The immortal Vandal Savage has menaced many heroes over the years. However, the aftermath of the Gotham War event has made him into a major threat to both Batman and Gotham City.
Vandal Savage seemingly died trying to recreate the meteor strike that made him immortal in the finale of Gotham War. His fate was revealed in “The Savage Garden of Gotham, Part One,” a back-up story in Batman #139. The short story by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Cornoa, and Ivan Plascencia confirmed that Savage survived his apparent death. Unfortunately for Savage, that survival came at a heavy cost.
Upon leaving Gotham City, Savage felt his renewed vitality and intellect beginning to fade. They were restored once he returned to the city proper, near the site of his restoration. Savage quickly concluded that his immortality was now tied to Gotham City — for good or ill.
Vandal Savage is nothing if not adaptable, however, and determined to make the best of things. It helped that he had acquired Wayne Manor and control of the Batcave during the Gotham War. The issue ended with Savage swearing to show Batman and Gotham City “that Vandal Savage is their king.”
Why Vandal Savage is a greater threat to Batman
Batman is not unused to fighting insane villains or immortals. Vandal Savage, however, is notable in that his intellect was enhanced along with his body. While often driven to vent his barbaric rage, Savage is capable of reigning in his primal impulses when needed.
This trait is showcased throughout “The Savage Garden of Gotham, Part One.” While he easily beats two muggers to death this his bare hands, Savage realizes such actions will only attract attention he does not need. Beyond quickly deducing the new limits of his powers, Savage also affirms that he must adapt to his new city and the enemies he will surely face. This realization of his limits, coupled with his control of the lion’s share of Batman’s resources, have made Vandal Savage into a greater threat than ever.
Batman #139 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
