Top 5 Takeaways From Detective Comics #940

After the shocking events in Detective Comics #940, we look at the top 5 moments that are sure to have fans speculating.

WARNING: Spoilers for DETECTIVE COMICS #940 beyond this line

The build-up to DC Comics’ Detective Comics #940 did not disappoint. DC did a good job of not spoiling the results for fans ahead of its release on September 14th. When something major happens to a character like Red Robin, the impulse is to leak it to major news outlets. But in the process, this marketing ploy can turn off readers.

If you’re reading this far, then you know I’m going to get into the specifics of what happened to Red Robin. You may find it helpful to read my review of Detective Comics #940. Okay, one last warning before I dive into my analysis. Turn away now if you don’t want spoilers!

Welcome Back!

So for three-fourths of Detective Comics #940, we’re lead to believe Red Robin sacrificed himself to save his team and Gotham City.  As it turns out, Red Robin is still alive, but is the prisoner of the mysterious Mr. Oz. Mr. Oz seems to have a larger connection to the overall “Rebirth” initiative currently running throughout DC Comics. Now that you’re up to speed, lets take a look at my Top 5 Takeaways from Detective Comics #940.

What Threat Is Colonel Kane Concerned With?

At the beginning of the “Rise of the Batmen” story arc, Batwoman’s father, Colonel Jacob Kane, told Batman that the League of Shadows is in Gotham City. They are the bad guys who prompted Kane to build his military force in the first place. However, we never see the League of Shadows appear in the comic, which means they’re pretty good at staying in the “shadows.” Kane’s Colony and Batman’s team spend their time fighting one another instead of working together. I’m curious to see when writer James Tynion IV will introduce the League of Shadows.

Batman Learns Tim Drake Was Accepted into Ivy University

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Early in “Rise of the Batmen,” Tim Drake confesses to his girlfriend Stephanie Brown (Spoiler) that he got accepted into the prestigious Ivy University. Tim isn’t sure if he should let Batman know because his studies could conflict with being a vigilante. Just as Stephanie convinces Tim to go to school, he’s killed in the line of duty.

When Batman goes to Stephanie’s apartment to console her, she shows Batman the Ivy University acceptance letter. In an emotional page, we see Batman with a look of shock on his face as he reads and then drops the letter to the floor. One can imagine Batman is thinking how Tim won’t get the chance to chase his dreams.

Red Robin Is Alive

Credit: DC Comics

Yeah, things don’t look too good for Red Robin in the image above. As I mentioned earlier, Red Robin survived his attack from an army of laser-seeking drones. It looked like Red Robin was going to be the first casualty of the new “DC Rebirth” era. Thankfully, it was a fake-out, which makes sense because Tim Drake is Tynion’s favorite DC character.

Mr. Oz, the Puppet Master

Mr. Oz confesses that he took Red Robin off the field because he was starting to connect threads that could not be reconnected. For those unaware, Mr. Oz has a role to play in the larger secret of the pre-New 52/New 52/DC Rebirth universes being tied together. If Red Robin is connecting threads, then they must be threads related to characters remembering memories from the pre-New 52 universe. What could those threads be?

Next: Check out our review of #940

Is Anyone Else a Prisoner of Mr. Oz?

On the final page, we see Red Robin being held behind a see-through door. On either side is an additional door, making the total three. Does this mean Mr. Oz plans on abducting more DC heroes like the pre-New 52 Wally West? If anyone plans on reconnecting threads it would be Wally. Or, are there already characters behind the two doors we can’t see?

At the end of the day, Detective Comics #940 looks like an important part of the larger DC Rebirth game plan at DC Comics.  The question is where and when will Red Robin’s story be told next?