-Prime, Kal-L, and alt-Lois in the pocket universe. Importantly, these four retain their full memories. Power Girl, on the other hand, loses memory of her true past but gets to stay on Earth-0. Contrastingly, starting now, knowledge of certain portions of the multiverse gets blocked from the memories of most beings in Universe-0. With the cosmic dust settled, Batman keeps one of the Monitor’s interdimensional tuning towers for study. Due to its massive size, Batman definitely has some metahuman help in securing and transporting the tower—although not from Superman, since the Man of Steel won’t be aware that Batman is keeping one. Instead of telling Superman about his plans and knowing that he would likely disapprove, Batman simply asks the Man of Steel to construct a giant room for him under his Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic. Batman then puts the tuning tower in the impenetrable underground room and seals it up, making Superman promise to never to look inside. After showing his trust by agreeing, Batman uses some unknown means to shoot the room’s only key into the sun. Notably, having commiserated with higher-powers, Psycho-Pirate gains full knowledge of the history of multiverse reboots and the metaverse. Although, this forbidden knowledge makes Psycho-Pirate lose control of his mind, resulting in him getting locked up in Arkham Asylum.[6] With the crisis officially over, the dying Monitor, as his last living act, creates the first of what will become an entire race of Monitors to secretly protect the multiverse in his absence. The first of these new Monitors is Dax Novu, whose original form was that of the Overvoid/Monitor-Mind’s science/discovery probe. He will soon be joined by Rox Ogama and many others (with each Monitor being assigned to watch over a specific universe). Being cosmic in nature, the Monitors can view or visit any point on their assigned timelines.[7]
–FLASHBACK: From Zatanna Vol. 3 #5—and referenced in Justice League Incarnate #4 and Zatanna Vol. 3 #1. Originally told in Swamp Thing Vol. 2 #50. The superhero community mourns the death of John Zatara. Despite attending John’s funeral, the Justice League doesn’t learn the true details of his death—that he died while combatting the Great Darkness, which had secretly tried to destroy all life on Earth. Only a few select heroes—including Swamp Thing, Phantom Stranger, Deadman, Dr. Fate, and the Spectre—are aware of the Great Darkness’ actions. Swamp Thing was able to broker peace between the forces of good and evil, ending the Great Darkness’ threat. (Of course, the Great Darkness—along with Perpetua—will continue to scheme and manipulate from behind the scenes for many years to come.)
–FLASHBACK: From Jon Kent: This Internship is My Kryptonite #1. Batman goes on an unspecified case.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1106. In this generic flashback, Batman fights Joker, head-butting him.
–REFERENCE: In Mr. Terrific: Year One #4 and Mr. Terrific: Year One #6. Bruce makes an offer to purchase Holt Industries, a company owned by billionaire techno-whiz couple Michael Holt (one of the “world’s smartest men”) and his wife Paula Holt. Bruce meets with the Holts in Gateway City, learning more about their operations and becoming very impressed with them. Ultimately, the Holts decide not to sell to Wayne Enterprises, instead selling to industrialist Athena Prescott (who is actually secretly one of Darkseid’s daughters). Sadly, a pregnant Paula will die during childbirth soon after this item. The baby, Jeffrey Holt, will also supposedly die. Unknown to Michael, Darkseid and Granny Goodness will secretly save the baby, and they will raise him outside of time and space.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 3. Oafish henchman-for-hire “Knute Brody” (an invention of Batman’s) joins-up with an escaped Mr. Freeze. Of course, Brody’s actions result in the super-villain going right back to jail. It is unknown who plays the role of Brody for this item. It could be Batman, Alfred, or someone else.
–FLASHBACK: From Red Hood & The Outlaws Vol. 2 #25. Batman and Robin, while on an unspecified mission, crash the Batmobile into the bay or river. Robin drags an unconscious Batman out of the drink, saving his life.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1. Batman trundles through a manmade deep freeze to challenge an escaped Mr. Freeze.
–FLASHBACK: From Red Hood: Outlaw #34—originally told via flashback from Red Hood & The Outlaws #3. Robin is too sick with the flu to go out on patrol. Batman tells him that there is no shame in taking a night off every once in a while. Bruce, Jason, and Alfred stay in and watch movies.
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman fights an escaped Mr. Freeze at a dolphin aquarium show.
—[8]
–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #14 and Batman and Robin Vol. 3 #27. Batman battles Ra’s al Ghul. During their conflict, they pause to play a game of chess. From this point onward, they decide that they will always play chess, albeit remotely. Setting forth future protocol, Batman and Ra’s al Ghul plan to leave each another written-down chess moves whenever they cross paths. This way, each encounter between them will be part of a literal series of chess games. While we won’t see Batman delivering his next move responses, we must imagine him doing so on every other encounter he has with Ra’s al Ghul ahead. Batman will also keep track of their games on a physical chess board. Batman tells Superman about his ongoing chess game with Ra’s al Ghul.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1 and Doomsday Clock #5—originally told in Batman and The Outsiders #28-31. Looker joins Batman’s secret Outsiders team. The Outsiders will continue going on unspecified missions and investigating the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe.
