Rebirth Year Seven

Rebirth Era (Post-“Superman Reborn”) Chronology

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YEAR SEVEN (2008)
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–FLASHBACK: From Gotham City Villains 100-Page Anniversary Giant #1 Part 6. Batman busts Killer Moth.

–REFERENCE: In Red Hood: The Hill #3-4. WayneTech employee Leonard “Lenny” Kreckk gains psi-kinetic metapowers that allow him to manifest his imaginations into reality. When Gotham’s underworld discovers this, they weaponize Kreckk into the super-villain known as The Kreckk, manipulating him to their own nefarious advantages. Batman takes down the bad guys and the Kreckk goes to Arkham Asylum.

–Batman Giant Vol. 2 #1 (Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #2)
When famous actor Dillon Yates is charged with the murder of a Hollywood producer, Batman busts him. However, upon further investigation, Batman realizes Yates has been framed. It’s not long before Batman realizes Clayface is the real killer. In their eventual confrontation, Clayface says he killed the producer for selling his favorite old theater to be demolished. He explains that he framed Yates because Yates is a serial sexual abuser that kept getting away with it. A fight ensues, during which Clayface burns down the theater and makes his escape.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 2. Batman, as he has done in the past, has another affectionate encounter with Talia—with her father watching over the scene with close creepy eyes. This JH Williams illustrated flashback is a fairly generic image of Batman, Talia, and Ra’s al Ghul, meant only to evoke the Neal Adams era of the Silver Age. As such, it doesn’t specifically link to the original “Saga of Ra’s al Ghul” or Son of the Demon or anything like that.

–FLASHBACK: From Gotham City Villains 100-Page Anniversary Giant #1 Part 8. Amid an urban backdrop, Batman and Talia kiss passionately. This is a fairly generic single-panel flashback that could go anywhere around this era, but I’ve placed it here in close proximity to the prior generic Batman-Talia kissy-kissy flashback.

–REFERENCE: In Red Hood and The Outlaws Vol. 2 #8. Batman busts Cornelius Stirk, a cannibal serial killer with mental-projection powers.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman Secret Files #2 Part 3. Riddler begins killing people who have wronged him in the past via bombs. Batman follows his clues (and the bodies) from Gotham University, to a stage theater, to a downtown apartment, to a diner, and to a hospital, eventually violently busting Riddler.

–FLASHBACK: From Nightwing/Magilla Gorilla #1. Batman stonewalls Robin before a dangerous unspecified case, telling him to say behind. Batman presumably completes the unknown case.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #28. Batman and Robin patrol together.

