Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Encyclopedia
Batman: Battle for the Cowl is a 2009 comic book storyline published by DC Comics
, consisting of an eponymous, three issue miniseries written and penciled by Tony Daniel
, as well as a number of tie-in books. The central story details the chaos in Gotham City
following the "Batman R.I.P.
" and "Final Crisis
" storylines, due to Batman
's perceived absence and abandonment by the public. His disappearance is actually caused by the character's apparent death at the hands of Darkseid
in Final Crisis, which causes dissension in the ranks of his allies and enemies who fight for the right to become the new Batman
.
The titles Nightwing
, Robin as well as Birds of Prey were canceled and Batman and Detective Comics went on hiatus for three months beginning in March 2009. The Battle for the Cowl plot focuses on the aftermath of the Final Crisis and R.I.P. and the battle for Gotham.
Other publications tied into this story line are a three-part Oracle mini-series, a three-part Azrael
mini-series, and two bookends titled Gotham City Gazette that encompass the changes in all of those series. In addition, DC published five one-shots focusing on key characters in subsequent story lines featuring Man-Bat
, Commissioner Gordon
, the Network, the Underground
and Arkham Asylum
.
At New York Comic-Con
2009, DC Comics' creative personnel announced the launch of several new series to coincide with the new Batman and Robin adjusting to Gotham City's altered status quo.
In Batman R.I.P. Batman is confronted by the head of the Black Glove himself, Dr. Hurt, who claims to actually be Batman's father, Thomas. He drugs Batman and leaves him for dead in the streets while systematically hunting down his partners. But Batman's preparation keeps him alive, as he regains his faculties and attacks the doctor. They appear to both plunge to their deaths in a helicopter crash.
In Last Rites it is told that Batman survives the attack, and goes on to join the Justice League in investigating the death of the New God Orion. However, he's ultimately captured by Granny Goodness and locked into a cloning device, with the intent of creating an army of mindless "bat-men" soldiers for Darkseid. But during the memory download stage, experiencing the collective trauma
of Batman's entire life all at once proves too much for the clones, who commit mass suicide as he escapes.
Eventually Batman confronts Darkseid
. Realizing there is no other alternative, he uses the Radion-coated bullet used to murder Orion, and shoots Darkseid
. However, before falling to his injuries, Darkseid
apparently vaporizes Batman with the Omega Sanction. It is implied though, that due to the nature of the Omega Sanction, Bruce's mind survived where his body did not and he rematerialized in the distant past.
Superman returns Batman's "body" to his partners. Chaos quickly breaks out in Gotham without Batman guarding it. Taking advantage of the madness, Penguin and Two-Face quickly take control of the different factions of the mobs.
and Squire
chasing three armed gangsters into an abandoned hospital
. The gangsters are caught by a third party who leaves a note which reads, "I am Batman."
Nightwing
cannot keep Gotham under control and is reluctant to succeed Batman, despite Tim/Robin's urging that the next Batman has to be 'one of us'. Black Mask II
soon takes control of Arkham's inmates with implants that will kill them if they do not obey him. Among his recruits are Scarecrow
, Jane Doe, Firefly, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc
and Victor Zsasz. Damian Wayne
, driving the Batmobile
, is attacked by Killer Croc and Poison Ivy. Nightwing
comes to his aid, but after being cornered in an old building by Black Mask's men, seeking to kill Nightwing (the de facto leader of the Gotham City protection effort), the two of them are rescued by a Batman impostor who shouts, "I am Batman!" Nightwing deduces that the impostor is Jason Todd
. When Damian attempts to help, Jason tosses him aside and shoots him in order to avoid pursuit.
Elsewhere, Two-Face
and the Penguin prepare to attack one another, unaware of Black Mask's hand in things. Tim, stealing an old Batman costume, finds Jason Todd's "Batcave
" in a subway station. There he is saved from a booby trap
by Catwoman
, who knows Tim is behind the mask. Jason ambushes them, first disposing of Catwoman, then engaging in a fight with Tim before impaling him in the abdomen with a Batarang
. Assuming he is dead, Jason sneers, "One more to go."
