DC Comics shocked the world by killing Batman in the first issue of DC K.O. No. 1. What was worse was that The Joker murdered the DC hero because he wasn’t focused. It's ironic because Batman was in the process of telling Superman to pay attention to the mission at hand. While this was a surprising move by DC, we should have known that this wasn’t the end for the Dark Knight. He had a backup plan for being eliminated.
In a previous article, I wrote about Bruce building Apokalips tech into his suit. This was his contingency plan in case he lost during one of the rounds. The idea was for the built-in Boom Tube to teleport him to Gotham if he was inactive too long. Instead of teleporting to his Gotham, he is sent to a version where Dick Grayson is Batman. Not only that, Dick reinvented everything involving being Batman, Robin, and heroes in general.
DC K.O. Knightfight No. 1
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Dan Mora
- Colors: Tríona Farrell
The Titans (Cyborg, Starfire, Beast Boy, Arsenal, and Raven) are now teachers molding a new generation of heroes. Dick Grayson said that, this way, anyone can be Robin. And thanks to Robin Inc. (run by Duke Thomas, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, and Barbara Gordon), there are Robins in every major city worldwide.
"The world is far from safe, but your mission continues."Dick Grayson (Batman)
Like Bruce, you’re probably wondering where Damian Wayne, Tim Drake, and Jason Todd are. As the two Batmen fight, Dick explains that Bruce went crazy after going into the Lazarus Pit (he thinks the Bruce he's fighting is his former mentor). The madness drove him to murder Jason, Tim, and Damian because he (Bruce) was the only person who could be the Dark Knight.
What's next for Batman?
During the last few major DC Comics crossovers (Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, Titans: Beast World, and Absolute Power), Batman hasn’t been the big hero. However, he usually plays a major role in the villains’ defeat. It’s easy to guess that will be the case in DC K.O.. Because he wasn’t around for most of the fights, Bruce could appear at the end to either save the day or be the thing that tips the scales in the heroes’ favor.
Before that can happen, Bruce has to venture to worlds where he’s not Gotham’s protector. Instead, it’s his sons, Jason, Tim, Dick, and Damian. This journey could lead to something crucial in the Dark Knight’s future. He may finally understand that he’s getting older and will eventually have to step aside and let the others take over. That could be why Knightfight No. 1 began with Nightwing, Red Hood, and the Robins (Tim and Damian) defeating Professor Pyg and his Circus of Strange, leading to Bruce asking himself if Gotham needs him.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, it should be noted that this was only one reality, and it was inspired by Nightwing. Dick Grayson is easily one of the greatest comic book characters ever. The only person with a greater grasp of being a hero is Superman. Even then, Dick may get it better because he doesn’t have superpowers.
While we can be hopeful that the others will have similar outcomes after taking over for Bruce, we have to acknowledge that Tim, Damian, and Jason aren’t Dick. They will take different approaches to taking the cape and cowl. For example, Jason and Damian could become killers again, and Tim's version may involve machines or a Minority Report kind of crime prevention.
Furthermore, who’s to say that Barbara Gordon, Cassie Cain, Duke Thomas, and others won’t become Batman? Writer Joshua Williamson and artist Dan Mora have said there will be surprises. That could be one of them. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out.
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