–REFERENCE: In Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1 Part 1. Batman deals with Doom Patrol rival Mr. Nobody, leader of The Brotherhood of Nothing aka The Brotherhood of Dada.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #13-15 (“ELEMENTARY”)
Bruce sets up a business meeting with the unsavory billionaire tycoon, Simon Stagg. Later, Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxyzptlk disguise themselves as Batgirl and Supergirl, tricking Batman and Superman for a while, but ultimately the World’s Finest (along with the real Batgirl, real Supergirl, and Robin) see through the ruse (thanks to Jimmy Olsen). The imps are sent back to the 5th Dimension. En route back home, Batman and Robin learn that Stagg has been poisoned to death in his Metropolis hotel room. Notably, Metamorpho has gone missing. After the Dynamic Duo and Superman survey the crime scene, they help a resurfaced Metamorpho bust some thieves at the museum. Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen interviews Sapphire at the Stagg Mansion, but he gets forcibly ejected by Java, the hulking Stagg family servant. Batman and Superman question Metamorpho as a suspect in Simon Stagg’s murder, much to the dismay of Metamorpho, who claims innocence. Later, both Jimmy and Metropolis Police Department (MPD) Inspector Bill Henderson find evidence that points to Bruce Wayne being Simon Stagg’s murderer. Soon afterward, in Gotham, Bruce is arrested by Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya, and Commissioner Gordon. (Note that the Daily Planet issue breaking the news story shows the date as June 5, but this must be ignored.) Bruce is immediately set free on bail. Remotely, Bruce chats with Clark, airing his own frustrations about the Daily Planet‘s smear job on him. Oliver Queen video-phones Bruce, telling him he’s reconsidered a Queen Industries/WayneTech partnership, so long as the collaboration involves work on WayneTech’s cutting edge artificial intelligence. Immediately, Bruce suspects that something is off with Ollie, thinking that he might even be speaking to an impostor. Meanwhile, Metamorpho takes his frustrations out on Doc Dread, Stingaree, and El Matanzas. In Venezuela, Superman and Robin help Metamorpho defeat El Matanzas and his robot army. The next day, Bruce phones a dozen other billionaires, including Ted Kord, Loren Jupiter, and Mento (Steve Dayton) to determine that they’ve all been replaced with doppelgängers. Bruce notifies Clark, who is attending Simon Stagg’s funeral with Metamorpho, Sapphire Stagg, and Java. Clark X-rays the casket, seeing that Simon Stagg’s body is an android replicant. After a cursory investigation, the heroes learn that all the kidnapped-and-replaced tycoons have had their bank accounts drained into offshore accounts owned by Professor Anthony Ivo. They also realize that their android copies seem to have been built by Dr. Will Magnus. Batman and Metamorpho visit Magnus Robotics in Upstate New York, finding the Metal Men trapped in a vat of lava. Concurrently, Superman and Robin infiltrate Ivo’s lab in the Allegheny Mountains only to be swarmed by androids, including a new Metamorpho-inspired version of Amazo called Ultramorpho (also spelled “Ultra-Morpho”) that can transform into Kryptonite. Batman (wearing armor literally made out of the Metal Men) and Metamorpho join Robin and an injured Superman to fight Ultramorpho while a strange voice (close to Ivo’s but not his) taunts them over an intercom. Metamorpho turns into a special armored costume for Superman to wear, but Ultramorpho is too powerful for the heroes, kidnapping Batman and Superman. Meanwhile, robots all over the planet begin to run amok, including Red Tornado, who glitches-out while helping with a flood in Kentucky. In Washington DC, the Doom Patrol fights Mekanique, during which Robotman turns evil. In Colorado, the The Challengers of the Unknown (Kyle “Ace” Morgan, Lester “Rocky” Davis, Matthew “Red” Ryan, and Professor Walter Haley) fight Ultivac. In Maine, the Teen Titans fight the Awesome Threesome (Torpedoman, Magneto, and Claw). In an unknown location, Batman and Superman awaken to find themselves wearing restrictive inhibitor collars along with other captives—Professor Ivo, Amazo, Dr. Magnus, Dr. Cyber, Toyman, Oliver Queen, Ted Kord, Simon Stagg, and Bug-Eyed Bandit. (Despite meeting Dr. Cyber and Bug Eyed-Bandit for the first time, Batman knows all about them from his vast crime-files.) Their captor is a new model of Amazo called Newmazo, who has gained autonomy. In Gotham, Robin drives the Batmobile and radios Supergirl, who is dealing with Chemo in Metropolis. Newmazo remotely takes control of the Batmobile, causing Robin to head into a brick wall.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #16-17 (“ELEMENTARY” Conclusion)
