Rebirth Year Six

Rebirth Era (Post-“Superman Reborn”) Chronology

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YEAR SIX (2007)
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–FLASHBACK: From Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12—and referenced in Gotham Academy: Second Semester #9-12. Batman busts pyrokinetic super-villain Calamity (Sybil Silverlock), who claims that the ghost of Amity Arkham, one of the long deceased matriarchs of the notorious Arkham family, has been possessing her. Batman defeats Calamity and rescues her young daughter, Olive Silverlock. Afterward, the trauma of this event causes all Olive’s memories of her mom as Calamity to become deeply repressed. Bruce puts Olive into an orphanage where he will watch over her for years to come. Batman also does research on Amity Arkham, discovering that the Silverlock family has a long history of mental illness, is related to the Arkhams, and is linked to Penguin’s ancestor Millie Jane Cobblepot. Bruce meets with Penguin, who brings a lockbox that once belonged to Millie Jane, at Wayne Manor. The lockbox contains information and items pertaining to Millie Jane, Amity, Ambroos Lydecker, and the cabalist tome known as “The Old Book of Gotham.” Bruce swipes the lockbox and puts it into a vault in Wayne Manor. Later, he studies the contents of the lockbox and realizes the importance of Gotham Academy to Gotham’s occult history. Bruce buys his way onto the Board of Directors of the prestigious school so he will always be linked-in and able to keep tabs without arising suspicion.

–Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #7 Part 4
Winter. Batman begins tracking violent Irish mobster Finn Molloy, who abuses and murders women and children with regularity. Batman follows Molloy’s trail to a church where he finds several murdered men, including a priest that had been tortured. At Malloy’s hideout, Batman runs into Etrigan for the very first time! (Etrigan’s human host, Jason Blood, trained Bruce many years ago, but Bruce never met the demon himself—not until now.) Etrigan has been summoned by a parent of one of Molloy’s victims and he now seeks demonic retribution on their behalf. Batman makes a wager—whoever nabs Molloy first can punish him as he sees fit. The next day, Batman saves the dead boy’s mother from Molloy, who had been hoping to cancel the hit from Hell by eliminating the source of the order. After some research, Batman determines that Molloy has hidden himself in Corben Park Church, which is Roman Catholic holy ground upon which Etrigan cannot tread. Batman easily nabs Molloy, who boasts that he’ll be back out on the streets in no time flat. Sensing truth in Molloy’s statement, Batman decides on a new plan of inaction. The gangster will never be able to leave the church for the rest of his life, for if he does, Etrigan will immediately kill him. Batman “concedes” to Etrigan and they part ways.

–FLASHBACK: From Monkey Prince #11. This item occurs specifically fifteen years prior to Lazarus Planet. Ultra-Humanite, who now inhabits the body of evil scientist Dr. Gerard Shugel and can change between white ape and human form at will, schemes to summon the Chinese demigod Sun Wukong aka Monkey King from the Phantom Zone using a Phantom Zone Projector of his own design. Aided by Dr. Gerard’s daughter and son-in-law (Dr. Laura Shugel-Shen and Dr. Winston Shugel-Shen), Ultra-Humanite opens a pathway to the Phantom Zone. Just as Monkey King is about to free himself, the Justice League arrives and smashes the Phantom Zone Projector in half, foiling Ultra-Humanite’s plot. However, before the portal re-seals, Monkey King’s baby son (Monkey Prince)—comes through. As the JL battles Ultra-Humanite, the Shugel-Shens secretly make off with the baby. After defeating Ultra-Humanite, the JL keeps half of his Phantom Zone Projector as a trophy in the Hall of Justice. Meanwhile, the Shugel-Shens, hoping to save their failed marriage, decide to keep the baby, naming him Marcus Shugel-Shen.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #14 Part 1. Batman hangs out with Zatanna.

—^[1]

–Batman: The World Part 13
On Alfred’s recommendation, Bruce vacations in China and dines at a small family-owned hot pot restaurant where he meets the proprietor’s granddaughter, expert martial artist Kiki. Uncharacteristically, Bruce has his Batman costume in a duffel bag, which is partially unzipped, allowing Kiki to sneak a glance at it. Thankfully, she regards it just a fandom or cosplay thing. Bruce tells her that Batman is nothing more than an urban legend, emphasizing a running theme in this story—that certain pockets of provincial China still regard Batman as a myth that isn’t actually real. A day later, Alfred reveals the real reason behind sending Bruce to China. Several corrupt Wayne Enterprises board members have purchased several commercial and residential blocks, including buildings that house the hot pot restaurant, scheduling them for immediate evictions and tear-downs. Sent by the corrupt Wayne Enterprises officials, some goons trash the restaurant. This prompts Kiki to wear her very own Robin costume, becoming “Panda Girl” to challenge the Wayne Enterprises folks at their corporate tower HQ. Batman dons a special Chinese-themed Bat-costume (presumably something that Lucius Fox had been secretly working on with WayneTech’s Chinese affiliates) to provide support to Panda Girl. The next day, Bruce cancels all Wayne Enterprises property purchases and linked gentrification projects in the area. Bruce visits the restaurant and hangs out with Kiki and her grandfather.^[2]

–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #64 and Batman Vol. 3 #65. Batman saves three members of the Clover family (young Hank Clover and his parents) from a mugger.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Kings of Fear #6. Batman busts Riddler and his newest gang, which includes Sammy “Scalpel” Sanchez. Seeing that Sanchez is scared out of his wits, Batman decides not to beat on him like the others. Sanchez immediately turns himself in (and turns his life around).

–REFERENCE: In DC’s Beach Blanket Bad Guys Summer Special #1 Part 9—originally told in the Batman The Animated Series TV show. Gotham socialite Veronica Vreeland begins dating Penguin as part of a publicity stunt. Of course, Penguin, who has been in love with Veronica since they were teens, thinks the relationship is real. Eventually, Penguin discovers the truth, flips-out, and tries to kill Veronica. Batman saves her life.

–REFERENCE: In Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps #44. The Justice League defeats the aureate super-villain known as Goldface.

–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #3 Part 1. Batman shakes down jewel thief Salvatore Greco, who vows to go straight. While unseen on our timeline ahead, Batman will keep tabs on Greco.

–FLASHBACK: From The Infected: The Commissioner #1. From the shadows, Batman stalks some bad guys.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #79. For the second time, Catwoman steals the Coner Diamond from the Gotham Museum, but, as before, Batman steals it right back.

–REFERENCE: In Dial H for Hero #1-3. The Justice League publicly ventures into deep space for an unspecified mission. While they are gone, Gorilla Grodd threatens Central City. Grodd is bested by teenager Robby Reed, owner of a fantastic device called an H-Dial, which, when activated, taps into the mystic Heroverse realm, turning its user into a brand new never-before-heard-of temporary superhero with a random superpower. (As referenced in Dial H for Hero #9, Robby has been wielding the H-Dial for years already, ever since he was ten-years-old.) Upon their return to Earth, the JL learns about the H-Dial.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League Vol. 3 #39, Adventures of the Super Sons #1, Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 4, Batman Vol. 3 #129, and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #31. Joker gains access to the Secret Sanctuary in Happy Harbor. After busting Joker, the Justice League keeps one of Joker’s signature playing cards as a trophy. With their HQ exposed, the JL decides to abandon its Earthbound HQs (both the Sanctuary and the Hall of Justice). The JL constructs and launches a brand new orbiting satellite HQ, known simply as the JL Satellite, complete with all the amenities and a full trophy room. Notably, Batman learns all the security and defense activation codes for the Satellite. (He will similarly learn them for all future JL HQs as well.)^[3]

–REFERENCE: In Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 2 #9 (Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 2 Print Edition #5), Batman Vol. 3 #127, and Batman Vol. 3 #129. Each Justice Leaguer is given a portable teleportation chamber that allows access to the JL Satellite. This teleportation chamber will be used to access all future JL orbital or lunar HQs as well. Notably, the security attached to these teleporters is extremely high. By design, even Batman will (supposedly) be unable to bypass or hack the measures.

