In this special epilogue to BATTLE FOR THE COWL, new BATMAN writer Judd Winick rejoins the Bat Family! This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan.
Detailed Summary
In the epilogue to Battle for the Cowl, The issue starts years ago as Bruce Wayne is suiting up as Batman while talking to Alfred about his excursions in the tabloids as Bruce Wayne, thankful for the false reports so he can focus on the Riddler. Mid-sentence there is a power surge in the cave and suddenly there is an attack, Batman protects Alfred, but soon realizes that the attack is weak upon impact, something not meant to harm. As he looks up he spots the culprit atop the Giant Penny and asks a young Dick Grayson, dressed as Robin what he was doing. This was all part of a plan Dick was supposed to execute on the streets, but Dick realized this wouldn't have worked so he pulled an audible and aced the Batman. He tells him to watch out because soon he will be the head monkey in charge and he will be in the cowl.
Moving ahead to present time, a distraught Alfred looks upon the Bat-Suit worn by Bruce Wayne, now encased in glass as he thinks about the process and dealings with a death in the family. Meanwhile, Gotham City Police Department have their hands filled in the city, which appears as a war zone. The PD seem lost until the Batmobile arrives and takes care of the scene in a quick second. Alfred monitors the activity and in the car it is revealed that Dick Grayson, Nightwing, is in the car. Alfred commends Nightwing's actions, but Nightwing quickly states HE would have gotten out of the car. Alfred then asks him why Batman didn't get out of the car. Alfred then asks him if he is even in the Batman uniform. Damian, meanwhile, states only Batman should drive the car.
Four Weeks Ago Superman and Wonder Woman arrive in the Batcave to give Dick and Tim the cowl Bruce was wearing when he "died." Superman then asks if Batman had a contingency plan, because that's how Batman was, always 10 moves ahead of everyone else. Tim tells them maybe they're talking to the wrong people, as Alfred enters with drinks for the guests. Wonder Woman tells him this must be hard and Superman asks if he's all right. Alfred replies "No Sir. I am not. My son has died. Later, Dick is outside of Wayne Manor stating that he always knew Bruce wouldn't live to an old age, that underneath everything Batman was, he was only human. He knew all this, but wasn't ready to lose him just yet. Alfred then tells Dick he understands, but to have a funeral for Batman would destroy Batman's legacy, all that he was. At an unmarked grave Clark Kent, Diana Prince, Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance are all shocked to hear Dick Grayson state Batman is not dead. Dick elaborates and tells them that acknowledging to the world that Batman is dead will ruin Batman's Legacy. Batman Lives. Always.
Damian, meanwhile has left the cave and is out hunting criminals, specifically Doctor Phosphorus. Damian is soon overwhelmed until Nightwing arrives. He informs Damian that he doesn't feel pain the way he is fighting the Doctor and the authorities will be there soon and tells him to get in the damn car. Back at the Cave Dick realizes that the Cave isn't him, it was Bruce and as a result they are going to relocate to a bunker because it fits his personality more than anything else. His take of Batman is his own role, not a carbon copy of Bruce's. He tells Alfred there are going to be times when he has to work alone, much like Bruce did.
Two weeks Later, the Scarecrow begins an attack on the town and Gordon seems very worried about this. As officers try to reach him, they are infected with toxin. Scarecrow appears to be winning, until a spotlight shines in his face and Dick Grayson's Batman appears and likely saves the day simply stating that's why he's here.
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