Story arc · 2 issues
When Superman's secret identity is exposed, he must faces his greatest foes in his "final" battle!
Reader reviews
What readers say about Superman" Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
No reviews yet for this arc.
Be the first to drop a rating and a short take.
A related-comics rail keeps readers in the same franchise, character, genre, or publisher lane after opening a live comic record.
DC Comics · 2024
15 · Vol. Superman
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART SIX FALL OF THE HOUSE OF BRAINIAC! Superman and Lex have figured out how to stop Brainiac and his Queen, but it will take a great sacrifice. Can they do the unthinkable to save their family and friends? This all leads directly into DC's summer event...ABSOLUTE POWER!
DC Comics · 2024
1066 · Vol. Action Comics
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART FIVE THE BRAINIAC QUEEN IS ALIVE! Now that Brainiac has created his masterpiece, all bets are off, and Superman and his family are witness to a cosmic horror unlike anything they've ever seen. As we learn the true history of Brainiac, the main man, Lobo, must choose what side he is on before all hell breaks loose!
DC Comics · 2024
14 · Vol. Superman
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART FOUR DING, DING, DING...SUPERMAN AND LOBO...FIGHT?! The partnership was shaky at best, but now it's exploded! Lobo has betrayed Superman, and it's on now! Even if they stop punching each other long enough to save the day...it's too late! Brainiac has what he needs...and the Brainiac Queen is ALIVE.
DC Comics · 2024
1065 · Vol. Action Comics
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART THREE Superman and Lobo have their hands full with Brainiac's Lobo army, so it's up to Supergirl and Conner Kent to stop Brainiac himself! It's an impossible battle, but they are joined by some unexpected and deadly allies!
DC Comics · 2024
13 · Vol. Superman
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART TWO! Superman and Lobo...team-up? Together, the Man of Steel and the Main Man race across the universe on a hunt for the Lobo Army and Brainiac. Can they get along long enough to get to them before Brainiac enacts the next stage of his dangerous plans to create a new House of Brainiac?!
DC Comics · 2024
1064 · Vol. Action Comics
HOUSE OF BRAINIAC PART ONE! BRAINIAC ATTACKS! Brainiac's Lobo army invades Metropolis in an action-packed oversized issue! The Super family and all the heroes of Metropolis join the fight, but will they be enough to hold off Brainiac's lethal and crazed soldiers?! Can Superman and Lex learn what Brainiac is searching for? He's not bottling Metropolis, so what is he collecting instead?!
DC Comics · 2023
1049 · Vol. Action Comics
We’re only one month away from the mammoth Action Comics #1050, and tensions between the Super-Family and Lex Luthor have never been higher. Meanwhile, in the Fortress of Solitude, Steel, Supergirl, and Kong Kenan repel an alien invasion! CONTINUED FROM SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #17.
DC Comics · 2022
1048 · Vol. Action Comics
"KAL-EL RETURNS" PART 3-THE EPIC CROSSOVER BETWEEN ACTION COMICS AND SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL CONTINUES! Superman, Supergirl, Steel, and the rest of the Super-Family have brought the Phaelosian refugees to the Fortress of Solitude, but before they can show the newcomers the ropes of heroics on planet Earth, a sneak attack from above turns the Arctic tundra into a war zone! Plus, the march toward Action Comics #1050 continues when Lex Luthor presents a disturbing deal to Metallo. Note: Continued from Superman: Son of Kal-El #16 - Reunion. | Continued in Superman: Son of Kal-El #17.
DC Comics · 2022
1047 · Vol. Action Comics
In the aftermath of Superman's epic Warworld Revolution, the Man of Steel is back on Earth and stronger than he's ever been! As he and Steel join forces to remake Metropolis as a true City of Tomorrow, two of Superman's most iconic villains take notice...and they have plans of their own. Meanwhile, Superman's meddling on Warworld has had unforeseen consequences: he's awakened an enemy so ancient and powerful, even this stronger-than-ever Superman will need the whole Super-Family to face it. Introducing new characters and beginning this new chapter in Superman's mythology, don't miss the kickoff to the countdown to Action Comics #1050!