Picking up directly from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #15, Flash saves Robin’s life and gets briefed on the situation. Flash tells Robin that Mr. Atom and Ultivac have rounded-up and imprisoned thousands of humans. In Midway City, Hawkman, Metamorpho, the Metal Men, and Plastic Man fight against Kelex, a few Superman Robots, and GI Robot. The Metal Men are destroyed in an explosion. At Newmazo’s lair, Oliver Queen is able to shoot Ultramorpho with a makeshift arrow, which causes the prisoners’ control necklaces to come off. This provides enough time for Flash, Robin, Wonder Woman, Firestorm, Hal Jordan, Metamorpho, and Supergirl (actually a disguised Newmazo) to arrive for a rescue. Realizing TO Morrow must be involved with the robot revolution, Batman sends Wonder Woman and Robin to interrogate him. The other heroes spread out across the country to save humankind from the robots, leaving Batman behind. Newmazo sheds his Supergirl disguise and attacks Batman. Thankfully, Martian Manhunter and the real Supergirl double back to save Batman. Superman and Wonder join in the fight, but they are quickly outmatched. Will Magnus is able to turn all the brainwashed robots (plus the original Amazo) against Newmazo, evening the odds. Backed by other joining heroes Hal Jordan, Captain Shazam, Blue Beetle, and Green Arrow, the original Amazo forces Newmazo into an energy feedback loop that forces them both into destruction. Metamorpho then lands the final blow on Newmazo, ending his threat. Later, Will Magnus and Niles Caulder fix all the damaged robots. The Dynamic Duo, Superman, and Metamorpho debrief Jimmy Olsen, who realizes that the Daily Planet will have to exonerate Bruce. As referenced in Absolute Power #2, the JL collects both Newmazo’s skull and Bug-Eyed Bandit’s helmet as a trophies for their armory.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20-22 (“HEIR TO THE KINGDOM”)
This item occurs a few months after Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #11. Flash runs through the multiverse/Hypertime (past, present, and future), mapping it all out for fun. He views Earth-1 Batman, Earth-37 Batgirl (aka Thrillkiller Batgirl), Earth-37 Robin (aka Thrillkiller Robin), Earth-32’s Bat-Lantern, Future State Batman (Tim “Jace” Fox), Future State Batman (Bruce Wayne), Earth-12 Batman (DCAU Bruce Wayne), Earth-12 Joker (DCAU Joker), Earth-12’s Justice League Unlimited (including Earth-12 Batman aka Terry McGinnis and Earth-12 Flash aka Dani Williams), Earth-19’s Bat Man (aka Gotham by Gaslight Batman), Earth-43 Batman (aka vampire Batman), Earth-46 Batman, Earth-789 Batman (modeled after Michael Keaton from Tim Burton’s films), Batman and Robin (Carrie Kelley) from Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns universe, Batman from the Superman: Speeding Bullets timeline), Earth-27’s Batsaur, Earth-31’s Captain Leatherwing, Earth-1098 Flash, Earth-38 Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, Earth-38 Justice League (including Earth-38 Kid Flash, Earth-38 Robin, and Earth-38 Wonder Girl), Earth-38 Robin II (Clark Wayne), Flashpoint Joker (Martha Wayne), Earth-11’s Justice Guild (including Batwoman, Superwoman, and Wonder Man), Earth-183’s Karkan, Earth-118’s League (including Bat-Prince, Prince Kal-El, and Queen Diana), Earth-387 Supergirl (werewolf Supergirl), Earth-49 Superman (Earth-Injustice Superman), Earth-30’s Soviet Superman, Earth-162’s Superman Red and Superman Blue, Earth-63 Wonder Woman, Earth-55 Wonder Woman (DCeased zombie Wonder Woman), Batman and V2 (from “Heroes of Tomorrow” in Batman: The Brave and The Bold #1 Part 4), and Batman (from Paul Pope’s Year 100). However, Flash becomes troubled when he sees the future of Earth-22’s Justice Brigade (including Earth-22 Batman, Earth-22 Superman, Earth-22 Wonder Woman, Earth-22 Alan Scott, Earth-22 Red Robin, Earth-22 Hawkman, and Earth-22 Kid Flash), specifically a future where most of the heroes are dead. Flash traces this tragic fate back to its source, the meeting between Gog and Boy Thunder (David Sikela) that occurred years prior. Flash immediately returns to present day Earth-0, helping Batman, Superman, and Robin defeat Villainy Inc (Cheetah, Dr. Poison, Zara, and Blue Snowman). Flash tells his friends that something is terribly wrong with Boy Thunder on Earth-22. After Flash sets up a Cosmic Treadmill inside the Batcave, Batman and Superman use it to travel to Earth-22. They initially wind up in the future of Earth-22 where they spy on an older David, who in turn spies on an elderly Batman and Superman at a funeral that is being held for nearly every single superhero. After witnessing a vision of several deceased Earth-22 residents, Batman and Superman are teleported to an earlier point on Earth-22, a few years ahead of their own time on Earth-22. Bruce and Clark figure out their surroundings as they get lunch at Earth-22 Booster Gold‘s Planet Krypton restaurant. After a quick