Nightwing, after having tended to Damian, resolves to find out the true mastermind behind the revolt and assembles his team to crack down on his operations. As he leaves to confront Jason, it is revealed that Nightwing's reluctance to become the new Batman stems from a message left behind by Bruce Wayne asking him not to, and also that there is a message Bruce left for Jason that may be the cause of his plan. While the GCPD contemplates the burning city, Damian has risen from the surgery table he is on and considers attacking Alfred to escape. While Alfred is quick to point out that he’s not in shape to fight, he does let him leave with his new chaperone, Squire. Alfred also provides Damian with a Robin tunic for his mission.
Black Mask is seen sitting in the darkness, his mask in his lap, speaking to either himself or someone else, saying the "master plan" is about to begin.
Nightwing traces Tim's signal to Jason’s 'Batcave' and discovers Tim's discarded cowl. Jason begins the battle proclaiming that he killed Tim and orders that Nightwing join him as Robin due to him being the original. In an attempt to calm Jason down, Nightwing plays Bruce’s 'last will' message to Jason. It implies that there is a deep, dark secret that Jason is hiding from his childhood (before becoming Robin). Bruce apologizes for not getting Jason the help he needs, saying that he still has a chance. Jason, however, becomes even more enraged at the message and continues his attack on Nightwing by detonating charges in his lair.
Tim, who barely survived Jason’s attack thanks to a special breathing reflex Bruce taught him, is faced with a collapsing floor with the detonation of Jason’s 'batcave' and begins the fall to his certain death, only to be saved by Damian and Squire.
While Nightwing and Jason move their fight onto a moving train, Jason mocks Nightwing for his supposed failure in saving Tim and Gotham. During this taunt, he reveals who the criminal mastermind behind Gotham’s downfall is—Black Mask. Nightwing is left to wonder if the Black Mask is the same who was killed by Catwoman or someone entirely new. As the fight escalates, Nightwing kicks Jason off the train onto the side of the track. Nightwing offers Jason his hand, but Jason merely says, "I'll be seeing you sooner than you think," and plunges into the bay.
As Nightwing contemplates Jason’s mistakes, he walks into the Batcave, with Alfred and a new Robin present (Damian) to assume the mantle of the Bat.
:
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, consisting of an eponymous, three issue miniseries written and penciled by Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
Antonio Salvador Daniel AKA Tony S. Daniel is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on various books for DC Comics, including Teen Titans, Flash: The Fastest Man Alive and Batman.-Career:...
, as well as a number of tie-in books. The central story details the chaos in Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
following the "Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
" and "Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
" storylines, due to Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
's perceived absence and abandonment by the public. His disappearance is actually caused by the character's apparent death at the hands of Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
in Final Crisis, which causes dissension in the ranks of his allies and enemies who fight for the right to become the new Batman
Batman (set index)
Batman is the alias of a number of DC Comics characters, the original and best-known being Bruce Wayne but others have adopted the role when he has been indisposed.-Bruce Wayne:Bruce Wayne is the main character associated with the Batman alias....
.
Publication history
While the core story is to be presented as self-contained within the limited series, DC has published a group of related stories in various one-shots and limited series.The titles Nightwing
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
, Robin as well as Birds of Prey were canceled and Batman and Detective Comics went on hiatus for three months beginning in March 2009. The Battle for the Cowl plot focuses on the aftermath of the Final Crisis and R.I.P. and the battle for Gotham.
Other publications tied into this story line are a three-part Oracle mini-series, a three-part Azrael
Azrael (comics)
Azrael is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are a group of assassins who were created by The Order of St. Dumas to "enforce god's will"...
mini-series, and two bookends titled Gotham City Gazette that encompass the changes in all of those series. In addition, DC published five one-shots focusing on key characters in subsequent story lines featuring Man-Bat
Man-Bat
Man-Bat is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually as a supervillain and adversary of Batman, though occasionally depicted as a heroic character. He first appeared in Detective Comics #400 and was created by Frank Robbins and Neal Adams...