–REFERENCE: In Titans Special #1. The android known as Red Tornado, built by the conniving super-genius Dr. TO Morrow, joins the JL.

–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.

–FLASHBACK: From Green Arrow Vol. 7 #11—originally told in Justice League of America #94. League of Assassins member (and Green Arrow’s arch rival) Malcom Merlyn attacks the Justice League, taking down Batman, Superman, and the Atom all at once. Eventually, Green Arrow faces his foe one-on-one, fighting him to a stalemate.

–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, The Green Lantern #4-5, and Justice League Dark Vol. 2 #11—originally told in Justice League of America #96-98. The debuting cosmic vampire known as Starbreaker (along with his robotic hench-insects called Mechanix) gets the better of the Justice League. (Starbreaker aka Luciphage is of the alien species known as Sun-Eaters.) Rebounding, the heroes team-up with Sargon the Sorcerer, a veteran magick user and legendary hero of yore. Sargon wields the mystic Ruby of Life to turn the tide against Starbreaker. Green Arrow shoots a silver arrow into Starbreaker’s heart, killing him. Afterward, Sargon retires and gives his costume to the JL. It goes on display in the Trophy Room.

–NOTE: Referenced in Teen Titans Vol. 6 #6, Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #7, Trinity Vol. 2 #16, Batman: Prelude to the Wedding Part 1 – Robin vs Ra’s al Ghul #1, Deathstroke Vol. 4 #32, and Adventures of the Super-Sons #6. Damian al Ghul (also known as Ibn al Xu’ffasch) is born from an artificial incubation womb.^[4][5] (The fetus was removed from Talia al Ghul’s body many months ago and transferred into the high-tech sci-fi incubator.) Talia will keep the boy’s existence a secret from his father Bruce. Damian will be raised by the League of Assassins and spend his entire youth training to be a killer. Ra’s al Ghul has specific plans to one day transfer his soul into Damian’s body, but Talia secretly isn’t (and never will be) on board with that idea.

–REFERENCE: In Flash Vol. 5 #21, Infinite Frontier #0, Stargirl: Spring Break Special #1, and Stargirl: The Lost Children #6—originally told in Justice League of America #100-102. The time-displaced 1940s super-team known as The Seven Soldiers of Victory—Shining Knight (Sir Justin) and his flying horse Victory, The Vigilante (Greg Saunders), Star-Spangled Kid (Sylvester Pemberton), Stripesy (Pat Dugan), Crimson Avenger (with his sidekick Wing How), Green Arrow, and Speedy—team-up with the Justice League and Justice Society of America to defeat The Iron Hand and Nebula Man. (Clock King had recently sent Green Arrow and Speedy back to the 1940s where they joined the Seven Soldiers and went on a series of adventures. As revealed in Stargirl: The Lost Children #2, the time-lost Green Arrow shaved his goatee to better fit in with the era.) During the SSV/JL/JSA conflict, Wing How and Red Tornado are both killed and mourned. Red Tornado is merely inert and will soon return. Wing How sacrifices his life to destroy Nebula Man. Afterward, the JL keeps a Star-Spangled Kid costume in their Trophy Room. Note that Shining Knight (an immortal warrior originally from the Middle Ages), Vigilante, Star-Spangled Kid, Stripesy, and Crimson Avenger all remain stuck in the 21st century where they begin new lives.

–REFERENCE: In Batman vs Robin #1—originally told in Superman #268. Batman and Superman defeat Effron the Sorcerer, after which Superman keeps his magickal Golden Eye artifact as a trophy. Later, Batman, Superman, and Batgirl take down the super-spy organization known as MAZE. Meanwhile, criminal Gunther Jacoby steals the Golden Eye of Effron.

–REFERENCE: In Batman: Urban Legends #18 Part 2. Batman assists Jason Blood/Etrigan, Glenda Mark, and Randhir Singh (aka Randu Singh) against the threat of the undead.

–REFERENCE: In The Green Lantern #10, Freedom Fighters Vol. 3 #1, and World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1—originally told in Justice League of America #107-108. The Justice League builds a “Transmatter Cube” that allows them to travel through the Bleed. Using this tech, the JL and JSA travel to Earth-10 (aka Earth-X), a world where Nazis reign supreme. On Earth-10, our heroes help the Earth-10 Freedom Fighters (Uncle Sam, Black Condor, Cache, Doll Woman, Human Bomb, Phantom Lady) fight against Nazis in what becomes a multiversial mini-Crisis. Note that there is an Earth-0 version of the Freedom Fighters, although the JL and JSA have yet to meet them.

–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #4, Detective Comics #1003, and Tales of the Titans #4—originally told in Detective Comics #255. Professor Achilles Milo turns Olympic athlete Anthony Lupus into a werewolf. Batman busts Milo, but Lupus escapes to Alaska.

–FLASHBACK: From Deathstroke Inc #4—and referenced in Justice League Vol. 4 #1, Doomsday Clock #6, and DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 Part 7. Originally told in Justice League of America #111-112. The Justice League defeats The Injustice Gang, a team led by Libra and consisting of Mirror Master, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Chronos, Shadow Thief, and Tattooed Man (Abel Tarrant).

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 3. Late March. In celebration of Batman’s “birthday,” an escaped Joker gets a buzz cut and tries to set the Dark Knight on fire. Batman busts Joker. Note that Batman is shown wearing his black-and-gray (with black chest insignia) costume in this flashback, but he should be wearing his blue-and-gray (with yellow oval insignia) costume instead.

–REFERENCE: In Event Leviathan #6—originally told in Detective Comics #443. Batman joins forces with Manhunter (Paul Kirk), Asano Nitobe, Interpol agent Christine St. Clair, and Kolu Mbeya to crush an army of Paul Kirk clones linked to The Council, a vast criminal enterprise that has existed clandestinely for hundreds of years. (As revealed in Action Comics #1010, Penguin is the current secret director of the Council.) Manhunter seemingly sacrifices his life to help defeat the Council. However, we’ll see Manhunter again (as per One-Star Squadron #3), so he’s not really dead or he’ll get resurrected—likely the latter as part of the conclusion of Death Metal.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League Dark Vol. 2 #8 and Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #10—originally told in Justice League of America #147-148. A mini-Crisis erupts, forcing the JL to team up with the Legion of Super-Heroes (time-traveling superheroes from the 31st century) against the powerful evil wizard Mordru. Mordru is one the leaders of the Lords of Chaos. The Legionnaires involved in this item are Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, Princess Projectra, Shadow Lass, Saturn Girl, Sun Boy, Ultra Boy, Wildfire, and Lightning Lad.

–REFERENCE: In Event Leviathan #1-6—originally told in Justice League of America #140-143 and Justice League of America #149-150. Eons before the institution of the Green Lantern Corps, the Guardians of the Universe built their first peacekeeping armies, first the failed reptilian Psions, then the equally failed Manhunter Robots. Guess who’s back and harboring an angry vengeance toward their Green Lantern replacements? The current Manhunter Robots exist as an intergalactic police force with different planetary sectors, each locally run by a Manhunter Grandmaster. The Manhunter Grandmaster of Earth endows superpowers unto attorney Mark Shaw, who takes the apt name of Manhunter and attempts to kidnap Hal Jordon. Shaw soon realizes the error of his ways and helps the JL defeat the Manhunters. Shaw, now schizophreinic because of his new powers, begins moonlighting as both the villain Star-Tsar and the hero Privateer. The JL is forced to jail Shaw. (Note that Doomsday Clock #11 implies that Mark Shaw is a secret agent of the Department of Metahuman Affairs.)

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #13—originally told in DC Special #28 Part 1. Quakemaster (Robert Coleman) challenges Batman by causing massive earthquakes to occur all over Gotham. Batman defeats the newcomer.