scan, Superman learns that the residents of Earth-22 have no knowledge of the greater multiverse. Outside the restaurant, David (now Thunderman) fights Earth-22 Atom-Master. Batman and Superman arrive just in time to prevent Thunderman from handing out lethal punishment to the villain. Superman happily greets Thunderman, who immediately attacks him. Soon after, Earth-22 Superman comes to Thunderman’s rescue and begins fighting Superman. Meanwhile, Batman subdues both Earth-22 Batman and Earth-22 Nightwing. After regrouping at the farm of the deceased Ma and Pa Kent, Batman and Superman learn that, regarding his origins, Thunderman has sold a bill of lies to the heroes of this world. Batman and Superman also learn that the heroes of Earth-22 worship the great god Gog. Earth-22 Batman, Earth-22 Superman, and Thunderman meet with Gog, who rides Metron‘s Mobius Chair, at his stronghold in the Sahara Desert. Batman and Superman are attacked by Gog’s Justice Brigade, a cadre of Earth-22 heroes, including Alloy, Aquaman, The Atom, Batwoman, Ace the Bat-Hound, Beast Boy, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Skeets, Captain Atom, Captain Marvel, Cyborg, Dr. Fate, Donna Troy, Etrigan/Jason Blood, Firestorm, Green Arrow, Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Hawkgirl, Huntress, Jonah Hex, Judomaster, Kid Flash (Wally West), Martian Manhunter, Metamorpho, Nightshade, Peacemaker, Plastic Man, Raven, Red Tornado, Starfire, Starman, Supergirl, Swamp Thing, Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Cadejo (aka Cadejos), Rana Dorada, and an unnamed superhero. Batman and Superman are overwhelmed and thrown into Gog’s Saharan gulag, which is home to nearly all Earth-22 super-villains, including Clayface, Black Manta, Deathstroke, Gorilla Grodd, Captain Cold, Sinestro, Black Adam, Cheetah, Killer Moth, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Kirk Langstrom, Deadshot, Catman, Scarecrow, Silver Banshee, Parasite, Metallo, Poison Ivy, Star Sapphire, Solomon Grundy, Bizarro, Riddler, Penguin, Bane, Two-Face, Killer Croc, and more. Batman and Superman are thrown into a cell with an emaciated Metron. Superman recognizes him as a New God of New Genesis. Up to this point, Batman has dealt with and known about Apokolips, but this is is first interaction with the New Genesis side of the New God spectrum. (The interdimensional planet of New Genesis, home to the benevolent New Gods, is the polar opposite of Apokolips, home to Darkseid and his evil New Gods.) Meanwhile, Gog bestows new powers unto Thunderman, turning him into Magog. Inside our heroes’ cell, Metron reveals Gog’s origin story, also detailing how Gog betrayed him to steal his Mobius Chair. Secretly listening-in, Earth-22 Batman and Superman realize the error of their ways. Joining forces with their counterparts, Earth-22 Batman and Superman listen to Metron’s continued story. Metron says that Gog plans an “ascension,” which involves sending all of Earth-22’s heroes on a suicide mission to Apokolips.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #23-24 (“HEIR TO THE KINGDOM” Conclusion)
Picking up immediately after Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #22, the Batmen and Superman attack Magog and Gog at the latter’s Saharan citadel. As they battle, Gog uses Magog to open a Boom Tube to Apokolips, explaining (sans logic) that dying in battle against Darkseid will be a good thing for all the heroes, as it will allow them to attain immortality in Valhalla. Realizing the error of his ways, Magog turns on his master, allowing Earth-22 versions of Hal Jordan, Wally West, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and Hawkman to enter the citadel. As these heroes attack Gog, Batman and Superman realize that Gog has discovered the Anti-Life Equation. The Supermen defeat Gog, but they are too late to prevent Darkseid from coming through the Boom Tube. Struggling against Darkseid’s mighty power, the heroes are tossed aside with ease. Feeling the only way to stop Darkseid from accessing the Anti-Life Equation within Gog, Magog kills Gog. With no reason to be on Earth-22 anymore, Darkseid simply departs. Magog celebrates victory, but the Batmen and Supermen chide him for having used lethal force when there were other options. A pissed Magog storms off. Earth-22 Spectre arrives, telling the Earth-0 heroes it’s time to go home. Before they go, Batman and Superman demand to know what happens to Magog. The Spectre obliges, showing them a vision of the entirety of Kingdom Come. The Spectre allows Superman to visit with an older Magog following the tragic events of Kingdom Come. Superman hugs Magog, urging him to make up for his genocidal mistakes. Batman and Superman then return to present day Earth-0. Meanwhile, inspired by Superman’s kindness and forgiveness, Magog will come to lead a new generation of amazing heroes on Earth-22.