, Commissioner Gordon
James Gordon (comics)
James Worthington Gordon, Sr. is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
, the Network, the Underground
Gotham Underground
Gotham Underground is a nine-issue limited series from DC Comics, written by Frank Tieri, with art by Jim Califiore.The series looked at the repercussions of Countdown to Final Crisis and focuses on the Batman Family banding together to prevent a gang war to find out who will occupy the territory...
and Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
.
At New York Comic-Con
New York Comic-Con
The New York Comic Con is an annual New York City fan convention dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television.-History:The first event was held in 2006 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center...
2009, DC Comics' creative personnel announced the launch of several new series to coincide with the new Batman and Robin adjusting to Gotham City's altered status quo.
Prelude
The prelude to the story begins with Grant Morrison's Batman and Son, which is the first in a five part volume that includes The Black Glove and Batman R.I.P.In Batman R.I.P. Batman is confronted by the head of the Black Glove himself, Dr. Hurt, who claims to actually be Batman's father, Thomas. He drugs Batman and leaves him for dead in the streets while systematically hunting down his partners. But Batman's preparation keeps him alive, as he regains his faculties and attacks the doctor. They appear to both plunge to their deaths in a helicopter crash.
In Last Rites it is told that Batman survives the attack, and goes on to join the Justice League in investigating the death of the New God Orion. However, he's ultimately captured by Granny Goodness and locked into a cloning device, with the intent of creating an army of mindless "bat-men" soldiers for Darkseid. But during the memory download stage, experiencing the collective trauma
Collective trauma
A collective trauma is a traumatic psychological effect shared by a group of people of any size, up to and including an entire society. Traumatic events witnessed by an entire society can stir up collective sentiment, often resulting in a shift in that society's culture and mass actions.Well known...
of Batman's entire life all at once proves too much for the clones, who commit mass suicide as he escapes.
Eventually Batman confronts Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
. Realizing there is no other alternative, he uses the Radion-coated bullet used to murder Orion, and shoots Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
. However, before falling to his injuries, Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
apparently vaporizes Batman with the Omega Sanction. It is implied though, that due to the nature of the Omega Sanction, Bruce's mind survived where his body did not and he rematerialized in the distant past.
Superman returns Batman's "body" to his partners. Chaos quickly breaks out in Gotham without Batman guarding it. Taking advantage of the madness, Penguin and Two-Face quickly take control of the different factions of the mobs.
Central storyline
The story begins with Tim DrakeTim Drake
Timothy "Tim" Drake is a superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick. From 1989 to 2009, he was known as Robin in the Batman comics, becoming the third character to take up the identity...
and Squire
Squire (comics)
Squire is the name of three fictional characters, they are comic book superheroes published by DC Comics. Percival Sheldrake debuted as the Squire in Young All-Stars #21 , and was created by Roy Thomas and Michael Bair. Cyril Sheldrake debuted as the Squire in Batman #62 , and was created by Bill...
chasing three armed gangsters into an abandoned hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
. The gangsters are caught by a third party who leaves a note which reads, "I am Batman."
Nightwing
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
cannot keep Gotham under control and is reluctant to succeed Batman, despite Tim/Robin's urging that the next Batman has to be 'one of us'. Black Mask II
Jeremiah Arkham
Jeremiah Arkham is a fictional character in DC Comics' Batman comic books, in which he serves as the current head of Arkham Asylum, an institution for the criminally insane. He debuted in 1992 in Shadow of the Bat #1 during the four-part story arc, Batman: The Last Arkham, that kicked off the new...
soon takes control of Arkham's inmates with implants that will kill them if they do not obey him. Among his recruits are Scarecrow
Scarecrow (comics)
The Scarecrow is a fictional character, a supervillain, that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
, Jane Doe, Firefly, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc
Killer Croc
Killer Croc is a comic book supervillain in the DC Universe, an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, while there was a shadowy cameo in Detective Comics #523 , his actual first appearance is credited to Batman #357 , which is also the first appearance of Jason...
and Victor Zsasz. Damian Wayne
Damian Wayne
Damian Wayne is a fictional character in the . Damian is the child of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus the grandson of Batman villain Ra's al Ghul....