–REFERENCE: In Young Justice Vol. 3 #5—originally told in Justice League of America #152. The Justice League defeats Major Macabre after which, Red Tornado and Kathy Sutton adopt an orphaned Bialyan girl named Traya. Red Tornado and Kathy officially become the legal guardians of Traya Sutton-Smith.

–REFERENCE: In Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #7—originally told in Justice League of America #157. The Atom (Ray Palmer) marries Jean Loring. All of their superhero friends attend the wedding. (Sadly, the marriage will be a tumultuous one, and it won’t last more than a year until divorce.)

–REFERENCE: In Batman Beyond Vol. 8 #12—originally told in Justice League of America #161. Zatanna Zatara, sporting a new costume, joins the Justice League, helping them defeat her rival, The Warlock of Ys.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Urban Legends #14 Part 1. The Justice League (specifically Batman, Superman, Zatanna, and Red Tornado) defeat an unnamed villain. Afterward, Batman and Zatanna spend some quality time together.

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #27—originally told in Detective Comics #485. Batman fights Bronze Tiger, skilled assassin and partner to famed kung fu master Richard Dragon, who once trained Batman back in the day. Distracted by his fracas with Bronze Tiger, Batman is unable to save Kathy Kane, who is supposedly killed during a melee between rival factions of the League of Assassins, one of which is led by The Sensei (Ra’s al Ghul’s father). In actuality, Kathy has faked her own death in order to focus on running Spyral, the international spy organization that was once run by her dad Otto Netz. Batman mourns the loss of Kathy. Later, Batman befriends Bronze Tiger despite his connections to the League of Assassins, finding a genuine mutual respect between he and the adept martial artist.

–Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Spectacular Part 4
Wonder Woman, Hal Jordan, and Flash defeat the returning Demons Three. Afterward, Wonder Woman plays therapist to Hal, who talks about all his recent civilian jobs. Later, at the JL Satellite, Wonder Woman then listens to the complaints of Hawkgirl. (Shiera has started interchangeably going by both “Hawkgirl” and “Hawkwoman,” although to keep things simple, we’ll refer to Shiera only as Hawkgirl on the chronology ahead, especially since she’ll return to strictly using only the “Hawkgirl” moniker over a decade from now.) The annoying questions keep coming—Green Arrow asks Wonder Woman what to get Black Canary for her birthday and Robin, while on patrol with Batman, radios Wonder Woman to ask what sports teams to join. (Note that Vladimir Mikoyan’s Rocket Red #7 suit is shown in the JL Satellite trophy room. This is probably a continuity error since Mikoyan has yet to debut. Although, the Russian military’s Rocket Reds do exist at this juncture, so it is possible that someone in the JL might have gotten a suit somehow.) In Washington DC, Wonder Woman helps Flash bust Minister Blizzard, but he keeps bugging his partner for advice on whether or not to reveal his secret ID to his wife Iris Allen (née West). Wonder Woman hasn’t even left DC when Superman accosts her, asking for assistance connecting with her military associate General Philip Blankenship. Fed up and frustrated, Wonder Woman goes home for some self-therapy with her magick lasso, which shows her that she should embrace her role as the respected matriarch of the JL. Wonder Woman immediately hops in her invisible jet and flies to Central City to have a coffee with Flash.

–REFERENCE: In Event Leviathan #2. An escaped Joker decides not to commit any crimes for once, instead following Batman around, simply trying to get the grim Dark Knight to laugh.

–REFERENCE: In Trinity Vol. 2 #12—originally told in Strange Adventures #214-216, The Brave and The Bold #79, The Brave and The Bold #86, and Deadman Vol. 2 #1-2. Batman meets and befriends Deadman (the superhero spirit of Boston Brand, deceased circus trapeze artist and former friend of the late Flying Graysons). Boston was recently murdered by the Sensei’s top man/League of Assassins agent Hook. He was then turned into an undead hero with the power to inhabit and control anyone’s body, living or dead, by the goddess Rama Kushna and the cosmic-powered Tatsinda. After Boston’s assassination, the Sensei’s men follow-up to find Boston’s identical twin brother, Cleveland Brand, masquerading as Boston at the circus. Sensei, believing that Hook has botched the hit, executes Hook for his supposed failure. Shortly thereafter, the Sensei orders League of Assassins agent Willie Smith to inject a magickal poison into Deadman that causes the ghost hero to attack Batman. Eventually, Batman, a recovered Deadman, and Cleveland fight the Sensei in the mystical Tibetan city of Nanda Parbat, home to Rama Kushna. There, the Sensei is defeated.

–Detective Comics #1027 Part 5
Batman, Robin, and Deadman defeat the Specter Collector, a villain that eats ghosts after summoning them via his magickal robot hands.

–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #8. Batman communicates with Superman via high frequency radio signal. With his super-hearing, Superman can “tune-in” to a specific signal to hear a live long-distance communiqué from the Dark Knight. Batman, when necessary, will use this method of contacting the Man of Steel, moving forward.

–REFERENCE: In Trinity Vol. 2 #12 and Batman Vol. 3 #63. Batman meets the cockney chain-smoking British wizard, arcane history buff, and magick expert John Constantine, who also happens to be currently dating Zatanna. Batman teams-up with both Constantine and Zatanna on an unspecified case. Batman also does a ton of research on Constantine’s background and history.

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #30, Trinity Vol. 2 #16, Suicide Squad Vol. 5 #41, Doomsday Clock #5, and Detective Comics #992. The Justice League defeats the global terrorist organization/apocalypse cult known as Kobra (aka “The Kobra Cult” or “King Kobra”), which has existed since around 3000 BCE. The Kobra Cult is led by Lady Eve and Jeffrey Franklin Burr, who goes by “Lord Nāga-Naga”, “Lord Nāga,” “Lord Nāja-Naja,” “King Kobra,” “Kobra King,” or “Lord Kobra.” Every Kobra leader has used some form of either “Lord” or “Lady” (or “King” or “Queen”) as a title since the time of the Pharaohs. Nearly every international criminal organization on the planet (and the North Korean Government) has ties to the Kobra Cult. The hierarchy of Kobra is fairly complex, but it works as follows. There are multiple subsections or splinter cells i.e. different “Houses.” In each House there are low-level members are called “Lanceheads,” mid-level ninja known as “Black Adders,” and their higher-ups—either “Nāgas” or “High Lords.” The top tier, which rules all Houses (and all of Kobra), is reserved for one dictator-like “chosen” cult leader. Batman will follow Kobra’s movements very closely, moving forward. Also note that Batman will fight against the Kobra Cult way more times than will actually be listed on this chronology. Kobra himself will be one of Batman’s top rivals.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #85. Batman fights the debuting pirate-themed super-villain Captain Stingaree, not to be confused with the scorpion-themed super-villain known as Stingaree.

–REFERENCE: In Justice League Dark Vol. 2 #5. Batman brings down some gangsters with the assistance of Ragman (Rory Regan), the most recent in a long line of Jewish mystic guardians that date back hundreds of years. Ragman’s “Suit of Souls” is powered by thousands of spirits of evil men that have faced the wrath of the vigilante over the centuries.

–FLASHBACK: From Knight Terrors #1—and referenced in Batman: Urban Legends #18 Part 4. Originally told in Justice League of America #175-176. The Justice League defeats a returning Dr. Destiny, sending him to Arkham Asylum.

–REFERENCE: In Doomsday Clock #5-6 and Doomsday Clock #9—originally told in Justice League of America #179-180. (This item supposedly occurs seven years prior to Doomsday Clock, but it actually mirrors the Silver Age, and thus occurs twelve years prior to Doomsday Clock.) Professor Martin Stein, the secret head of the Department of Metahuman Affairs, initiates “Project Firestorm.” He orchestrates a nuclear “accident” that causes himself to merge with a teenager named Ronnie Raymond to become a single powerful metahuman. Ronnie, now sharing his consciousness with that of Professor Stein’s, debuts as the matter manipulating superhero Firestorm. After making a big splash, Firestorm joins the Justice League. NOTE: Seven years from now, Firestorm arch-rival Killer Frost (Louise Lincoln) will admit to being a government-created operative working for the Department of Metahuman Affairs. She will also accuse Firestorm, Firehawk, Captain Atom, and Firestorm’s other rivals Moonbow and Typhoon of being government-created DMA agents as well. Moonbow and Typhoon are indeed actually DMA secret agents. Firestorm will vehemently deny the charges (having no idea that his symbiotic partner, Professor Stein, is actually the secret head of the DMA.)

