Batman and Son is a 2006 comic book arc written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Andy Kubert and Jesse Delperdang, appearing in Batman #655-658. This story introduced Damian Wayne, Batman’s son with Talia al Ghul, into the DC Universe. Damian, trained by the League of Assassins, is sent by Talia to disrupt Batman’s crime-fighting.
Beyond the main story, the Batman and Son trade also includes a Joker prose tale and “The Three Ghosts of Batman” (#663-669 and 672-675). These stories marked the start of Morrison’s seven-year run on Batman, which explored and expanded many themes and characters while connecting to the long history of Batman’s comics canon. The Morrison era continued through Final Crisis (2008) and into the New 52 (2011).
Damian Wayne’s introduction has had a lasting impact, leading to his prominent role in subsequent DC Comics series. Soon we’ll even see Damian make his live action debut in the upcoming film Batman: The Brave and the Bold. So let’s take a look at Batman and Son and see how this could inspire Damian Wayne in the DCU!
[Warning: spoilers for this comics run discussed below!]
Batman and Son: the story…
This story begins with Commissioner Gordon being attacked by Joker with laughing gas. This causes Gordon to fall off a building, but he is saved by his officers. Meanwhile, while escaping on the roof, Joker appears to get shot in the head by Batman. Thankfully, it wasn’t the real Batman, but an impostor trying to “honor” him. Joker lives through this, and we move on to the real Batman.
At this point in his career, Batman has stopped 99% of crime in the Gotham City, with the help of Robin (Tim Drake) and other friends. As a result, Bruce Wayne finally has some spare time on his hands, though he still reflects on his role as a vigilante even when he is not Batman. When Bruce goes to a gala event and tries to have fun, his peace is short-lived. The event is attacked by an army of Man-Bat ninjas led by Talia al Ghul, who were created from the serum made by Kirk Langstrom.
That attack was intended to show Bruce he is still Batman, no matter what he thinks about hanging up the mantle. But it was also a ploy designed by Talia to kidnap Bruce, and reveal to him that he has a son, Damian. After being secretly raised by the League of Assassins, Damian Wayne is now a ten-year-old boy with lethal combat skills and a ruthless demeanor. His development under Talia and Ra’s al Ghul has turned him into a fierce warrior with little regard for human life.
Damian’s introduction to Bruce Wayne’s life creates immediate tension. The young boy views himself as the rightful heir to the Batman mantle, dismissing Dick Grayson and current Robin as unworthy of being Batman’s sidekicks. The “Wonderboys” part of this comic book explores the strained relationship between Bruce and Damian. Bruce brings Damian back to the Batcave, but his violent tendencies quickly become apparent. Damian views himself as superior to both Tim Drake (the current Robin) and Dick Grayson (Nightwing). With his “biological advantage” and belief that he is the rightful heir to the Batman mantle, Damian’s arrogance creates awkward and aggressive tension with both.
After brutally attacking Tim Drake, Damian uses Tim’s Robin costume to create a new one for himself, and declares himself the new Robin. This act forces Bruce to confront his son and explain how the world really works, and he does so in a less than pleasant way. After their intense argument, it’s revealed that Talia unleashed her army of Man-Bat ninjas on all of London. Batman and Damian team up to battle the creatures. The story ends with Talia and Damian escaping, but not before Bruce and Damian share a moment of understanding. Bruce acknowledges Damian as his son, but insists that he must change his ways if he is to be part of his life.
This concluded the three issue story of Bruce and Damian for this comic book, but Grant Morrison continued the story throughout the rest of his long run. Additionally, the story has become a modern classic, and each new edition has additional stories attached, one of which is “Three Ghosts of Batman.”
“Three Ghosts of Batman” is a compelling narrative that delves into the dark, psychological aspects of Bruce Wayne’s role as Batman. The story picks up the storyline of the guy who shot Joker. While investigating a series of violent crimes in Gotham, Batman encounters a brutal police officer who has taken up the mantle of Batman, but in a distorted manner. This Batman is a hulking, monstrous figure who dispenses lethal justice without mercy. Bruce manages to defeat this impostor but is left deeply unsettled by the encounter. The existence of this violent Batman forces Bruce to question his own methods and the impact of his mission on Gotham.
When he investigates the second ghost of Batman, a deranged man who believes he is the true successor to The Dark Knight, he finds out he is even more dangerous. Driven by his mission, Bruce discovers that these impostors are part of a larger conspiracy involving a secret organization within the Gotham City Police Department. The story reveals that these “Batmen” are products of a failed experiment to create replacements for Bruce Wayne, highlighting the darker aspects of Gotham’s corruption.
At the end of this arc, in a vision of a dystopian future, Damian Wayne is shown as the new Batman, battling against a third ghost who is an even more twisted version of The Dark Knight. This future Batman uses extreme methods to maintain order in a chaotic Gotham. The arc explores the consequences of Bruce’s legacy and the potential for his mission to be corrupted. Damian’s struggle to uphold his father’s ideals while dealing with the city’s descent into madness is a central theme.
It all summarizes perfectly the legacy of Bruce Wayne’s Batman. We can easily see how, even though they had a rough beginning to their relationship, Damian wants to make his father proud. Whatever it takes, Damian doesn’t want to fail Bruce, and tries to meet his expectations. Those story arcs are also a perfect exploration of the newer versions of Bruce Wayne that show him in his later time of life, after removing crime from Gotham City.