–REFERENCE: In Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #20 Part 1. Batman gets hung upside down in a death trap inside Arkham Asylum, during what Bat-Mite refers to as “The Arkham Black Night Rebellion.” Using techniques learned from John Zatarra years ago, Batman escapes. We aren’t told any further details of this case.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5—originally told in The Outsiders #11. Batman and his secret Outsiders team goes up against Russia’s super-team known as The People’s Heroes (Bolshoi, Molotov, Pravda, Hammer, and Sickle).
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5-6—originally told in Super Powers Vol. 3 #1-4. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and many other established superheroes team-up with various new international superheroes—including rookies Golden Pharaoh (Ashley Halberstam) and Samurai (Toshio Eto)—to defeat Darkseid and his evil New God minions.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5—originally told in Batman: Hong Kong. Batman goes to Hong Kong looking to bust a snuff film director. There, he shakes-down Triad mob leader Tiger One-Eye. Inspired by Batman, Benny Lo (Tiger One-Eye’s nephew) becomes the superhero Night-Dragon, helping the Dark Knight resolve a Triad hostage situation. When Night-Dragon’s girlfriend is abducted by the snuff film gang, Batman and Night-Dragon rescue her and expose the murderous director as Night-Dragon’s other uncle, the hulking metahuman Lo Pao. After Lo Pao threatens to destroy all of Hong Kong, the cops and Triads make peace and help the heroes defeat him.
–REFERENCE: In Titans Vol. 4 2025 Annual #1—originally told in Tales of the Teen Titans #50. Anyone who’s anyone—including Batman and Superman—attends the lavish wedding of Donna Troy and Terry Long.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1, Doomsday Clock #3, Doomsday Clock #5, Detective Comics #992, Gotham City Monsters #1, and Gotham City Monsters #4—originally told in The Outsiders #17-22. Lady Clayface aka Lady Clay aka Clayface V joins the Kobra Cult’s “Strike Force Kobra,” which consists of Lady Eve, Elemental Woman, Zebra Man II, Planet Master, and Spectrumonster. Batman and his Outsiders fight Strike Force Kobra, defeating them. Unknown to Batman and company, Lady Clayface’s true origin has nothing to do with Kobra. In actuality, she has been given powers by the US Government’s Department of Metahuman Affairs. Notably, a reformed Windfall joins the Outsiders, which continues going on unspecified side missions to investigate the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe.
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1, Doomsday Clock #5, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #8, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #52, and Detective Comics #992—originally told in The Outsiders Annual #1 and The Outsiders #25-26. Batman and the Outsiders encounter the global criminal organization known as SKULL, tech brokers that “hoard progress” using an army of robot soldiers. SKULL is notorious for bartering world-changing tech in exchange for political influence. The Outsiders get involved in a conflict between SKULL and Kobra, ultimately defeating one of SKULL’s top agents, the super-villain Major Disaster. The Outsiders shut down the entire SKULL organization, putting its financial backer behind bars. Shortly thereafter, King Gregor Markov is killed, leading to Geo-Force becoming the new king of Markovia. Notably, Atomic Knight (former Shining Knight Gardner Grayle) joins the Outsiders, which continues going on unspecified side missions to investigate the “dark energy” signature found in geological anomalies across the globe.
–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 4 #47—originally told in Batman Annual #11 Part 1. An escaped Clayface III (Preston Payne) hides out in a department store and falls in love with a mannequin. Batman busts him.
–REFERENCE: In the quasi-canonical Harley Quinn’s Villain of the Year #1—originally told in Batman #412. Batman defeats the debuting Mime (Camilla Ortin), a mime-themed super-villain.
–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #41—originally told in Superman Vol. 2 #9. Batman isn’t involved in this caper, but there’s no doubt that he hears about it. Joker tries his luck in Metropolis, kidnapping a bunch of people and putting them in lead-lined coffins all over the city. Despite being unable to see through lead with his x-ray vision, Superman simply scans the city and goes to each location where he can’t see, rescuing everyone.
–REFERENCE: In Titans Special #1—originally told in The New Teen Titans Vol. 2 #29-31. A bunch of heroes—including Superman, Batman, the Teen Titans, and others—are assembled by Magenta (Frances Kane) to take on Brother Blood and his Church of Blood (aka Blood Cult) minions, including Mother Mayhem (May Bennett). (Just as the Church of Blood always has a leader that assumes the Brother Blood role, they also always have a high-ranking matriarch that assumes the role of Mother Mayhem.)