–FLASHBACK: From Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #6 and Green Arrow Vol. 7 #7—and referenced in Superman: Kal-El Returns Special #1 Part 4 and Green Arrow Vol. 7 #13. Elongated Man (Ralph Dibny) joins the Justice League. The current lineup is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, Flash, Hawkman, Red Tornado, Firestorm, Zatanna, and Elongated Man. The team poses for a series of photographs before going into unspecified action. The heroes also meet Elongated Man’s wife Sue Dibny.

–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #41. Batman fights the debuting Colonel Blimp.

–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #39. Batman defeats the debuting Ten-Eyed Man (Philip Reardon).

–REFERENCE: In Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #36. Batman busts the debuting Black Spider.

–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #20, Deathstroke Vol. 4 Annual #1, and Stargirl: Spring Break Special #1. Power Girl invites her best friend Earth-2 Huntress (Helena Wayne) onto the ranks of the JSA. Although this has nothing to do with Batman, he surely would be aware, especially since Helena is the otherworldly equivalent of his own daughter. Notably, Earth-2 Bruce (aka Earth-2 Batman) and Earth-2 Clark Kent (aka Earth-2 Superman) were killed a few years ago by Darkseid and Steppenwolf.

–Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1 Part 4
Atop a roof with a Batman parade float filled with enough sleeping gas to knock out the entire city, Batman and Robin fight Joker, Harley Quinn, and a bunch of henchmen wearing funny costumes. While Batman and Joker duke it out, Robin takes on Harley one-on-one for the first time. She messes with his head and is able to knock him out with a baseball bat. Feeling bad, she stops the sleeping gas bomb detonator from going off. Joker escapes, but Batman nabs Harley. Robin gets all the credit for stopping the gas bomb and Harley goes to jail.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #1 and Detective Comics #985. Batman fights Ra’s al Ghul again, learning in more detail about his thousand-year-old immortal history. Ra’s al Ghul tells the Dark Knight that he manages his a thousand years’ worth of memories by treating them like a compartmentalized “museum,” through which he can wander and recall things. The rivals wind up fighting at several Lazarus Pit sites, and the Dark Knight destroys several of the life-enhancing pools. Batman vows to destroy all Lazarus Pits in the world. (It is unknown how many there are in total.) While we won’t see this quest on our timeline, we must imagine that, every once in a while, Batman finds a Lazarus Pit and destroys it.

–FLASHBACK: From Catwoman Vol. 5 #17. Catwoman—having returned to her purple-and-green dress outfit—matches wits with Batman, who captures and cuffs her. Of course, there’s no way he doesn’t let the flirty feline villainess go.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1. Batman battles a yet-again-escaped Joker, who captures him and puts him into a giant chattering teeth deathtrap. Presumably, Batman escapes and busts Joker. I’m sure this flashback is a reference to a Silver or Bronze Age story, but I’m not sure which exactly.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1. Batman fights an escaped Harley Quinn, who tries to flatten him with a giant gavel deathtrap.

–FLASHBACK: From Superman: Son of Kal-El 2021 Annual. The Justice League takes on Lex Luthor and Metallo, who threatens Superman with his Kryptonite heart. Wonder Woman takes down Metallo, allowing Martian Manhunter to secretly take the villain’s place as part of a ruse to defeat Luthor. Despite being behind bars, Luthor is able to arrange for an important witness to his crimes to be kidnapped. While Superman chats with Luthor in prison, Batman finds and rescues the witness.

–REFERENCE: In Detective Comics #1007 and Batman Vol. 3 #122. Batman designs a highly-advanced data-investigation device that can scan a holographic image of a crime scene, store the image into a zipped file, and run detailed analysis on everything within the image. Via a holographic augmented reality emulator interface, Batman can also engage with and manipulate the digitized crime scene. This Peter Tomasi-created super-tech, which is also linked-into the Bat-suit, is very similar to (and likely influenced by) the “Bat-Ops” system from the non-canon Batman/Shadow series by Scott Snyder. This type of tech can also be seen in Tom Taylor’s Batman: The Detective and Warren Ellis’ tragically-non-canon The Batman’s Grave.

–REFERENCE: In DC Holiday Special 2017 #1 Part 2. Bruce meets and befriends Edward Brandon and his wife Mrs. Brandon. They will hang out from time to time, although we won’t see these hangouts on our timeline below.

–REFERENCE: In the second feature to Mother Panic #11-12. Batman saves the life of late night radio talk show host Danny Ruby. Unknown to Batman, Danny Ruby is a teacher at Gather House, an experimental boarding school in Gotham that turns its students into obedient cybernetic assassins. (This item goes here because we know Gather House burns down ten years prior to Mother Panic/Batman Special #1.)

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #35. August. Dick, now seventeen-years-old, reveals to Bruce and Alfred that he’s been accepted into Hudson University in New Carthage, NY. Dick immediately moves to New Carthage and begins preparing for his collegiate studies, which will begin in a few weeks. Moving forward, Dick will travel back and forth from New Carthage to Gotham to perform his Robin duties.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #106 and Batman: Urban Legends #22 Part 4. Batman and Alfred decide to move their operating HQ into the downtown Wayne Tower (aka Wayne Foundation Building). There, the Bat-operations occur in a hidden underground “Bat-Bunker” HQ that contains secret exits, secret entrances, secret elevators, and a lot of booby traps and security measures. (The Bat-Bunker is likely constructed with a lot of metahuman assistance.) Meanwhile, civilian residency takes place in the penthouse suite, which is secretly connected to the Bat-Bunker below. This downtown move only lasts for a very short time before Batman and Alfred move back into Wayne Manor.

–REFERENCE: In Batman Vol. 3 #101 and The Next Batman: Second Son #8-9 (The Next Batman: Second Son Print Edition #3). Lucius Fox’s seventeen-year-old son Timothy “Tim” Fox is involved in a vehicular hit-and-run that kills a man. Lucius uses his resources and wealth to cover up details of the crime before shipping his son overseas to boarding school. While Batman has nothing directly to do with this item, he definitely knows that Tim is sent overseas, and he likely knows the details behind the move.^[6]

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America Vol. 5 #8—originally told in Batman #332-335 (“THE LAZARUS AFFAIR”). Batman follows Talia al Ghul on a wild goose chase across the globe, eventually winding up on the mysterious Infinity Island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. After Batman and Talia defeat various attacking warriors in a strange compound, Ra’s al Ghul emerges from the shadows. Infinity Island is a League of Assassins stronghold. Talia joins her father, revealing that everything has been a setup just so Ra’s al Ghul could have a rematch against the Dark Knight. Shortly thereafter, Batman and Ra’s al Ghul square-off one-on-one with the Caped Crusader gaining victory yet again as most of Infinity Island is blown up in a volcanic eruption.

–REFERENCE: In Arkham City: The Order of the World #2—originally told in World’s Finest Comics #276. Batman and Superman defeat Dr. Double X.

–FLASHBACK: From Blue Beetle: Graduation Day #4—originally told in The Brave and The Bold #186. Batman and Hawkman bust The Fadeaway Man (Anton Lamont).