–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.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #25 Part 2
In the Batcave, Batman finishes analysis on Scarecrow’s latest Fear Gas while Robin fights his personal training robot. All of a sudden, Abe Lincoln emerges from the giant penny and begins fighting the animated T rex. Superman, along with a bunch of his interplanetary zoo animals, involuntarily teleports into the Batcave. It’s not long before Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxyzptlk appear, revealing themselves as the cause behind the mischief. But the imps aren’t visiting for fun. Begging for help, the imps reveal the corpse of their 5th Dimensional comrade Green-Mite, citing that a mysterious unnamed Big Bad (Doom-Mite from the 6th Dimension) has caused the massacre of their buddies. (Notably, superstring theory states that the 6th Dimension is a plane in which one can view possible worlds, comparing and positioning all the possible universes. Writer Mark Waid describes it as a plane where “all of time exists at once.” Scott Snyder, in his “Sixth Dimension” arc, refers to this plane as the “hypothetical dimension.”)

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #26-29 (“IMPOSSIBLE”)
Picking up directly from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #25 Part 2, Batman, Robin, and Mr. Mxyzptlk to to Coast City to assist Hal Jordan, who has been taken out by Sinestro and Sin-Mite. Superman and Bat-Mite travel to Central City to assist Flash, who has been taken out by Abra Kadabra and Abra-Mite. (The villainous Mites are creations of Doom-Mite.) After besting the villains, our heroes and imps go to Metropolis to deal with Parasite and Paras-Mite. (Parasite is Rudy Jones, but someone—off-panel—calls him “Jenkins.” We must assume this is Bat-Mite or Mr. Mxyzptlk being goofy.) Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen watch in terror as Parasite and Paras-Mite use magick to send Batman, Superman, and Robin into the 2nd Dimension i.e. turning them into literal wall graffiti. When Cheetah and Cheetah-Mite arrive, Wonder Woman and the Metal Men arrive to combat them. This prompts the arrival of Chemo and Chemo-Mite, Black Manta and Black Manta-Mite, Merlyn and Merlyn-Mite, and Killer Frost and Killer Frost-Mite. The imps teleport Aquaman, Firestorm, and Green Arrow to Metropolis as well. Bat-Mite is able to free Robin from the wall by swapping places with him. Bat-Mite then ushers Batman and Robin into the 6th Dimension. Back in Metropolis, Supergirl fights Zha-Vam and Zha-Vam-Mite. Mr. Mxyzptlk causes Jimmy Olsen to split into all the various meta-powered forms he’s taken in the past. Backed by this “Olsen Squad,” Mr. Mxyzptlk takes down all the villains and their evil imps counterparts. Doom-Mite appears, declaring that Jimmy Olsen, “Earth’s mightiest hero,” must die! Doom-Mite imprisons all the heroes except Robin and Jimmy. Gifted with Mr. Mxyzptlk’s 5th Dimensional magick, Jimmy begins fighting Doom-Mite solo. In the 6th Dimension, Batman and Superman bear witness to a dizzying kaleidoscope of scenes from their past and future. The past images include scenes from “The Devil Nezha,” Ace the Bat-Hound adventures. The future images include scenes from “Failsafe,” scenes from “Warworld Saga” (including a vision of Mongul III and Earth-9 OMAC), and scenes from “House of Brainiac” (including a vision of Brainiac Queen). Superman also learns he will one day have a son named Jonathan. I guess he knows what to name him now! Bat-Mite takes the heroes through a tour of realms beneath the 6th Dimension, but he accidentally brings them back to the prison of the 2nd Dimension. At first, Batman chews him out as only Batman can, but then he realizes that he’s gotta kill Bat-Mite with kindness if they are to get back home. Batman gives Bat-Mite a pep talk and asks him for his help. Meanwhile, Robin stalls for time and Jimmy summons members of the 5th Dimensional Just-Us League aka Justice Mites (Aqua-Mite, Hawk-Mite, Wonder Wo-Mite, Morpho-Mite, Martian Mite-Hunter, Robin-Mite, and Flash-Mite). After Doom-Mite easily bests (and even seemingly kills some of) the imps, Batman and Superman return thanks to Bat-Mite. Doom-Mite zaps Batman, turning him into a wooden puppet. Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxyzptlk recruit Zatanna, Dr. Fate, Yz, Dr. Occult, and Mark Merlin (aka Prince Ra-Man of the Lords of Order). (John Constantine is too drunk to join.) Just as Doom-Mite is about to finish off Superman, the magick-users arrive to stem the tide. At puppet-Batman’s urging, the heroes begin literally pulling strands of the 6th Dimension out of Doom-Mite’s body, which begins to weaken him. Within the strands of random time that spew forth, the heroes see hazy future images of Negative Earth-22’s The Batman Who Laughs, Superboy (Conner Kent), Superboy/Superman (Jonathan Kent), Robin (Damian Wayne), Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Doomsday, Brainiac Queen, Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Batgirl, Batman (Terry McGinnis), and Joker. The heroes also see a future image of Superman (Clark) getting shot during Absolute Power. As the strands of time continue to get pulled, time itself briefly warps, causing some of the magick-users to drastically age. For a moment, Batman morphs into an alternate grim-and-gritty version of himself. Eventually, Doom-Mite is defeated and imprisoned by Dr. Fate. Bat-Mite’s tattered costume remains, leaving the heroes to think that the little guy has made the ultimate sacrifice to help save the day. Of course, he immediately shows up wearing nothing but his undies. Robin tricks Mr. Mxyzptlk into poofing away, after which Batman gives Bat-Mite high praise before sending him home as well. Later, Batman puts Bat-Mite’s costume on display in the Batcave.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #31-33 (“SHADOWS FALL”)
With generous funding from Wayne Enterprises, Kord Industries, and Queen Industries, the Justice League builds Solar City, California. Designed by Dr. Bruce Gordon and his wife Dr. Mona Bennett (by utilizing repurposed Dr. Light technology), Solar City is the most advanced clean energy installation ever. Batman and Robin prevent Dr. Spectro, Mr. Element, and The Thinker from attacking the site. Later, after Superman easily bests Eterno the Immortal Giant by himself, he joins the JL (sans Batman) aboard the JL Satellite to view a solar eclipse. Eclipso uses this moment (along with a second magick diamond) to take control of Dr. Gordon, Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Hal Jordan. Batman boards the JL Satellite to help Superman, Wonder Woman, and Elongated Man fight the Eclipso-possessed team members. Meanwhile, Eclpiso builds a giant light cannon and blasts the JL Satellite, destroying it. (Don’t worry, the trophies are safe thanks to automatic phase-shift technology—we’ll see them again!) Red Tornado teleports to Justice Society of America HQ, begging the JSA for help. Meanwhile, Eclipso traps the JLA inside a giant crystal in the Sahara Desert. He then takes control of Batman and Superman, sending them to beat up Robin in the Batcave. Robin escapes, fleeing to the JSA for help. Later, evil Batman responds to Commissioner Gordon (who is with an out-of-costume Babs) lighting up the Bat-Signal. Half the JSA arrives to fight Batman while the other half goes into Earth’s orbit to prevent Superman from downing all telecommunications satellites. In Gotham, the Spectre creates a false vision of Robin dying, which causes Batman to snap to his senses, thus exorcising the darkness from his mind. Batman tells Robin to get a countermagick amulet from Dr. Fate. In outer space, Dr. Fate flings Superman into the Sun, thus purging the darkness from his mind as well. In the Sahara, Hal Jordan and Alan Ladd-Scott combine their might to smash the crystal prison. At Solar City, all the heroes strike at Eclipso and a possessed Bruce Gordon, but the villains are able to once again trap them in crystal. Using Dr. Fate’s amulet, Robin saves everyone. The JL and JSA spread across the globe to deal with chaos being caused by Eclipso. While Superman risks his own life to save the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, the rest of the JL fights Eclipso-possessed JSA members. Eventually, Eclipso is caged back inside his black diamond, which Superman tosses into the Sun. Later, the JL quickly rebuilds an upgraded JL Satellite HQ, filling it with everything that was in the previous HQ.

