It is a common belief that Batman can overcome any threat given sufficient time to plan and prepare. The preview pages of Batman: Dark Age #2 are a prime example of this principle. However, even the most devout of Dark Knight aficionados probably never imagined him turning a birthday cake into a weapon.
Written by Mark Russell, with art by Michael Allred, Batman: Dark Age #2 presents a different take on the Dark Knight. However, while born of a wildly different timeline, the Bruce Wayne of this world is still cut from the same cloth as the prime universe. The comic showcases this, by showing how the young vigilante foresees and plans against an assassination attempt on his birthday.
The main cover, title page, and first four pages can be viewed below.
Batman: Dark Age Reality Explained
Batman: Dark Age is set in the same reality as Russell and Allred’s earlier series Superman: Space Age. However, the sequel focuses more on chronicling the Dark Knight’s life, than how superheroes changed the 1960s setting. This new history unfolds through the device of an elder Batman recalling the past as he writes his memoirs.
The key difference between this world and the core reality is this Bruce Wayne didn’t witness his parents’ murder. Also, the Waynes were definitely murdered by Black Mask, who sought control of their company. This results in a more jaded young Batman, who becomes a juvenile delinquent that hangs around coffee houses while cutting class. Despite this, Bruce develops something of a moral code, while still behaving like a privileged prince.
This state of affairs ends when Bruce finds himself cut off from the Wayne family lawyers. This leaves him facing serious jail time on the eve of his 18th birthday, where Batman: Dark Age #2 picks up. It is still unclear how this Bruce Wayne will grow to become the Batman of his world. Based on the preview, however, it will be interesting to watch the story unfold.
Batman: Dark Age #2 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 23, 2024.