Character dynamics and themes in Batman and Son
In Batman and Son, Grant Morrison delves deeply into the character dynamics and complex relationships that define the narrative. Bruce Wayne/Batman is portrayed as a protector of Gotham who must confront the shocking revelation of his fatherhood. Initially reluctant to accept Damian, Bruce’s intrinsic sense of responsibility compels him to try to connect with his son, all while maintaining his strict moral code. Also, thanks to Alfred’s and Tim’s support, it’s kind of easier for him to do so, even after everything that happened. This struggle to bond with Damian while upholding his principles forms a central theme of the story.
Damian Wayne is depicted as brash, arrogant, and highly skilled, a result of his upbringing by the League of Assassins. His sense of entitlement and lack of empathy are starkly contrasted with Bruce’s values. Morrison skillfully navigates Damian’s journey from a trained assassin to a boy learning the ethics his father cherishes, setting up a rich, long-term character arc. Talia al Ghul is portrayed as a complex antagonist driven by a blend of love and manipulation. She uses Damian as a pawn to exert control over Bruce but is occasionally swayed by her maternal instincts, highlighting her conflicting motivations.
Morrison weaves several themes into Batman and Son, making it a richer narrative tapestry. The story examines legacy and inheritance, focusing on what it means to inherit the Batman mantle. Damian embodies Bruce Wayne’s legacy, yet his upbringing challenges the very values Bruce stands for. The theme of parenthood and responsibility is introduced through Bruce’s reluctant acceptance of Damian, exploring the emotional turmoil and responsibilities of being a father, particularly to a child with a violent past.
Lastly, identity and transformation are key themes as Damian’s presence forces Bruce to confront his identity not only as Batman but also as a father. Damian’s path of transformation involves questioning his allegiance and morality, adding depth to the overarching narrative.
The artwork in Batman and Son
Andy Kubert and Jesse Delperdang’s artwork for Batman and Son, plays a vital role in bringing Grant Morrison’s complex narrative to life. The art is both dynamic and detailed, capturing the essence of each character with precision.
Batman is depicted with a commanding presence, his costume and physique exuding strength and determination. The detailed rendering of his iconic suit, with its flowing cape and menacing cowl, reinforces his role as Gotham’s dark protector. But when it comes to drawing Bruce, he has this playboy look, and philanthropist posture that you can’t see when he is acting as Batman/without the suit.
Damian is portrayed with a mix of youthful arrogance and lethal precision. The depiction of Damian’s sharp features and intense expressions effectively shows his aggressive nature and sense of superiority over everyone who is not Bruce. His eventual Robin costume is a visual blend of traditional Robin elements and assassin influences, highlighting his unique background and dual identity, with which he struggles.
The environmental art further enhances the story, with Gotham City depicted in a dark, gothic style that complements the narrative’s tone. The attention to detail in the cityscapes, from the towering skyscrapers to the shadowy alleyways, creates an immersive atmosphere that draws readers into the world of Batman. It also makes it much more believable to be real in terms of this world because there are details that are making it even more exciting to look at.
Is this DC Comics story friendly for new readers?
Of course, it is friendly for the new readers. You don’t have to know much about Batman to read it. You only have to know who he is, and maybe know a little about him. And that’s it. Now, all you have to do is just pick up the book and enjoy. The story is easy to understand, there are no Easter eggs/callbacks to previous issues that you have to know or anything that would make you fell lost in this story.
Other medias inspired by Batman and Damian Wayne comics
Batman and Son has inspired various adaptations and influenced other media, expanding its impact beyond the original comic book format. For example, there’s an animated trilogy of Son of Batman (2014), Batman vs Robin (2015) and Batman: Bad Blood (2016). The first one is a direct adaptation of Morrison’s Batman and Son storyline.
While it remains faithful to the core plot, there are notable differences; such as changing the story to focusing more on the conflict between Damian and Deathstroke rather than the original’s narrative with Bat-Ninjas, attacking the UK, etc… However, the character dynamics, especially between Bruce and Damian, are well-preserved, capturing the essence of their strained relationship.
Although it is not a direct adaptation, it still incorporates elements from Batman and Son. Particularly in its portrayal of Damian Wayne, continuing to explore his integration into the Bat-family and his struggle to balance his assassin training with Batman’s moral code.
Other movies further show the relationship between Bruce and Damian, and they focus on exploring the development of each character. Damian is looking for more father figures and ways to prove to Bruce that he can be Batman, while Bruce is working on his social skills and tries to be the best father he can be for young Damian.
And that’s the perfect way to write their relationship in the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold movie, directed by Andy Muschietti. We’ve never seen Batman as a father in live-action, and adapting this storyline, to give us an interesting live-action relationship between father and son, is definitely the way to go.
My conclusions on Batman and Son by Grant Morrison
Batman and Son is a landmark comic book storyline that establishes Batman’s legacy while introducing new narrative elements to his story. Grant Morrison’s amazing storytelling, mixed with Andy Kubert and Jesse Delperdang’s dynamic artwork, creates a rich tale that explores themes of parenthood, legacy, and finding your own identity. The complex character dynamics between Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne drive the narrative, providing depth and emotional resonance.
Whether you’re a longtime Batman fan or new to the world of Gotham, Batman and Son is a must-read. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Batman’s mission, inspiring readers to reflect on the values of justice and responsibility.
Damian Wayne emerges as a fascinating character, and his journey from a trained assassin to a potential hero adds a new dimension to the Batman mythos. This storyline is a triumph of character development and thematic exploration, solidifying its place as a significant chapter in the Batman saga.
Batman and Son is available to buy physically and digitally. Have you read this comic before? What’s your favorite Batman story? Let us know on social media@mycosmiccircus!
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