–FLASHBACK: From Wonder Woman #762 and New History of the DC Universe #3—and referenced in Flash Vol. 5 #21, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #7, Nightwing Vol. 4 #22, Mister Miracle Vol. 4 #1, Blue Beetle Vol. 9 #11-12, Adventures of the Super Sons #1, Heroes in Crisis #5, Batman/Superman Vol. 2 #12, Green Lanterns #24, and Blue and Gold #4. Originally told in “LEGENDS,” Justice League #1-6, and Justice League International #7-8. Via his minion Glorious Gordon Godfrey, Darkseid begins a smear-campaign against the world’s superheroes. After public opinion about superheroes sinks to an all-time low, Darkseid sends his warrior Brimstone to Earth. This leads to the deaths of both Blockbuster (Mark Desmond) and Commander Steel, after which the Detroit-based Justice League disbands. (Commander Steel’s metallic corpse will be kept in storage by every incarnation of the JL, moving forward.) The Suicide Squad Batman then joins a scheming Max Lord’s new Justice League International venture, which includes Martian Manhunter, Big Barda, Mr. Miracle (Scott Free), Dr. Fate, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Black Canary, Captain Shazam (Billy Batson), Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), and Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi). (NOTES: At this juncture, Max Lord is being secretly manipulated by a sentient AI called Kilg%re, although this will only last until next year. Second, Mr. Miracle is always accompanied by his diminutive chain-smoking assistant Oberon Kurtzberg, who will act as a JLI manager. Third, Blue Beetle, unlike in the Modern Age, is merely a part-time member of this team that only will interact with Batman a few times. From these team-ups, the Dark Knight will regard Blue Beetle as a highly-intelligent-but-emotionally-immature second-rate superhero.) Right from the start, Batman hates both Max Lord and Guy Gardner. Shortly after the JLI debuts, a hot-headed Guy Gardner runs his mouth at a meeting, which leads to Batman knocking him out with just one punch. Max Lord (sans Batman’s permission) then recruits Booster Gold (along with Skeets) into the fold. On his first adventure with the team, Booster Gold helps defeat the returning Royal Flush Gang. Soon afterward, the JLI opens HQs at United Nations-sponsored embassy buildings in NYC, Paris, Moscow, Lisbon, Tokyo, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Potsdam, and Canberra. Captain Atom (Nathaniel Adam) and Rocket Red (Vladimir Mikoyan) join the JLI as well. Mikoyan is merely one—#7 to be exact—of several Rocket Reds, Russian soldiers in high-tech combat-suits.) Moving forward, the JLI will go on a variety of missions, some of which will simply have to be imagined on our timeline below.[9]
–REFERENCE: In The Human Target #4. Thanksgiving. Bruce holds a Thanksgiving dinner for his JLI teammates. Big Barda decides to bring a Parademon to the gathering. Trouble/hilarity ensues. Cranberry sauce is involved.
–FLASHBACK: From Blue and Gold #4. With Batman remotely monitoring from JLI HQ, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle take on Blackguard in a losing effort. Concerned, Batman orders Guy Gardner to help out. Gardner quickly defeats Blackguard.
–REFERENCE: In Heroes in Crisis #7. Seeing that Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are chummy and also quite the incorrigible troublemakers, Batman begins keeping secret tabs on their extracurricular activities, which are usually harmless and situationally-comedic. Notably, Batman will sniff-out all of Booster and Beetle’s safe houses.
–REFERENCE: In Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #6—originally told in Dr. Fate #3-4. Dr. Fate (Kent Nelson) dies, passing the Helm of Nabu to a new Dr. Fate (Eric Strauss). The new Dr. Fate helps the JLI defeat Anti-Fate and the Lord of Chaos Typhon. Afterward, Nabu makes it so that, while wearing the Helm, Eric’s mind and body is bonded with the consciousness of his wife Linda Strauss. Essentially, Dr. Fate is now a merger of both Eric (mind and body) and Linda Strauss (just mind) à la how Firestorm is a merger of Ronnie Raymond and Professor Martin Stein.
–REFERENCE: In Batman and Robin Vol. 3 2024 Annual #1. Batman isn’t involved in any way, but he hears all about Superman’s latest battle against newcomer Bloodsport (Bobby DuBois).
–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1. Batman, having now worked closely with both Mr. Miracle and Big Barda, gains even more insight into the world of the New Gods. Mr. Miracle gives Batman a special method of communicating with both he and certain New Gods, should the Dark Knight need their assistance in the future.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Inc #1, Teen Titans Vol. 6 #8, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #19, and Deathstroke Vol. 4 #30—originally told in Vigilante #47. Having recently killed The Vigilante III (Alan Welles), The Vigilante II (Adrian Chase) is freed from prison by the US government (specifically officials Amanda Waller and Harry Stein) to help prevent a mole from selling state secrets to a foreign nation. While on this mission, the Vigilante winds up in Gotham where he meets and fights Batman for the first time. Eventually, the Vigilante’s success gives Waller and Stein leverage to help create a new secret spy group. Led by Max Lord, this organization becomes known as Checkmate. (Lord wasn’t the original leader of Checkmate in the Modern Age, but he is in the Rebirth/Infinite Frontier Era.) As we’ll see below, Waller isn’t done making a name for herself in the world of intelligence/special ops. Unfortunately for the Vigilante, he’s plagued by mental health issues which will soon result in his suicide.