, driving the Batmobile
Batmobile
The Batmobile is the automobile of DC Comics superhero Batman. The car has evolved along with the character from comic books to television and films. Kept in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the Batmobile is a gadget-laden vehicle used by Batman in his crime-fighting...
, is attacked by Killer Croc and Poison Ivy. Nightwing
Nightwing
Nightwing is a name that has been used by several fictional characters in the DC Comics Universe. It was conceived as a Kryptonian analogue to the character of Batman, with Nightwing's frequent partner Flamebird based on Robin...
comes to his aid, but after being cornered in an old building by Black Mask's men, seeking to kill Nightwing (the de facto leader of the Gotham City protection effort), the two of them are rescued by a Batman impostor who shouts, "I am Batman!" Nightwing deduces that the impostor is Jason Todd
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
. When Damian attempts to help, Jason tosses him aside and shoots him in order to avoid pursuit.
Elsewhere, Two-Face
Two-Face
Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
and the Penguin prepare to attack one another, unaware of Black Mask's hand in things. Tim, stealing an old Batman costume, finds Jason Todd's "Batcave
Batcave
The Batcave is the secret headquarters of fictional DC Comics superhero Batman, the alternate identity of playboy Bruce Wayne, consisting of a series of subterranean caves beneath his residence, Wayne Manor.-Publication history:...
" in a subway station. There he is saved from a booby trap
Booby trap
A booby trap is a device designed to harm or surprise a person, unknowingly triggered by the presence or actions of the victim. As the word trap implies, they often have some form of bait designed to lure the victim towards it. However, in other cases the device is placed on busy roads or is...
by Catwoman
Catwoman
Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
, who knows Tim is behind the mask. Jason ambushes them, first disposing of Catwoman, then engaging in a fight with Tim before impaling him in the abdomen with a Batarang
Batarang
A batarang is a roughly bat-shaped throwing weapon used by the DC Comics superhero Batman. The name is a portmanteau of bat and boomerang, and was originally spelled baterang. Although they are named after boomerangs, batarangs have become more like shuriken in recent interpretations...
. Assuming he is dead, Jason sneers, "One more to go."
Nightwing, after having tended to Damian, resolves to find out the true mastermind behind the revolt and assembles his team to crack down on his operations. As he leaves to confront Jason, it is revealed that Nightwing's reluctance to become the new Batman stems from a message left behind by Bruce Wayne asking him not to, and also that there is a message Bruce left for Jason that may be the cause of his plan. While the GCPD contemplates the burning city, Damian has risen from the surgery table he is on and considers attacking Alfred to escape. While Alfred is quick to point out that he’s not in shape to fight, he does let him leave with his new chaperone, Squire. Alfred also provides Damian with a Robin tunic for his mission.
Black Mask is seen sitting in the darkness, his mask in his lap, speaking to either himself or someone else, saying the "master plan" is about to begin.
Nightwing traces Tim's signal to Jason’s 'Batcave' and discovers Tim's discarded cowl. Jason begins the battle proclaiming that he killed Tim and orders that Nightwing join him as Robin due to him being the original. In an attempt to calm Jason down, Nightwing plays Bruce’s 'last will' message to Jason. It implies that there is a deep, dark secret that Jason is hiding from his childhood (before becoming Robin). Bruce apologizes for not getting Jason the help he needs, saying that he still has a chance. Jason, however, becomes even more enraged at the message and continues his attack on Nightwing by detonating charges in his lair.