–REFERENCE: In Justice League of America Vol. 5 #5, Detective Comics #969, and Detective Comics #972. Originally told in Batman #344 and Detective Comics #511-517. WGBS TV news reporter Olivia Ortega helps exposes City Councilman Arthur Reeves of corruption, destroying his mayoral candidacy on the eve of a special election in Gotham. The equally corrupt Hamilton Hill is elected the new mayor of Gotham. Batman immediately runs afoul of Mayor Hill. Despite discovering Mayor Hill’s criminality (with help from Ortega), Batman won’t be able to prove it. Mayor Hill will be a slightly irksome thorn in Batman’s side for the next few years (although these on-and-off-again clashes won’t be specifically listed on our timeline). Note that, while Batman has had the love of the police, he’s never been embraced by city government. Mayor Hill’s opposition is just the start of a rocky relationship between the Bat-Family and City Hall that will last for the next decade-plus.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1027 Part 1—originally told in Batman #353. Bruce goes on a few dates with famous photojournalist Vicki Vale, who is really more interested in Batman than Bruce. Batman takes on an escaped Joker in the New Jersey Palisades only to be captured and tied to a giant stone Joker head, which Joker tries to blow up with dynamite. The Caped Crusader escapes and busts the Clown Prince of Crime.

–REFERENCE: In Batgirls #13—originally told in World’s Finest Comics #285-286. Batman and Superman defeat the team-up of Dr. Zodiac and Madame Zodiac.

–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.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman Vol. 3 #50. Catwoman—now 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.

–REFERENCE: In the quasi-canonical Harley Quinn’s Villain of the Year #1—originally told in the Batman ’66 TV show. Batman and Robin bust piano-playing gangster Fingers (Chandell).

–REFERENCE: In Action Comics #978, Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #20, Super Sons #5, Batman Vol. 3 #44, Batman Giant #5 (Batman: Universe #2), Batman Giant #8 (Batman: Universe #3), and Batman Secret Files #2 Part 1. Batman retires his blue-and-grey with yellow oval costume, putting it on display in the Batcave. The Dark Knight tailors a new grey-and-black costume with black chest insignia (no yellow oval) and a darker version of the yellow oval costume, replacing the blue with black. Since we’ll see flashbacks of Batman wearing both of these costumes in the next five years to come (up until the beginning of Year 12, just before the events of “Hush”), we have to assume that he goes between these two costumes during this duration. Also note that, from now until the beginning of Year 12, Batman will randomly choose whether or not to wear trunks on the outside of his pants. Sometimes he will, sometimes he won’t. Just how it is. Also note that the new yellow oval costume will often look a lot like the old yellow oval costume because, in truth, they are very similar and some artists won’t bother to differentiate. Again, just how it is. Batman’s new costumes, from here on out, will have irremovable cowls that can only be taken off via special computer code built into them. Batman will stick electrodes onto his skin underneath his gloves, so that, should anyone else try to remove his gloves, they will get a nasty electric shock. Batman can also electrocute anyone he touches at any time, if the need arises. And, last but certainly not least, Batman’s new costumes will have a special switch on his boots that can emit an ear-piercing sonic blast.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman: Black and White Vol. 5 #1 Part 2 and Robin Vol. 3 2021 Annual—and referenced in Harley Quinn Vol. 3 #48 and Batman Vol. 3 #54. Originally told in Batman #180 and Jiro Kuwata’s “Bat-Manga” (as featured in Shōnen Ace Magazine). Batman and Robin defeat the thrice resurrecting Death Man aka Lord Death Man. Afterward, Batman puts a skull plaque onto his commemorative trophy wall. (There’s a skull one shown on Batman’s wall, and this is the only skull-related villain I can think of, aside from the SKULL organization. I guess the skull could also represent the Reaper, but who really knows. Ask Matt Wagner; he drew it.) Note that, JH Williams, in his flashback, illustrates Lord Death Man in the style of Jiro Kuwata.

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

–REFERENCE: In Deathstroke Vol. 4 #19. This item occurs one year after Grant Wilson’s death. 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.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #15. Batman and Robin connect their vital signs to special remote-monitoring devices (bat-shaped, of course) that they begin carrying in their utility belts. This way, should they be separated, they can always check to see the status of each other’s health.

–REFERENCE: In Titans Vol. 3 Annual #1, Nightwing Vol. 4 #21, Dark Nights: Death Metal – The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 Part 1, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14, and World’s Finest: Teen Titans #2-4. Originally told in Teen Titans #25-33 and Teen Titans #45-50. Bruce befriends fellow philanthropic billionaire Loren Jupiter, introducing him to Dick as well. Some new young superheroes—including Omen (Lilith Clay) and Cave Boy (Gnarrk)—join the ranks of the Teen Titans, which currently already includes Robin, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, Speedy, and Kid Flash. After the Teen Titans fail in a highly-public mission to protect Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Arthur Swenson from an assassin, the Justice League chastises them. Dismayed, Robin quits the team. Loren Jupiter begins bankrolling the Teen Titans for a brief time, helping them get back on track. Eventually, Jupiter steps down from his role and Robin rejoins the team. Soon afterward, new members join the Teen Titans: Hawk (Hank Hall), Dove (Don Hall), Bumblebee (Karen Beecher), Joker’s Daughter (Duela Dent), Golden Eagle (Charley Parker), Beast Boy (Garfield Logan), and Bat-Girl (Bette Kane). These young heroes form an affiliated splinter group known as Teen Titans West. (Teen Titans West doesn’t last for very long, and Bumblebee simply joins the ranks of the main lineup.) Note that, in previous continuity, Mal Duncan was originally a member of the Teen Titans during its Loren Jupiter phase. However, thanks to Mark Waid’s World’s Finest: Teen Titans #2-4, Duncan won’t become a superhero quite yet, so he can’t be a part of this item in current continuity.

–World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1
Charley Parker (formerly Golden Eagle) retires from crimefighting and becomes the Teen Titans’ social media manager. In Maine, the Teen Titans take down a Satanic cult. Back at HQ, Robin chews out his teammates for having live-streamed the action online. Meanwhile, Robin still hasn’t told his teammates his secret identity (although they know he used to be a famous circus star, so either they know but aren’t letting on, or they are the worst detectives ever). It’s likely that they know, but they want Robin to tell them, as it would be a big step in his development and connection with the team. In any case, Robin is aware of this, and he asks Batman for his blessing to reveal the truth to his friends. But angry-ass Batman tells him he cannot. At Teen Titans HQ, Charley jokes with Bumblebee, using the phrase “Crisis on Infinite Hashtags” to describe their social media presence before he took the job. Of course, the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” hasn’t occurred yet, but our heroes would obviously be aware of the greater multiverse and its myriad alternate Earths. This is not only a nod to that knowledge, but also likely a wink at a few of the mini-Crises (i.e. Silver/Bronze Age Crises that were pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths) having occurred.^[7] Each Teen Titan hangs out with their mentor. Notably, Aquaman and Aqualad are shown riding their giant seahorses Storm and Imp. Later, in Pensacola, Florida, the Teen Titans defeat the Separated Man. Afterward, Robin once again argues with his teammates about them having photographed and live-streamed the action for public consumption. Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Haywire begins recruiting for what he calls a “better Teen Titans”—the Terror Titans.

–World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3
World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3 is said to occur on July 4, seemingly placing World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1 in late June. However, we are not there on our timeline, so the seasonal specificity must be ignored. The Teen Titans are the guests of honor at TitansCon—a Metropolis gathering of Teen Titans fans. Of course, Batman won’t allow Robin to go, so the Boy Wonder stays behind, moping around the Batcave with his mentor. At the convention center, shenanigans ensue, culminating with an attack by rookie magick villain Toyboy, who takes his unhealthy obsession with Bumblebee to the next level. Thankfully, Robin disobeys Batman’s orders and shows up at TitansCon to help bust Toyboy. Later, at Titans HQ, Charley Parker closes up shop for the night, noticing that Robin has remained in the building, obviously scared to return home to face Batman’s wrath. Meanwhile, Haywire rescues Toyboy from a prison transport, recruiting him onto the Terror Titans.

–FLASHBACK: From World’s Finest: Teen Titans #5. Several times, Batman angrily tells Robin he should quit the Teen Titans.