–FLASHBACK: From Absolute Power: Origins #3—and referenced in Action Comics #980, Suicide Squad Vol. 5 #26-27, Batman Vol. 3 #151, and Absolute Power: Origins #2. Batman learns some information about government official Amanda Waller’s clandestine revival of Task Force X, which controls the rotating super-villain covert-ops team known as The Suicide Squad. (This US government-operated covert missions force has existed in secret since the 1940s—first as Squadron S aka Suicide Squadron, then as a joint program run by Task Force X and Argent. While the Suicide Squad has long included military agents and civilian experts within its ranks, Amanda Waller’s use of incarcerated super-villains is a dangerous new direction for the team.) Amanda Waller’s current Suicide Squad operations are based out of the Belle Reve Federal Prison in Louisiana. Notably, Amanda Waller’s first ever Suicide Squad team consists of Cyclotron, Dr. Polaris, Emerald Empress, Lobo, Johnny Sorrow, and Rustam.[10] After doing extensive research on Amanda Waller, Batman infiltrates Belle Reve by donning his Matches Malone disguise and getting sent to the prison. Once inside, Batman switches into fighting togs and takes control of Belle Reve by force, kayoing numerous prison guards and Rick Flag Jr (Amanda Waller’s top operative/Suicide Squad handler). Batman then hovers over Amanda Waller as a means of intimidating her before departing just as quickly as he came. Later, a depressed and humiliated Amanda Waller meets with her estranged pregnant daughter Coretta Waller. Afterward, Amanda Waller and Flag Jr realize that Batman had been posing as Matches Malone. They begin a campaign to figure out Batman’s secret ID. Not long afterward, Amanda Waller tries to visit Coretta at the hospital to celebrate the impending birth of her baby, but Coretta’s brother Martin Waller angrily tells her to leave. Jessie Waller (Coretta’s other more-sympathetic brother) chats with his mom outside the hospital, giving her a hug and telling her to take care.
–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5—originally told in Firestorm The Nuclear Man #64 and Firestorm The Nuclear Man Annual #5. When Firestorm and his partner Firehawk vow to destroy all nukes on the planet, the US Government sends Captain Atom and Amanda Waller’s current Suicide Squad incarnation—Rick Flag Jr, Killer Frost (Louise Lincoln), Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Multiplex, and Slipknot—to stop them. The Suicide Squad quickly bows out of the fight and unleashes Parasite in its place. The Justice League International, Firestorm, and Firehawk defeat Parasite. Later, Firestorm leaves to combat Russia’s own nuclear man Pozhar (former Chernobyl disaster victim Mikhail Arkadin) in the deserts of Nevada. Unknown to the combatants, the fight is merely a setup by both the US Government and the Russian Government to destroy the two dangerous entities. They are nuked, but an unexpected result occurs: Ronnie Raymond merges with Pozhar to form an even more powerful Firestorm. NOTE: The merger between Ronnie and Pozhar is only temporary. After briefly becoming a Fire Elemental by merging yet again (this time with Svarozhich), Firestorm will split back up. Svarozhich will die while Pozhar and Ronnie de-merge, going their separate ways. Without knowledge of his country’s duplicity against him, Pozhar will continue working for the Russian government with devout loyalty. Professor Stein will eventually wind up re-merged with Ronnie inside the Firestorm matrix.
–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Aquaman/Jabberjaw Special #1 Part 2, Justice League of America Vol. 5 #14, Doomsday Clock #5-6, Absolute Power: Task Force VII #7, and DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 Part 2—originally told in Millennium. Manhunter Robots return again, activating sleeper agents embedded within the superhero community in an attempt to take control of Earth. Notably, Rocket Red Vladimir Mikoyan reveals himself as an evil Manhunter, attacking the JLI from within. In Gotham, Batman learns that Commissioner Gordon has been kidnapped and replaced by a Manhunter robot. Batman and Robin break into Arkham Asylum, blow-up the fake Gordon, and discover the real Gordon is safe in Louisiana. Batman drops off the remains of the fake Gordon with Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi) at STAR Labs. Eventually, the Manhunters are defeated by dozens of heroes. Specifically, a bunch of heroes, including Green Lanterns Arisia Rrab and Kilowog, defeat the Manhunter Highmaster to save Earth. Afterward, Mikoyan’s Rocket Red #7 suit goes into the JL Trophy Room. A new superhero team, The New Guardians, debuts as well. Handpicked by the Guardians of the Universe, the team consists of Harbinger, Extraño, Tom Kalmaku, Gloss, Floronic Man (Jason Woodrue), Dreamer (Betty Clawman), Jet, and Ram.
–REFERENCE: In the second feature to New History of the DC Universe #3—originally told in Detective Comics #583-584. Batman busts the Ventriloquist and Scarface (along with new top henchman Rhino). Note that Dave Wielgosz, in the second feature to the New History of the DC Universe #3, implies that this is the debut of the Ventriloquist and Scarface. While it certainly functioned that way in the Modern Age, this item is far from their first tango with Batman. Several writers—including Matt Fraction, Tom King, and Dan Watters—have canonized earlier appearances for the duo.
–REFERENCE: In Red Hood and The Outlaws Vol. 2 Annual #1, All-Star Batman #10, and Batman Vol. 3 #56—originally told in “TEN NIGHTS OF THE BEAST.” Batman fights deadly Russian super-assassin KGBeast (Anatoli Knyazev). In order to evade capture, the Beast severs his own hand. Despite immediately resurfacing with a weaponized robot hand, Batman still defeats him.