Tim, who barely survived Jason’s attack thanks to a special breathing reflex Bruce taught him, is faced with a collapsing floor with the detonation of Jason’s 'batcave' and begins the fall to his certain death, only to be saved by Damian and Squire.
While Nightwing and Jason move their fight onto a moving train, Jason mocks Nightwing for his supposed failure in saving Tim and Gotham. During this taunt, he reveals who the criminal mastermind behind Gotham’s downfall is—Black Mask. Nightwing is left to wonder if the Black Mask is the same who was killed by Catwoman or someone entirely new. As the fight escalates, Nightwing kicks Jason off the train onto the side of the track. Nightwing offers Jason his hand, but Jason merely says, "I'll be seeing you sooner than you think," and plunges into the bay.
As Nightwing contemplates Jason’s mistakes, he walks into the Batcave, with Alfred and a new Robin present (Damian) to assume the mantle of the Bat.
Main books
- Battle for the Cowl: Commissioner Gordon (written by Royal McGraw, with art by Tom Mandrake, May, 2009)
- Gotham Gazette: Batman Dead? (May, 2009)
- Azrael: Death's Dark Knight #1-3 (written by Fabian NiciezaFabian NiciezaFabian Nicieza is an American comic book writer and editor who is best known for his work on Marvel titles such as X-Men, X-Force, New Warriors, Cable and Deadpool, and Thunderbolts, for all of which he helped create numerous characters.-Early life:The son of Omar and Irma Riguetti Nicieza, Fabian...
, with art by Frazer IrvingFrazer IrvingFrazer Irving is a British comic book artist known for the 2000 AD series Necronauts. Irving studied art at the University of Portsmouth, England, after which he took various temporary jobs in London...
, May - July, 2009) - Oracle: The Cure #1-3 (May - July, 2009)
- Battle for the Cowl: Arkham Asylum (June, 2009)
- Battle for the Cowl: The Underground (June, 2009)
- Battle for the Cowl: Man-Bat (June, 2009)
- Battle for the Cowl: The Network (July, 2009)
- Battle for the Cowl: Secret Six (July, 2009)
- Gotham Gazette: Batman Alive? (July, 2009)
Aftermath
- Detective ComicsDetective ComicsDetective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
#854–onward (written by Greg RuckaGreg RuckaGregory "Greg" Rucka is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.-Career:Rucka's writing career...
and pencilled by J. H. Williams IIIJ. H. Williams IIIJames "Jim" H. Williams III, usually credited as J. H. Williams III, is a comic book artist and penciller. He is known for his work on titles such as Chase, Promethea, Desolation Jones and most recently Batwoman.-Career:...
). It follows the adventures of BatwomanBatwomanBatwoman is the name of several fictional characters, female counterparts to the superhero Batman. The original version was created by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff. Her alter ego is Kathy Kane. This character appears in publications produced by DC Comics and related media beginning in Detective...
along with a QuestionRenee MontoyaRenee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992....
co-feature). - BatmanBatman (comic book)Batman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27, published in May 1939. Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication in the spring of 1940...
#687–onward (written by Judd WinickJudd WinickJudd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
and penciled by Ed BenesEd BenesJosé Edilbenes Bezerra is a Brazilian comic book artist, better known by his pen name of Ed Benes...
on the first issue, Mark BagleyMark BagleyMark Bagley is an American comic book artist. He has worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on such titles as The Amazing Spider-Man, Thunderbolts, New Warriors, and Ultimate Spider-Man.- Early life and career :...
on the next four and Tony Daniel after that) - Batman and RobinBatman and Robin (comic book)Batman and Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, created by Grant Morrison and featuring Batman and Robin. The debut of the series followed the events of "Batman R.I.P.", Final Crisis, and "Battle for the Cowl" in which the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, apparently died at the hands of DC...
(written by Grant MorrisonGrant MorrisonGrant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
and penciled by Frank QuitelyFrank QuitelyVincent Deighan, better known by the pen name Frank Quitely, is a Scottish comic book artist. He is best known for his frequent collaborations with Grant Morrison on titles such as New X-Men, We3, All-Star Superman, and Batman and Robin, as well as his work with Mark Millar on The...