–World’s Finest: Teen Titans #6
In Star City, the Teen Titans (Robin, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Speedy, Aqualad, and Bumblebee) defeat the Terror Titans (Haywire, Toyboy, The Ant, and Tigress) with a little assistance from Oliver Queen. Via drone, Robin records the entire fight, which Charley Parker livestreams online. The celebration is cut short, though, as Robin says this could be his last time with the Teen Titans. He’s decided to tell Batman that he revealed his secret identity to his friends (which he did just prior to the battle against the Terror Titans). Robin expects Batman to fire him. Later, in Atlantis, Aqualad and Wonder Girl end a romantic connection but affirm friendship for one another. In Washington DC, Karen Beecher and Mal Duncan (now part-time Teen Titan member Guardian) do the opposite, officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend. Mal reveals that he’ll continue to be a superhero. In the Batcave, Robin tells all to Batman, who tells him he is suspended from costumed crimefighting for one month. Batman also tells Robin that he’s proud of his actions and that he’s a better leader than he could ever hope to be.

–NOTE: In Dark Nights: Death Metal – The Last Stories of the DC Universe #1 Part 1. The Guardian (newest Teen Titan member Mal Duncan) officially changes his superhero name to Herald.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14. Bruce asks Oliver Queen to partner Queen Industries with WayneTech on very expensive street military R&D projects. Ollie scoffs at the proposals and blocks the deal, calling the project ideas fascist. Despite also being a fellow billionaire, Ollie’s sociopolitical and economic views skew much farther to the left than Bruce’s. Compared to Bruce, Ollie is also a bit of a luddite, and he lets Bruce know that he’s not interested in Silicon Valley projects either. Even without Ollie’s additional financial support, Bruce will continue working hands on with WayneTech R&D projects in both the military and artificial intelligence fields.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #8. Batman builds a heavily-armored high-tech combat mech, which he stores in the Batcave. This is the Scott Snyder-designed “Thrasher” mech-suit. Notably, this mech should have a black Bat-insignia on its chest, but it has been mistakenly colored red in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #8. It’s also possible this is a prototype version.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #8. Batman meets the scientific superhero Blue Beetle (Ted Kord).

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #12. Superman tells Batman all about Bizarro #1, a strange backwards version of the Man of Steel that hails from Earth-29 aka Bizarroworld. Superman also gives details about Bizarro Red Kryptonite, which affects humans the way that regular Red Kryptonite affects Kryptonians.

–REFERENCE: In Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1. Batman meets, befriends, and begins training rookie superhero Black Lightning (Jefferson Pierce). Batman will train Black Lightning on-and-off for months to come.

–FLASHBACK: From Detective Comics #1000 Part 3. November. Batman sends Alfred undercover as henchman-for-hire “Knute Brody.” As Brody, Alfred joins Joker’s (the Comedian’s) gang and learns that Joker has been employed by a corrupt congressman and ordered to disrupt an election that will surely result in the end of his political career. Joker and Harley Quinn attack a major polling site, but Batman and Robin are waiting. With the help of a “clumsy” Brody, the heroes bust the bad guys.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #2. Superman saves Batman, who is trapped inside a giant green blob, possibly the living chemical bomb known as Chemo.

–REFERENCE: In Suicide Squad Vol. 5 #18, Action Comics #980, and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #1. Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman fight the Kryptonian super-villains General Zod (Dru-Zod), Ursa, and Non, who escape the Phantom Zone to attack Earth. The heroes defeat Zod and company, sending them back to the Phantom Zone using a Kryptonian Phantom Zone Projector.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #1-2. Batman meets the rookie superhero team known as the Doom Patrol—Professor Niles Caulder, Negative Man (Larry Trainor and symbiote Keeg Bovo), Robotman (Cliff Steele), and Elasti-Girl (Rita Farr).^[8]

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #4. The Green Lantern Central Power Battery on the planet Oa is repaired and upgraded, thus eliminating the power ring’s vulnerability to the color yellow. Hal Jordan lets his fellow Justice Leaguers know.

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #1 and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #8. Superman introduces his fifteen-year-old cousin Supergirl (Kara Zor-El aka Linda Lee) to Batman and Robin. Supergirl was born in Argo City, a metropolis that survived the destruction of Krypton as a chunk of the planet that was blown into space as a floating asteroid. When a meteor shower destroyed the Argo City asteroid, Supergirl—the last survivor of Argo City—was rocketed to Earth just like her cousin did before. And just like Batman’s Bat-Family, Superman now has a Superman-Family aka Super-Family.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #12
Robin, Supergirl, and Black Lightning deal with a swarm of Man-Bats in Boston, after which Supergirl asks Robin out on a date. Soon after, Supergirl and Robin go on their date—in-costume at a fancy restaurant. Unfortunately, they don’t have any chemistry and things don’t go well. The date is interrupted when a truck full of bowling balls crashes on the street outside the restaurant, prompting them to briefly go into action. Supergirl and Robin finish out their date, but it still doesn’t go well. The next day, a dejected Robin mopes in the Batcave. Feeling like he’s having an identity crisis following the bad date, Robin designs a modified (blue-and-yellow) version of his dad’s Flying Grayson outfit—a proto-version of what will eventually become his Nightwing costume! Robin shows Batman the new design, telling him he’s thinking of changing his name, possibly to “Dark Eagle.” Batman tells Robin to buck up and shake it off, after which they go on patrol.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #1-3 (“THE DEVIL NEZHA”)
(Note that the first ten pages of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #1 were shown as a preview in the 3rd feature to Detective Comics #1050.) Batman and Robin track Poison Ivy to Metropolis where Superman encounters her for the first time, helping the Dynamic Duo make a bust. Kryptonite-powered Metallo (John Corben), whom Batman is familiar with from his vast Bat-computer criminal database, shows up to attack the Man of Steel. While Batman and Robin prevent Poison Ivy from escaping, Metallo injects a cocktail of different Red Kryptonite bits into Superman. The immortal Devil Nezha and Felix Faust, pulling the strings, watch from the shadows. The Red Kryptonite quickly courses through Superman’s bloodstream, causing him intense pain and confusion before morphing him into a man with steel skin (a literal “man of steel”). Batman phones the Doom Patrol for help, and they arrive immediately. Superman then begins hallucinating visions of Zod, Ursa, Non, and Lex Luthor. Batman is able to talk Superman back into his senses, but Superman’s powers rage out of control. Negative Man showers Superman with red sun radiation, knocking him unconscious. At the Doom Patrol HQ in Midway City, Superman is subdued and restrained as he continues to go through various bodily alterations. Dr. Niles Caulder performs surgery on Superman, but when things go south, Negative Man irradiates Superman’s arteries, saving his life. Later, Caulder shows off an ancient Chinese weapon—the legendary sword of the immortal Devil Nezha—that the Doom Patrol took from Nazi crook General Zahl. After the Doom Patrol delivers a lesson in Chinese history, specifically about how the warriors of the House of Ji (Shuǐ, Huǒ, Kōngqì, and Dìqiú) defeated the Devil Nezha in the 16th century BCE, Caulder reveals that the Devil the Devil Nezha has likely returned and is responsible for the attack in Metropolis. Caulder shows surveillance footage of Flash, Wonder Woman, and Hal Jordan dealing with super-villain situations and Faust accosting Billy Batson in Philadelphia. (Batson is a young boy that can turn into Shazam aka Captain Shazam, a superhero imbued with magickal powers by the wizard Shazam.)^[9] Batman and Superman rescue Batson from Faust, all while shaking off a magick hallucination that they are trapped in Hell. Meanwhile, Robin (wearing new pants) and Supergirl, having had a negative experience during their recent team-up in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #12, reluctantly agree to work together. Using the patented (but dangerous) Super-Family ability to break through the time barrier by going at intense speed, Supergirl takes Robin (and herself) to to 1579 BCE China. There, the teen heroes, mistaken for agents of Nezha, are briefly attacked by the House of Ji before allying with them. Meanwhile, in present day Switzerland, the Doom Patrol confronts General Immortus. Despite suffering from dementia, he tells them that Nezha can be found on the isle of Corto Maltese. In Central City, Batman and Superman take on Mirror Master and Dr. Alchemy, who have already bested Flash and Wonder Woman thanks to power boosts from Nezha. Batman and Superman take down Mirror Master and Dr. Alchemy, but they are attacked by Hal Jordan, who has been mind-controlled by Nezha. Meanwhile, in the Batcave, Nezha mind-controls Alfred to gain access to the Bat-Computer, through which he learns all about present day metahumans.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #4-5 (“THE DEVIL NEZHA”) Conclusion
Picking up directly from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #3, Batman and Superman fight a possessed Hal Jordan, stripping him of his ring to take him down. The magick of Dr. Alchemy’s Philosopher’s Stone combined with the energy of Hal’s power ring causes Batman and Superman to merge into a single composite being. (This fusion is also shown via flashback from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #28 and Superman Vol. 6 #18.) Unfazed by the heroes’ “Lantern Fusion,” Nezha unleashes a possessed Wonder Girl, Firestorm, Black Canary, Kid Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Red Tornado upon them. Fusion Batman-Superman easily defeats the heroes and then battles Nezha Dragon Ball Z-style into outer space. When the fusion ends, Nezha gains the upper hand, but a returning Supergirl arrives just in time to punch the demon back to Earth (also very Dragon Ball Z-style). Unfortunately, Robin has been lost in time somewhere. Supergirl delivers the news that the only way to defeat Nezha is to lock him in his tomb from the inside. The heroes gather at site of the tomb (on Lazarus Island) only for Nezha to possess Superman and Elasti-Girl. When Robotman begins pummeling Nezha with ease, the heroes realize that the demon’s weakness is to modern technologies. Freeing himself of Nezha’s control, Superman calls an audible and banishes Nezha to the Phantom Zone. Unbelievably, Nezha tears a hole in the fabric of reality, allowing him to force his way out of the Phantom Zone (!). Superman has no choice but to exile himself inside the tomb with the demon, thus ending his threat upon the world. Once inside, Superman uses the Phantom Zone Projector on himself. Outside, Batman realizes what Superman has done. The heroes reach through the quickly shrinking portal that Nezha had created while escaping from the Phantom Zone. Just before it the fissure re-seals, the heroes pull Superman to safety. Superman and Supergirl then hide the tomb under giant boulders.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #6
Picking up directly from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #5, Robin remains trapped in time—specifically 1892 on the isle of Corto Maltese. After etching a help message into a stone, Robin takes up with Stratford’s World-Famous American Circus. In present day, Batman and Superman find Robin’s 19th century message. Superman uses x-ray vision to follow a tachyon trail leading to 1892. Batman and Superman join Robin in the circus, helping him solve a murder mystery. While Robin busts the perps, Batman and Superman rescue folks from a burning circus tent. Afterward, the trio returns to present day.