–NOTE: Referenced in Justice League Vol. 3 #33, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #27, Nightwing Vol. 4 #39, Teen Titans Vol. 6 #17, Man of Steel #6, Heroes in Crisis #9, Titans Vol. 4 #2, and Speed Force #1. The Teen Titans disband and reform as the “New Teen Titans”—featuring Robin (team leader), Kid Flash, Cyborg, Changeling (formerly known as Beast Boy), Raven (Rachel Roth), Wonder Girl, Aqualad, Speedy, and Starfire. Kole Weathers is also a member of this team, but will only actually work with them once or twice. Robin and Starfire begin dating. The New Teen Titans also form a splinter B-team known as Teen Titans East, consisting of Bumblebee, Flamebird (former Bat-Girl Bette Kane), Hawk, Dove, Más, y Menos.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. Note that writer Matt Fraction places this item in “Year Four, Month Two.” However, since this flashback specifically deals with the New Teen Titans, it must instead go here instead of February. Onto the brief synopsis. An escaped Joker defeats the Teen Titans (Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Changeling, and Raven), leaving them bound, unconscious, and underwater as Batman’s monthly “birthday” gift. Batman saves the Teen Titans.

–FLASHBACK: From Titans Vol. 4 #2. The New Teen Titans attempt to bust their top rival Brother Blood along with his Church of Blood (aka Blood Cult) minions. (Notably, the Church of Blood always has a leader that assumes the Brother Blood role.) However, upon arrival at the Church of Blood’s lair, the Teen Titans are bummed to discover that the Justice League has already completed the task with ease.