DC Comics · 2016
7 · Vol. Superman
“SON OF SUPERMAN” part 7! In this epilogue issue, Superman considers the toll his battles with the Eradicator and Doomsday have taken on his family and the need for a normal life. But can the Man of Steel ever take a day off? Clark decides to spend his day with his family. It's the final night of the Hamilton County Fair, the perfect oppurtunity! Clark wants to have a nice family get-together for a change. Lois agrees provided that he won't don the cape or as she calls it "superman-ing". Clark assures her, he won't do that and gives her his cape to prove it. It's evening and the Kent family arrive at the County Fair. There are all sorts of entertainment for everyone. Jon is having the time of his life. There are some men rather secretive at the Fair. There are always people who ruin things and as it turns out, those men are planning something heinous. It's not clear what they have up their sleeve, but they do have guns at their disposal. Clark notices it due to his super hearing but there's nothing he can do due to the his promise to Lois. However, some time later he did manage to hand them over to the police by wearing medieval clothes. Ultimately, they ride on a rollercoaster while they hear the men talking about a weird guy handing over criminals to the police. Lois is infuriated, but Clark and Jon ignore it and yell "up, up and away!". List of covers and their creators: Cover Name Creator(s) Sidebar Location Reg Regular Cover Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray & John Kalisz 1 Var Variant Cover Kenneth Rocafort 2 Note: Per the indica it is dated November 2016.
Arcs that share issues, franchises, publishers, or characters with this run.
PKR 128,914
PKR 103,131
DC Comics · 2009
Story arc · 86 issues
The Blackest Night is the third part of Geoff Johns's trilogy in the Green Lantern universe. This storyline will follow the events of Sinestro Corps War and the fallout of the War of Light. Plot Summary It is the end of the Sinestro Corp Wars , but nothing is calm. The universe seems to be tearing itself apart as the War of Light erupts among the Lantern Corps. With the arrival of these other lanterns, everything leads to an ancient prophecy that transcends the Guardians of the Green Lantern Corps . Even worse is when one of their own, Scar , starts it. Black Power Rings start going across the universe and the dead begin to rise from their graves. Dead allies and enemies are being brought back to life. They have memories and feed on the emotions of the living to bring the entity of death itself, Nekron , back to the world . The lantern corps must put aside their differences in order to combat the undead. Oa , the Green Lantern homeworld, is shattered and what remaining lanterns still alive fight to defend what they have fought so dear to protect and come to terms with the specters of fallen allies. The heroes fight to stop Nekron, as he searches for the entity of life which resides on earth. with little time the heroes of the lantern corps fight off Nekrons army and try to reach the entity first. With Nekron and his forces facing White Lantern Sinestro and the newly restored Justice League, Nekron is defeated and the Blackest Night ends, bringing forth the Brightest Day . Full Plot Battle Begins The Sinestro Corps War against the Green Lanterns and the heroes of Earth was brought to a close on and around Earth. The Corpse of the Anti-Monitor was hurled through space and landed on the planet Ryut of Sector 666, the sector destroyed by the Manhunters prior to the creation of the Green Lantern Corps. As battles between various Lantern Corps rage throughout numerous systems, Black Hand starts setting events in motion, we see thousands of black rings being set loose and all of the dead being bought to life. Reborn as Black Lanterns, they begin to wreck havoc amongst the heroes. The first casualties are Hawkman and Hawkgirl . Time repeating itself, like their previous reincarnations they are killed at the pinnacle of their realization for the love they have for each other. They are ambushed and both killed by the undead Sue Dibny and Elongated Man . Kal-L , the Earth-2 Superman, has risen in Smallville , and has begun a rampage across the home the Man of Steel. The parents of Dick Grayson , who is now Batman , have arisen in Gotham City . A resurrected Barry Allen is brought up to speed by Hal Jordan on the numerous superheroes who have died since he has been away. He is told of how they are now being reborn as Black Lanterns. Overwhelmed by the current situation, Barry Allen attempts to remove the rings from the Black Lanterns believing it would take away their powers. His theory is proven wrong as the the Black Lanterns continue to bring chaos across the DC Universe. The corpses of the dead villains stored by the JLA are resurrected and set off a huge battle between themselves and the JLA heroes. The new Firestorm , Jason Rusch, suffers a heartbreaking moment: Black Lantern Firestorm ( Ronnie Raymond ) turns Jason's girlfriend into salt and crushes her into pieces. During this time, Sinestro returns to the Star Sapphire/Sinestro Corps mini-war to help fight the Black Lanterns. Hal Jordan