–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Inc #2—originally told in The Weird #1-4. When the Macrolatts, sentient beings made of pure light from an alternate dimension, attack Earth, their rivals, the Zarolatts, send a champion to fight them. This Zarolatt warrior takes a human host body, becoming the superhero known as The Weird. The JLI teams up with the Weird to defeat the Macrolatts, who briefly take control of a few superheroes.
–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #957-958. Batman encounters Lady Shiva—Cassie Cain’s mother—for the first time.
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #10 Part 4. December 23-25. Nightwing chats with Batman on the phone, making plans for him to join a Teen Titans holiday party at Titans HQ. A couple days later, on Xmas, Bruce forgets to show up because he’s preoccupied with finding a missing Jason. Meanwhile, Jason has gone to visit Dick at Teen Titans HQ, but Dick is so upset about Bruce having bailed that he stays in his room and mopes the whole time. Jason doesn’t even get inside the building. (Unrelatedly, the Teen Titans will disband not long after this.)
–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #10 Part 4. December 25 (Christmas). Bruce and Alfred spend Xmas night with Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl (all of whom are in their Bat-Family costumes for some reason, although everyone is wearing an Xmas sweater as well).
–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 2. Batman fights a resurrected Clayface (Basil Karlo) aboard a cruise ship that has just berthed at one of Gotham’s harbors.
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<<< Rebirth Era Year 7 <<< ||| >>> Rebirth Era Year 9 >>>
- [1]COLLIN COLSHER: In the Bronze Age, Jason Todd, like Dick Grayson before him, was—quite notoriously—also an orphaned trapeze artist. Seeing this was a terrible repetitious idea, later continuities did away with this origin for Jason. Curiously, DC KO: Red Hood vs Joker #1 (cover date early 2026, released in late 2025) has a scene where the cosmic Heart of Apokolips shows Jason random images of moments that defined his life. The first image is a shot of a trapeze artist family. In the context of this scene, it seems as if the Heart is implying that Jason used to be a circus trapeze artist (just like in the Bronze Age). This obviously isn’t the case in current canon, so this must be an image of the Flying Graysons—the idea being that, without the first Robin, there would never have been a second.↩
- [2]COLLIN COLSHER: In 2019, Mike W Barr’s Suicide Squad Black Files series made major retcons to Halo, removing her time as an original Outsider and reaffirming the canonicity of her origin from the late New 52 series Suicide Squad: Most Wanted – Deadshot & Katana (2016), which is set years later on our current timeline. Naturally, in New History of the DC Universe #2 (2025), Mark Waid corrected this continuity injustice, returning the roots of Halo’s original Bronze and Modern Age backstory. Therefore, Halo can still appear in Suicide Squad: Most Wanted – Deadshot & Katana, but it’s no longer her debut.↩
- [3]COLLIN COLSHER: Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? All that exists is the blank nothingness of the Overvoid/Monitor-Mind, an omnipotent and infinite-sized living void. (Monitor-Mind is the sentient consciousness of the Overvoid, the blank canvas of creation.) While nothing yet exists in the various dimensions of the multiverse, the Overvoid acts as a potential incubator for future life. Within the Overvoid reside the Great Hands—The Source (aka The Presence aka The Hand of the Light aka The White Hand of Creation aka The Great Hand of Creation, later to be known as the Abrahamic God) and its polar opposite the Great Darkness (aka the Hand of the Great Darkness). It’s unclear if the Hands of Light and Darkness are spawned from the Overvoid or vice versa, but at some point, other Great Hands are born forth from the Overvoid, such as the Empty Hand (who is linked to the Great Darkness) and the Judges of the Source and Perpetua (who are both linked to the Source). (Despite being associated with the Light, Perpetua goes rogue and rebels against the Source.) Notably, 2022’s Justice League Incarnate #5 reveals the Empty Hand as the “right hand” of the Great Darkness and Darkseid as the “left hand” of the Great Darkness.
Cut to twenty billion years ago. From the 6th Dimension, Perpetua partly creates the local multiverse, which comprises matter, anti-matter, and dark matter. (Perpetua is either manipulated by or openly aiding the Great Darkness.) Perpetua also creates monitors for matter, anti-matter, and dark matter—and thus, Mar Novu (The Monitor), Mobius (The Anti-Monitor), and Alpheus (The World Forger) are born. Perpetua is also “mother to the seven primal cosmic energies,” creating those Dark Forces as well. Alpheus’ job, besides monitoring over dark matter, is to sculpt potential new universes from the World Forge aka the Forge of Worlds, a “place of creation and beginnings” that is seemingly bi-located in both the Dark Multiverse and in the 6th Dimension. Alpheus—along with his minion Barbatos—spends the next five billion years creating new universes based upon the hopes and fears of all living things (i.e. gods and celestial beings), doing so using a cosmic hammer and anvil at the World Forge. The most stable worlds are allowed to ascend into the multiverse above whereas the unstable ones descend into dark matter to form the Dark Multiverse. In direct reaction to all of Perpetua’s actions, the Source creates a living embodiment of light known as The Entity, which also acts as part-demiurge of the Multiverse, spawning the Emotional Electromagnetic Spectrum in an effort to counteract Perpetua’s machinations. (The Great Darkness will in turn create the Anti-Life Entity, continuing the never-ending trend of oneupmanship between the rival Great Hands.)