–REFERENCE: In Super Sons #15, The Green Lantern #3, and Year of the Villain #1 Part 2—originally told in Silver Age. The Justice League faces off against the Injustice League (Agamemno, Lex Luthor, Black Manta, Chronos, Dr. Light, Felix Faust, Mr. Element, Sinestro, Penguin, and Catwoman). Note that the Injustice League is not the Injustice Gang—different team! Batgirl and Deadman form a brand new (one-shot) Seven Soldiers of Victory—comprising of themselves, Metamorpho, Blackhawk (Janos Prohaska), Mento (Steve Dayton), Shining Knight (Gardner Grayle), and Adam Strange. The Seven Soldiers, the JL, the Green Lantern Corps (including NautKeLoi), and a platoon of Thanagarians band together to defeat Agamemno’s IJL.

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #79. Bruce and Dick’s relationship begins deteriorating. They’ll have a tiff whenever they cross paths for months to come. We’ll have to imagine some of these instances on our timeline.

–FLASHBACK: From Red Hood and The Outlaws Vol. 2 #23. Batman takes on Riddler and his goons. Career henchman Willis Todd, while working for the Riddler, fights Batman, resulting in him getting a bat-shaped scar on his arm. Later, Willis shows his son, Jason Todd, the scar. Not long afterward, Willis takes the fall for Penguin, earning a long jail sentence. Jason avoids child protective services by going on the lam and living on the streets.

–Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 1
March. It’s Dick’s eighteenth birthday! Batman and Robin save a priest from Victor Zsasz, but during the fight Robin disobeys a direct order. 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. Dick quits being Robin! Shortly thereafter, as referenced in Nightwing Vol. 4 #21 and Nightwing Vol. 4 #43, Bruce gives Dick a watch for his birthday gift—likely a botched attempt to smooth over the situation. 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.

–FLASHBACK: From Red Hood: Outlaw #35, Red Hood: Outlaw #48, Truth and Justice #10, Strange Love Adventures #1 Part 6, and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #2 Part 4—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 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.

–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 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, who has, for the second time, returned to her purple-and-green dress outfit. (The sartorial super-villainess likes to change it up quite a bit, in case you hadn’t noticed.)

–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.

–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 Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 2—and referenced in Batman: Kings of Fear #2, Batman Secret Files #2 Part 1, Punchline #1, Batman: Urban Legends #7 Part 1, and Batman: Urban Legends #17 Part 2. Originally told in Detective Comics #475-476. Joker unveils his “Laughing Fish” gag, putting his signature smile on all the fish in Gotham Bay, and killing many people in the process. Joker’s toxins spread across the entire Eastern seaboard, destroying aquatic life across half the Atlantic. Meanwhile, after being denied copyright on his “Laughing Fish,” Joker murders a couple government copyright officials. Eventually, Batman puts a stop to the chaos. Afterward, Batman keeps and stuffs a Laughing Fish, adding it to his collection of Joker trophies. Batman also orchestrates a major environmental clean-up.