–REFERENCE: In Titans Vol. 3 #21-22 and Justice League of America Vol. 5 #27. The Doom Patrol rivals known collectively as the Brotherhood of Evil (Monsieur Mallah, The Brain, Garguax, and Madame Rouge) try to battle the Justice League, but the latter can’t be bothered by what they deem as a mere annoyance rather than a legitimate threat. Thus, the snubbed Brotherhood instead gets its collective ass handed to it by the Teen Titans and the Doom Patrol. Note that the Doom Patrol makes the now-unused Happy Harbor Sanctuary its headquarters, but only for a brief stint.

–REFERENCE: In Nightwing Vol. 4 #39. December. Having completed his first semester at Hudson University, Dick decides to enter Hudson’s undergraduate law program, which requires him to move to Blüdhaven to attend Hudson’s branch campus located there. Note that, in Nightwing Vol. 4 #43, Dick says he has an “advanced degree in forensics.” However, this is bad throwaway line from writer Michael Moreci. Furthermore, in Tom Taylor’s Nightwing Vol. 4 #80, Dick says he has a “law degree.” This is another bad throwaway line. Dick is definitely a law student, but he will drop out before receiving any degree. Now, it’s possible that Dick, as a law student, is focusing on forensics (although “advanced forensics” doesn’t really sound like an undergraduate degree). In any case, he could simply be referencing his time spent studying with Batman—the highest “degree” one could get anyway. Or maybe he gets an honorary degree at some point? He is rich and somewhat famous, after all.

–REFERENCE: In Mother Panic #4, Mother Panic #8, and Detective Comics #969 Part 2. Batman fights the debuting Ratcatcher (Otis Flannegan), and knocks him unconscious before sending him off to prison. Ratcatcher will cross paths with the Bat-Family every once in a blue moon, and when he does, he will usually team with other villains. However, these super-villain team-ups won’t physically appear on our timeline below, so we’ll have to just imagine them sprinkled throughout the chronology.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #7-8 (“STRANGE VISITOR”)
When Vicki Vale, Angela Chen, Shauna Taylor, and Jack Ryder report news of an interdimensional rift opening up above Gotham, Superman, Batman, and Robin are on the case. A teenage boy named David Sikela emerges in a space capsule, telling tale of his Earth getting destroyed, upon which his super-scientist parents rocketed him to the safety of an alternate universe. Triggered by being in a new world, David displays out-of-control meta-powers, prompting Superman and Robin to take him to the Fortress of Solitude. The trio shrinks down and enters the Bottle City of Kandor for testing with the Kryptonian Science Council. Finding he has light and heat powers, Professor Kim-Da gives David the garb of legendary Kryptonian warrior Hel-Oz. Meanwhile, Batman looks up the Earth-0 version of David’s parents, discovering that they lost their David at age three. David visits his alternate universe parents, but they flip out at the sight of him. Superman agrees to watch over the boy and take care of him for now. Robin introduces David to some of the Teen Titans (Robin, Wonder Girl, Speedy, Aqualad, and Kid Flash). Elsewhere, the Key plots a nefarious scheme. Later, Batman gives David a private communications device. Superman then patrols the globe with David, helping out with a volcanic eruption in Costa Rica. From the Batcave, Batman, Robin, and Alfred (along with Ace the Bat-Hound) radio Superman and David, telling them that the Key has used a widespread chemical virus that has caused everyone to lock themselves inside their homes and vehicles. Superman, Supergirl, and David (with Batman’s remote guidance) conduct a series of rescue missions across the city. Batman creates a an antidote formula, which he gives to Blue Beetle, who synthesizes a large batch and dumps it on the entire city. Later, in the Batcave, Supergirl gives David a much needed pep talk. Elsewhere, the Key meets with his secret partner, Joker!

–REFERENCE: In Batgirl & The Birds of Prey #11 and Batman: The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2 #10 Part 3—originally told in Detective Comics #468. Batman defeats the debuting Calculator (Noah Kuttler).

–FLASHBACK: From Multiversity: Harley Quinn Screws Up the DCU #6—originally told in the Super Friends TV show and 1976 Super Friends comic series. The Justice League (specifically Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman) and Robin are aided on an unspecified case by teen siblings Marvin White and Wendy White and their canine pal Wonder Dog. The heroes pose for a photo with Marvin, Wendy, and Wonder Dog. Marvin (also known as Marvin Harris and Marvin Kuttler) and Wendy (also known as Wendy Harris and Wendy Kuttler) are the children of the supervillain Calculator.

–REFERENCE: In Robins #2—originally from the 1976 Super Friends comic series. Batman and Robin take on Joker, the Cheetah, Penguin, and Poison Ivy. The super-villains bring along their respective new sidekicks Giggles and Guffaw, Kitten, Chick, and Honeysuckle—collectively known as the Junior Supercriminals. The Dynamic Duo defeat the bad guys.

–FLASHBACK: From Batman vs Robin #5—and referenced in Batwoman Vol. 3 #17, Green Arrow Vol. 6 #41, and Batman: Gotham Nights Vol. 3 #19. Originally told in Detective Comics #469. Batman fights the debuting Dr. Phosphorus, a radioactive super-villain that is secretly linked to Gotham City Councilman Rupert Thorne. Despite being corrupt to the core and having Batman breathing down his neck, Thorne will avoid jail-time and remain on the City Council for years to come. Note that Rupert Thorne is the brother of the Crime Doctor (Bradford Thorne).