Because the cosmology of the DCU has been fleshed out by various creators, there remains some lingering confusion. It’s worth addressing this confusion in order to clear things up. In Justice League Vol. 4 #22, James Tynion IV implies that Perpetua herself could be the original Great Hand, but in Dark Nights: Death Metal #1, Scott Snyder says definitively that she isn’t while simultaneously reconfirming that the Source and the Presence are one and the same. In Dark Nights: Death Metal, Snyder hints that Perpetua was around from the get-go while also revealing that she is but one of several Great Hands. In the finale of Dark Nights: Death Metal, the original Great Hand appears to be Perpetua, but this is only part of Perpetua’s failed attempt to recreate everything in her own image, not a legitimate depiction of history. It’s clear that Perpetua is a Great Hand, but not one of the original Great Hands. Justice League Incarnate #4 confirms that Perpetua is not the original Great Hand while better explaining the Great Hands concept in general by flashing back-to Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing Vol. 2 #50. Justice League Incarnate #4 also connects the Great Darkness to the Empty Hand, confirming the latter is a minion/emanation of the former.
In terms of a publishing perspective, the Great Hands, Mar Novu, Mobius, Alpheus, and Barbatos are the same incarnations from as far back as the Golden Age. As referenced in James Tynion IV’s Justice League Vol. 4 #22, they are super-celestials existing on a high enough plane of existence that they’ve literally survived and bore witness to all the reboots! There’s plenty of precedent for this fictive concept as it reflects Kal-L and Superboy-Prime in Infinite Crisis, über Brainiac in Convergence, the emanations of the New Gods from The Multiversity Guidebook, The Keeper from Bryan Hitch’s Justice League Vol. 3, and others (notably Dr. Manhattan and the Great Darkness). However, writers would be wise to not have pre-existing characters live through reboots. Anytime you try to fuck with a prior continuity, paradoxes emerge. And paradox is the cousin of continuity error. Now, Tynion’s use of the precedent here isn’t as clunky as Jeff King’s use of it in Convergence, but it does fall extremely close, giving us a flashback to the pre-original Crisis (Silver Age) timeline. It’s one thing to reference prior continuities and reality-alterations, but to actually show old timelines outright is a dangerous game. It would make so much more sense (from the quantum mechanical/metaphysical perspective) to have ultra-cosmic characters simply be aware of prior reboots. That way, paradox is avoided while the same narrative effect still remains. In any case, while the New 52 continuity demonstrated that the Great Hand of Creation was a time-displaced Volthoom, this idea has been erased, replacing Volthoom with the Source/the Presence. It’s possible that a time-displaced Volthoom had some influence on the creation of the multiverse, but he’s not the original Great Hand.↩
- [4]COLLIN COLSHER / ISRAEL SILVA: In the Golden, Silver/Bronze, and Modern Age, Superboy-Prime was originally from Earth-Prime, and Kal-L, Lois Lane-Kent, and Power Girl were originally from Earth-2. Of course, since the 1980s, when Crisis was first published, the infinite Earths (along with their designations and histories) have undergone several changes. For example, several authors—including Mark Waid—have confirmed that the current canonical Earth-2 timeline definitively mirrors history from the New 52 Earth 2 series, not from older continuities. In this Earth 2 history, Earth-2 Bruce Wayne (aka original Earth-2 Batman) and Earth-2 Clark Kent (aka original Earth-2 Superman) were killed by Darkseid and Steppenwolf several years ago. With this in mind (plus, noting that their timelines have been erased completely by the Anti-Monitor), we shouldn’t regard Superboy-Prime, Kal-L, Lois Lane-Kent, and Power Girl as coming from the current iterations of Earth-2 or Earth-Prime—hence the reason why I’ve simply listed them each as coming from various non-specified alt-timelines. However, in New History of the DC Universe #3, Waid labels Kal-L’s home as “Earth-2” and Superboy-Prime’s as “Earth-Prime,” acknowledging the nomenclature of yesteryear while also showing that in-story these characters used these names to describe their homes. It would have been less confusing for Waid to have used different designations (like “Earth-2A” or “Original Earth-2”), but, alas, he didn’t. (To reiterate, since their timelines get erased, Kal-L and Power Girl are from a universe formerly known as Universe-2, not the actual Universe-2. The same logic/concept can be applied to Superboy-Prime in regard to his respective former universe.) Okay, but why haven’t we mentioned Alexander Luthor Jr? While Earth-3 is indeed destroyed by the Anti-Monitor, Earth-3 is part of the Antimatter Universe, which has unique properties in comparison to other universes. As evinced in Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman #1, the Antimatter Universe will get destroyed a few times, but it (along with its lifeforms) always gets recreated instantaneously instead of becoming defunct/erased. Therefore, it’s entirely possible that Luthor Jr isn’t an anomalous remnant like the others. Instead, he could simply be Earth-3 Luthor Jr. The Batman Chronology Project has Luthor Jr as being from Earth-3 proper. This is a personal headcanon call, so if you feel he’s not from the Earth-3, then he, like the others, would simply have to be from another unnamed alt-Earth that resembles the old Earth-3. Finally, it’s worth bringing up that, in Grant Morrison’s The Green Lantern #10, there is mention that universe designation isn’t consistent (i.e. doesn’t have concretized universe numbers) until the Monitors come around at the end of the original Crisis. (It’s also possible, based upon certain interpretations of this, that the universe numbers aren’t locked in until after Infinite Crisis.) Nevertheless, while The Green Lantern #10 can be interpreted in different ways, thus making things inconclusive, we know with relative certainty, even if Earth designations changed over time, that the Earths themselves (i.e. their histories) should/must remain consistent per continuity.↩