–Batman: Urban Legends #17 Part 2
Shortly following Joker’s “Laughing Fish” gag, Aquaman and Mera pay Batman an angry visit, delivering to him a dead Joker Fish with claims that the environmental destruction is still running rampant deep beneath the seas. Batman taps into WayneTech’s Marine Biology Research Division data, which guides the heroes (with Batman taking his Bat-Sub) to a black hole-like source of trouble in the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, Aquaman recognizes the anomaly as the “Sea Beyond the Veil,” a cosmic portal that had been bound by ancient Atlantean magick and guarded by fish creatures known as the Piscine Watch. The Piscine Watch, now killed or corrupted by Joker Venom, has allowed a giant squid monster known as a Creare to emerge. Batman, Aquaman, and Mera battle the Creare and its monstrous minions, but they eventually make peace with the aquatic oddities. Batman asks the Creare for a special organism that can help purge any effects of Joker’s influence upon sea life. The Creare and its brethren then depart, sealing up the portal behind them. With the Bat-Sub damaged, Batman rides a killer whale back home, courtesy of Aquaman. Back on land, Batman uses the Creare’s gifted organism to synthesize a remedy against Joker’s aqua poison. It’s also possible that Batman closes up some underwater gaps in the bowels of the Batcave as well, since he makes mention to Alfred about some problematically accessible entryways into their lair.

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 2021 Annual—originally told in Detective Comics #477. Batman defeats the debuting Clayface III (Preston Payne). Unlike the other two Clayfaces, Payne must wear a special containment suit at all times.

–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: From Batgirl Vol. 5 #30—originally told in Detective Comics #492 Part 1. Batgirl is nearly killed by master assassin Cormorant, who is working for a mobster named General Scarr. Batman and an injured Batgirl team-up to bust Cormorant and General Scarr.

–REFERENCE: In Tales of the Titans #4—originally told in Detective Comics #505. When Anthony Lupus’ niece needs a bone marrow transplant, Batman travels to Alaska to capture the werewolf. Batman brings Lupus back to Gotham for the operation, saving his niece’s life.

–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.

–REFERENCE: In Heroes in Crisis #3—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #170 and The Brave and The Bold #193. The Department of Metahuman Affairs’ top super-spy Nemesis (Tom Tresser) teams-up with Batman to take on the evil criminal organization known as The Council. (As revealed in Action Comics #1010, Penguin is the secret director of the Council.)

–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.

–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, and Batgirl Vol. 5 #50. 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.

–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.

–NOTE: Referenced in Deathstroke Vol. 4 #27 and Nightwing Vol. 4 #39—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.”) The team is shaken to its core and goes on a short break.

–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 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 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.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1000 Part 5 and Detective Comics #1000 Part 10. September 21. Batman, as he does every year on the anniversary of his parents’ murders, visits both Crime Alley (where his parents were killed) and the cemetery where his parents are buried.

–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 six 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.

–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.

–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 Detective Comics #1000 Part 3. November. Loutish henchman-for-hire Knute Brody (an invention of Batman’s) makes his return, signing-up with an escaped Kite Man. Of course, Brody costs Kite Man a big heist, which results 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 or Alfred.

–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 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.

–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5. Batman becomes aware of a new organization known as The Global Guardians (a multi-national defense corps that numbers in the dozens and consists of a rotating lineup of non-American superheroes).

–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.

–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.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #992—originally told in DC Special Series #1. CIA agent Jason Burr fights the Kobra Cult, which is led by his twin brother Jeffrey Franklin Burr aka Lord Nāga-Naga (better known simply as Kobra). At a Lazarus Pit location in the Himalayas, Batman and Jason fight Kobra and his agents, but in the end the vile cult leader orders the execution of his brother. One of Kobra’s followers stabs Jason to death. Batman vows to bring Kobra to justice and solemnly returns to the States with Jason’s body in tow.

–REFERENCE: In 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.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #10 Part 4. December 23-25. Dick chats with Bruce 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.

–REFERENCE: In Dark Days: The Forge #1 and Strange Adventures Vol. 5 #2. Batman meets the multi-millionaire techno-whiz and supposed “world’s smartest man” Mr. Terrific (Michael Holt). They quickly become close, sharing each other’s secret IDs and personal histories. Batman learns that Mr. Terrific’s wife and unborn child died years ago, which motivated him to become a superhero. Batman and Mr. Terrific will share a very close friendship for years to come.

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