). This series focuses on a light-hearted and spontaneous Batman along with a brooding and violent Robin. The book contains an overarching story split across several smaller stories. - Red RobinRed Robin (comic book)Red Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, written by Chris Yost with art by Ramon Bachs, featuring former Robin Tim Drake under the identity of Red Robin. The debut of the series follows the events of Batman R.I.P., Final Crisis, and Battle for the Cowl in which the original Batman, Bruce...
(written by Chris YostChris YostChristopher Yost is a film, animation and comic book writer best known as the head writer of the Marvel animated series The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes and co-writer of the comic book series New X-Men and X-Force.-Career:Yost began his career in 2002 as an intern in Marvel Comics' west...
and penciled by Ramon Bachs). The story revolves around Red Robin's quest to find Bruce Wayne. The title follows his journey throughout the DCU and is divided into mini-arcs under one major story. The first four issue arc is titled 'The Grail.' - Batman: Streets of GothamBatman: Streets of GothamBatman: Streets of Gotham is an American comic book ongoing series written by Paul Dini, with art by Dustin Nguyen. The series stars Dick Grayson as the new Batman and ties into Grant Morrison's overarching "Batman: Reborn" story and the new Gotham City Sirens monthly...
(written by Paul DiniPaul DiniPaul Dini is an American writer and producer who works in the television and comic book industries. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics animated series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated...
and penciled by Dustin Nguyen) will focus on the GCPD as well as the Gotham Underground. It stars the new Batman. Starting with issue #1, ManhunterManhunter (Kate Spencer)Manhunter is a fictional character, a superheroine in publications from DC Comics. Kate Spencer is the eighth DC Comics character depicted using the name Manhunter, and the first female to do so. The character first appears in Manhunter Manhunter is a fictional character, a superheroine in...
is attached in a co-feature. - Gotham City SirensGotham City SirensGotham City Sirens is an American comic book ongoing series written by Paul Dini, with art by Guillem March, and published by DC Comics. The series features some of the most popular female characters that inhabit Gotham City, including Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn...
(written by Paul DiniPaul DiniPaul Dini is an American writer and producer who works in the television and comic book industries. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics animated series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated...
and penciled by Guillem March) focuses on female rogues CatwomanCatwomanCatwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
, Poison Ivy and Harley QuinnHarley QuinnHarley Quinn was first introduced as a villain on September 11, 1992, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
. - Superman/BatmanSuperman/BatmanSuperman/Batman was a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics that features the publisher's two most popular characters: Batman and Superman...
#76 looks at Superman's reaction to Dick Grayson assuming the role of Batman; initially angry at this perceived 'disrespect' to his friend's memory- regarding it as essentially Dick wearing Bruce's skin as Batman was the true identity-, a talk with Wonder WomanWonder WomanWonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
helps Superman realise that he is simply lashing out over his grief at his friend's loss, and he later acknowledges Dick as the new Batman.
Collected editions
The series and its secondary titles are being collected into individual volumesTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
:
- Battle for the Cowl (160 pages, hardcover, November 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2416-4)
- Battle for the Cowl Companion (128 pages, softcover, November 2009, ISBN 1-4012-2495-4
- Azrael: Death's Dark Knight (144 pages, softcover, September 2010, ISBN 1-4012-2707-4)
See also
- Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
- Batman and Son
- Damian WayneDamian WayneDamian Wayne is a fictional character in the . Damian is the child of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus the grandson of Batman villain Ra's al Ghul....
- Dick GraysonDick GraysonDick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
- Tim DrakeTim DrakeTimothy "Tim" Drake is a superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick. From 1989 to 2009, he was known as Robin in the Batman comics, becoming the third character to take up the identity...
- Jason ToddJason ToddJason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
External links
- Battle for the Cowl #1 Review from CC2K