- [5]ISRAEL SILVA: As mentioned before, in the Modern Age, Last Days of the Justice Society Special #1 saw the Justice Society of America disappearing for years to battle Surtur in a Ragnarok simulation shortly after its involvement in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Mark Waid, in New History of the DC Universe #2, instead moved the JSA’s exile to a period spanning the 1960s into the 1980s. However, Waid, in the same issue, also stated that the JSA’s decades-long battle against Surtur would not be the last time they would face him. While the JSA will indeed fight Surtur again later on, it’s possible that Waid was implying that some version of Last Days of the Justice Society Special #1 still happens starting right now, albeit retconned as a return encounter. Therefore, it’s entirely possible, especially since we won’t see the hide nor hair of the JSA on our timeline for the next couple years, that the elder heroes go into a second prolonged Surtur battle beginning now.↩
- [6]COLLIN COLSHER: The “metaverse,” a term conceived by Geoff Johns in 2019, is a type of continuity, but one different from (and outside of) fictive story-driven flow attached to fantasy narrative timelines. Johns’ metaverse is not to be confused with the more commonly known use of the word metaverse, which is defined as any virtual reality cyberspace. For DC Comics, the metaverse (maybe better named “fictional metaverse”) can be described as the literal complete publication archive of DC Comics since the 1930s—scilicet, a real world publication progression as it appears to the level of creator/reader (our reality). As invented timelines move and and go through reboots, relaunches, and writer switches, these massive changes can be measured via the manifestation of the metaverse. To explain it another way, metaverse-continuity shows a history where Superman appears out of the ether in 1938 (his Golden Age debut), then gets split in twain in the 50s (dawning of the Silver Age), then rebooted into one character in 1986 (original Crisis Modern Age reboot), then rebooted into a new character in 2011 (Flashpoint New 52 reboot), etc. To behold metaverse history is to see the unexpurgated, singular, real life publication history of a narrative line. In other words, for a fictional character to comprehend the metaverse, it means they are able to see their history in terms of how we (the reader) has experienced it—as a series of comic book publications that have gotten released over time and gotten rebooted and altered via writers, editors, and publishers. Of course, just as there are many universes and multiverses (each representing a unique narrative line within the greater omniverse), there are unique publication histories for each narrative line as well. This means there must be multiple metaverses (in what we could call the omni-metaverse).↩
- [7]COLLIN COLSHER: The multiple Monitors first appeared in Tony Bedard’s Brave New World #1 Part 1 (2006), spinning out of a nod in Geoff Johns’ Infinite Crisis (2006). The history of the Monitors was further fleshed out in the pages of 52 (2006-2007) and Countdown (2007-2008), but the final retconned history of the Monitors was given unto us by Grant Morrison in both Final Crisis: Superman Beyond (2008-2009) and The Multiversity (2014-2015). This Modern Age and New 52 history of the Monitors is reflected and continued here in Rebirth/Infinite Frontier continuity.↩
- [8]COLLIN COLSHER: DC’s Saved By the Belle Reve #1 Part 8 by Andrew Aydin is a non-canon item, featuring a world where Dick has debuted as Nightwing while still in high school. This doesn’t happen in any mainstream continuity. Additionally, as per Batgirl Vol. 5 #14-17, Babs goes to Gotham County High, but this story has her (and Dick) at Gotham City High. This story also includes Bruce’s invention of a machine that can partially dress someone into their superhero togs with the press of a button. This particular concept isn’t so novel, but the fact that Bruce installs it into a limousine, which he insists Dick and Babs take to the dance (with Alfred as chauffeur), is one toke over the line. Not to mention, Nightwing and Batgirl’s costume designs are unique to this story. In the end, writer Aydin even has Dick and Babs win prom king and queen, although the crowns go to someone else since they are stuck fighting Mr. Freeze.↩
- [9]COLLIN COLSHER: In DC’s Supergirl Next Door #1 Part 4, which occurs many years from now, Guy Gardner and Blue Beetle will have a podcast with an episode entitled “The Time I Saved Batman.” Presumably, neither Guy Gardner nor Blue Beetle actually saved Batman, but we can imagine that their exaggerated yarn comes from the Justice League International days.↩
- [10]COLLIN COLSHER: Cyclotron is killed on the first Suicide Squad mission, after which Amanda Waller discusses Task Force X logistics with President Barack Obama, which helps place this item here in 2009.↩
A question of the fictional metaverse. If it is viewed like a real world publication history, does it include every timeline from every iteration? Does the metaverse include the films, tv shows, spin-off comics, radio plays, one-shots and Elseworlds? If not, are there multiple metaverses, or is the Golden Age through to Infinite Frontier a legitimate anomaly in the fictional multiverse?