–REFERENCE: In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #10-11. David Sikela officially begins going by the moniker Boy Thunder. He teams up with Batman and Superman to defeat Dr. Phosphorus. Superman tells Batman and Robin that, if things ever go south with Boy Thunder, Professor Kim-Da has invented a special procedure that can remove David’s powers for good.

–Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #9-11
Batman and Boy Thunder (David Sikela) take down the Ratcatcher together. Batman isn’t too keen on Boy Thunder’s methods. Meanwhile, Joker steals the cosmic Angler from Angle Man (severing the latter’s hand in order to get it). Later still, off the coast of Nigeria, Superman and Flash (Barry Allen) watch from a distance as the Teen Titans (with Boy Thunder) deal with some pirates. When Boy Thunder rages out of control, Superman pulls him aside to chew him out. Boy Thunder tells Superman that he blames himself for his parents’ deaths, citing that he accidentally ruined a rocket that had been big enough for their entire family months prior to the destruction of his planet. Using the Angler, Joker and the Key teleport a river into the streets of Gotham. Superman diverts the water back to its origin, but Joker kidnaps Boy Thunder. Batman, Superman, Commissioner Gordon, and the Teen Titans spend a full week searching for Boy Thunder to no avail. Meanwhile, Joker sadistically tortures Boy Thunder. Eventually, they discover the Key’s hidden lair and free Boy Thunder. Chaos ensues as the Key unleashes interdimensional monsters upon the heroes. An angry Boy Thunder loses his cool and nearly kills Joker, much to the dismay of all the superheroes present. Superman and Robin escort Boy Thunder to the Fortress of Solitude for his punishment—a schvitz in Professor Kim-Da’s power nullifying chamber. But before that can happen, the Fortress is infiltrated by several villains—the Key, Acid Master, Bag O’Bones, Abominable Snowman (Dr. Phoenix), Ferlin Nyxly, and Zebra-Man. Superman and Robin defeat all the villains except the Key, who separates them from Boy Thunder. Batman arrives to take down the Key, but not before the villain activates an interdimensional vibration within Boy Thunder and his parents’ spacecraft. Boy Thunder gives his final goodbye before being hurled to Earth-22 where he is greeted by the evil god Gog. (The sequence of Boy Thunder getting sent to Earth-22 is also shown via flashback from Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20.)

–FLASHBACK: From Batman/Spawn. Batman beats up Joker.

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1. ^[1]COLLIN COLSHER: Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 contains a one page splash entitled “Ollie’s Stupendous Chili Recipe (Just Like Mom Used to Make)”, which features an actual chili recipe and this era’s Justice League sampling the dish, with varied funny meta-responses. While this page is amazing, it isn’t meant to be canon (and isn’t listed in the table of contents)—it’s just meant to be a bit of meta fun.↩
2. ^[2]COLLIN COLSHER: Batman: The World Part 14 follows this item as the final entry in the Batman: The World title. However, it is non-canon, featuring a samurai Batman that lives in the Feudal Era of Japan.↩
3. ^[3]COLLIN COLSHER: In the opening sequence of Justice League Vol. 3 #39, the Fan makes fun of the JL’s previous Watchtower incarnation on the Moon (originally created at the start of Morrison’s “Big Guns” JLA run). Besides this initial reference point, there are numerous references in other Rebirth Era/Infinite Frontier books to the Hall of Justice and to other previous JL satellite HQs, including the lunar Watchtower. Furthermore, in Adventures of the Super Sons #1, Damian says that the JL has gone through a dozen HQs by the summer of 2018. (It’s actually a few more than that!) Note that the complete JL HQ history has been canonized in the Rebirth/Infinite Frontier Era. This includes all story moments that relate to the JL’s HQs, including the creation and destruction of multiple Watchtowers, which you will see further down the road on our chronology.↩
4. ^[4]COLLIN COLSHER: The Rebirth/Infinite Frontier Era doesn’t specifically give a birthday month for Damian. However, it does say that Damian is fourteen-years-old in early 2021—as per Robin Vol. 3 #1. Therefore, I’ve presented a timeline wherein which Damian is born now (roughly March 2007), which allows him to turn fourteen-years-old in 2021. Technically, it is possible for his birthday to be a tad later this year, but that’s up to your personal headcanon.↩
5. ^[5]COLLIN COLSHER: According to family history, like his mother before him, Damian does not really have a last name. However, the Westernized version of his full name, while incorrect in Arabic, is “Damian al Ghul.” The use of “Damian al Ghul” (with surname) is basically acceptable grammar even though it’s technically wrong.↩
6. ^[6]COLLIN COLSHER: The troubling origin of Tim Fox was originally told in Batman #330-333 and DC Retroactive: Batman – The 70s #1. However, the Modern Age version of things is much different. In those issues, Batman and Robin track down Tim (Lucius Fox’s estranged delinquent son from a previous marriage), who is mixed up with the notorious Watkins Gang. With help from Talia al Ghul, the Dynamic Duo convinces Tim to leave his crew. But shortly thereafter, a copycat Terrible Trio—funded by Talia—causes mayhem in Gotham. Batman, Alfred, and Lucius Fox bust the rookie bad guys, learning that the new Vulture is none other than Tim, who gets sentenced to a short jail term and becomes estranged from his family for many years to come. Obviously, writer John Ridley has completely retconned away that original tale, replacing it with what we have listed in the synopsis attached to this item above.↩
7. ^[7]COLLIN COLSHER: What are the mini-Crises that come prior to the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” on our current timeline? First, the original meeting of the JL and JSA versus the Crime Champions (originally “Crisis on Earth-1 and 2” aka “Crisis on Multiple Earths”). Second, “Crisis on Earth-x.” And third, the JL’s first team up with the 31st century Legion of Super-Heroes versus Mordru (originally “Crisis in the 30th century”). Notably, “Crisis on Earth-3” isn’t on our timeline, having been replaced by a version of JLA: Earth-2, which occurs after “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” There’s also no reference to “Crisis from Yesterday and Tomorrow” or “Crisis Above Earth-1,” so they have both been left off our timeline. “Crisis on New Genesis and Apokolips” wouldn’t have happened yet by this point on our timeline, but it’s a moot point since it is non-canon on the Rebirth/Infinite Frontier timeline.↩
8. ^[8]COLLIN COLSHER: An interesting note about Elasti-Girl aka actress Rita Farr. Doomsday Clock #3 tells us she was born in 1954 to Rachel Drake and Frank Farr, who was cheating on wife Barbara Stanwyck at the time. This makes Elasti-Girl fifty-three-years-old. Despite her age, we can assume her elastic powers allow her to look way younger than she actually is. And an interesting note about Robotman, as learned in Gerard Way’s Doom Patrol series, is that he is a fictional character that has come to life.↩
9. ^[9]COLLIN COLSHER: Originally, Billy Batson was around seven-years-old at the time of his debut. On the Rebirth/Infinite Frontier Era timeline, he’s seemingly even younger—possibly four-years-old—at the time of his debut. This is due to the fact that he’s still in high school as of 2023. However, if you think four-years-old is a bit of a stretch, there are other options. Time travel is a big part of Mark Waid’s Captain Shazam lore, so it’s possible that all of the hero’s appearances in this era, maybe even all prior to 2015, are made possible via time-travel from the future. On Reddit, there are many other theories as well. Some posit that Billy debuts a bit older, but he gets de-aged during the original Crisis, Zero Hour, Infinite Crisis, Final Crisis (or all four). Others say that Billy debuts a bit older, but he doesn’t age when he’s the Captain, meaning—after a bit of complicated math—he could wind up being of high school age by 2023. Basically, there’s no consensus. All we know is that Billy is in high school by 2023. Choose your own headcanon whenever you see the Captain ahead, especially prior to the era of our timeline that is based upon New 52 stories.↩