Similarly, now that certain characters have gained a degree of multiversal awareness due to the Rebirth Era into Infinite Frontier meta knowledge, do they only remember the events of New 52/Modern Age, or their memories push further back into Silver or even Golden Age knowledge, or do they even “remember” events from outside the mainline stories?
As a final question about this, does the metaverse exist in publication order, or in a correct-to-each-universe chronological order? If you experienced the metaverse from outside, would you view the events of Second Chances before the stories in Legends of the Dark Knight set before it, for example? Or would it be like watching a chronological order of each universe played back-to-back?
I know these are pretty big topics, and I know the rules could change with new writers, but I’m a little curious of the scope of this. It’s a concept I don’t think I’ve even heard of in fiction before this reboot.
First off, any character that contains memories of events that happened in prior continuities would be completely schizophrenic. It’s simply not possible for them to exist like that. Maybe someone as cosmic as a god or a Dr. Manhattan (but even Manhattan ain’t all there). I can’t answer your questions with 100% certitude, but I’d say that there are probably multiple metaverses. The metaverse Manhattan traverses is the one containing DC’s primary comic book line. I think if you were to experience the Metaverse of DC’s primary line, it would kind of be like reading this website lol. Both as a set of ordered chronologies but also with the awareness of publication release dates and editorial oversight. And it’s definitely Johns own creation for sure. Metaverse has been defined other ways, but not quite like this. He’s certainly dabbled with the concept as far back as Modern Age Power Girl and Infinite Crisis, though.
The flashback from Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Infinite Crisis of Superman and Batman fighting i think is supposed to be a direct reference to Infinite Crisis when they meet on the watchtower in issue 1. The flashback overall seems to be a reference to one of the pages of Kal-L, Lois Lane-Kent, Alex Luthor and Superboy-Prime looking at Earth-0 from their crystal wall, but a bit misrepresented.
Works for me, thanks, Israel! I will move it.
In the second issue of the New History of the DC Universe, Halo appears and is mentioned alongside the other members of the Outsiders.
Hi Xaveir, I had forgotten completely that other writers wrote her out of canon prior to this. Very glad Waid has corrected this. I will fix, thank you!
I believe that it’s supposed to be Damien in Harley Quinn 25th Part 4, which throws the entire continuity of that comic out of whack (hypertime oooo)
Hey Vix! This is a very generic Robin in this story, but it’s definitely not Damian. Harley Quinn psychoanalyzes Robin, and Zdarsky hints at him being an orphan. Dick obviously comes to mind, but Tim did lose his mom. It’s either Dick or Tim. Since it could be either, let’s go with Tim. I’ll go ahead and move this. Thanks!
Could I just check, is there a reason that Batman & Outsiders #1-3, & JLA Incarnations #4 aren’t specified on this timeline when discussing the JLA falling apart? Are the stories here radically different?
Hey Mike, up until Mark Waid’s recent issues of New History of the DC Universe, the story was radically different! But now, it’s more-or-less based directly off of Batman & Outsiders #1-3, although still very much less so on JLA Incarnations.
(In order to simplify this discussion, I’m going to refer to the original Earth-2 as “Earth-2A” and the post-Flashpoint Earth-2 as “Earth-2B”).
Hey, love all the work you do, but I’m very confused by the footnote about Power Girl. I had assumed that:
– Earth-2A’s Kara Zor-L was a remnant of the Crisis
– The bits in New History #3 about Kara-2A having trouble remembering her true past until Infinite Crisis were referring to the whole Atlantean thing
– Earth-2B’s Power Girl — notably called Kara Zor-El with an E — was just a Variant of Kara-2A, and not literally the same person
I mean, I know the DC Wiki is unreliable at best, but it separates the Power Girls out that way, and I think that option makes the most sense narratively. But you’re combining the two of them into one, and I don’t see the justification for it.
I’m sure there’s at least one panel or line out there that I haven’t seen where the two characters are conflated, suggesting that they’re literally one and the same… but that’d just be a continuity error. In Action Comics #1057, the New 52 Superboy is shown as part of a big overview of Conner Kent’s many phases, even though the New 52 Superboy was technically a different character… but that’s not a retcon, that’s just a writer getting something wrong. So… What’s your reasoning? I’m genuinely curious.
Hey Benjamin. I think when New History of the DC Universe came out, I—along with everyone I spoke to—was hellbent on the idea that Waid would be simplifying and streamlining as much as possible. So the idea of having two Power Girls didn’t cross my mind (or the minds of any of my site contributors). Simply put, my reasoning for having one Power Girl is that it never occurred to me that there were or could be two Power Girls.
Nevertheless, I think what you say makes a lot of sense. While having two separate Power Girls seems to fly in the face of simplification, it avoids the extremely messy caveats I have in place for just one, and in so many ways it makes things way more straightforward. There is definitely an L and an El.
I’m going make this change that you suggest. Thanks!