also returns, bringing the Indigo Tribe with him. Hal finds a way to destroy the Black Lanterns by using Spectrum rings at once. Mongul and Sinestro face off to take control of Sinestro Corps. Sinestro eventually defeats Mongul and takes lead of his corps. On Ysmault , Atrocitus is being attacked by the Four Inversions, who are now Black Lanterns. They rip out his heart, but he doesn't need it, as it has been replaced by his red ring. He then flies over to Okaara , where he prepares to attack Larfleeze . The Black Lanterns have revived their latest member, Bruce Wayne. Batman is now a Black Lantern. Nekron then starts to control the heroes who have died and came back. He commands these heroes to rise as Black Lanterns. These individuals include Superman , Wonder Woman , Ice , Kid Flash , Green Arrow , Superboy , Animal Man and Donna Troy . Nekron then attempts to turn Hal Jordan and Barry Allen into Black Lanterns. His attempt fails as Barry Allen is faster than the rings chasing him and Jordan, and the between both rings and the running heroes is severed. Wonder Woman As A Star Sapphire Later on, several heroes and villains get deputized into different Corps; Wonder Woman loses her black ring, and becomes a Star Sapphire , Lex Luthor becomes a greedy Orange Lantern , Mera becomes an enraged Red Lantern , Scarecrow becomes a member of the Sinestro Corps , The Atom becomes an Indigo Lantern , and Barry Allen becomes a Blue Lantern . Together they prepare to battle the Black Lantern Corps, and the Black Hand. Their leader, Nekron, is threatening the Guardians of the Galaxy, alongside his Black Lanterns. "The Rainbow Rodeo" arrives in time to save the Guardians. Atrocitus, and Black Hand have had hatred between each other since Black Hand was a kid. While the two are fighting each other, Black Hand mentions that he has enjoyed all the death, and suffering the heroes have gone through. He also plunges his hand into Atrocitus' chest, and asking where his heart is. Hal blasts away Black Hand, and answers in reply that his heart is his ring. Scarecrow than stabs him with a pitchfork, and mentions on how much he feels alive. Then Orange Lantern Lex Luthor, pulls him away, and tells him that this is his moment, not Scarecrow's. He wants all of the rings, and attempts to forcibly take Mera's from her. Then, all the Lanterns begin attacking each other as confusion breaks out. As Nekron moves on, he kills a guardian and summons a creature he calls "Trespasser." The white energy, now called the Entity, instantly puts all the heroes in pain. Sinestro sees this to be reminiscent of how the Guardians buried Parallax. Nekron relentlessly continues an assault on the Entity. Hal believes that the Entity needs a pilot. As he swoops in, Sinestro blocks him, as this is his destiny since Hal already had the Parallax. Sinestro flies in, demanding all of the power from the Entity, he hears a white voice saying: "Thaal Sinestro of Krouger. Destiny awaits". Sinestro is now in a white costume yelling that he is the greatest lantern of them all. At the main battle, Hal is afraid of getting close to people, since the people he loves tend to die, and does not want to re-experience that. Sinestro makes an attack directly against Nekron. Gloating he cannot be killed, Sinestro calls off the other lanterns, and chains up Nekron. Then he pulls Nekron's heart out of his chest, and at the sound of his screaming of his pain, Nekron leaves, leaving his scythe behind in the process. He is replaced with a shirtless man wearing a black lantern symbol, who picks up Nekron's scythe. He rises again, and does to Sinestro what Sinestro had just done to him, by reaching into his chest and trying to remove the Entity. Hal and Ganthet discuss how to remove the Entity from Sinestro when Luthor appears, demanding more rings so he can be the world's savior. Larlfreeze attacks him, and then the entire Black Lantern JLA arrive to battle. It is the Lanterns vs. the JLA in their Black Lantern state (who clearly have stronger numbers), so Indigo-1 makes a back-up call, and more Lanterns arrive to even out the teams. Unaffected superheroes arrive as well, and this allows the heroes to fight the heroes, and the Lanterns to fight Nekron. Guy Gardner is possessed by Deadman , who tells Hal that Nekron's Earthly tether needs to be alive. Nekron talks about the uselessness of life, and Hal says that life doesn not give us purpose, that we give life purpose. Hal then swoops into the white Entity, turning the Black Lantern JLA into White Lanterns . As they proclaim their choice to live, they throw their ring beams on Black Hand and say they choose to live for him as well. He coughs up a white lantern ring. It flies around the newly made White Lantern Corps, pierces through Nekron, goes to the Black power battery, and retrieves the Anti-Monitor . They also resurrect twelve of the dead heroes and villains of the DC Universe; the Martian Manhunter , Hawkman and Hawkgirl , Ronnie Raymond , Deadman , Aquaman , Hawk , Maxwell Lord , the original Captain Boomerang , Professor Zoom , Jade , and Osiris . Mera goes into cardiac arrest at the sight of Aquaman (because her love for him compromises her rage), and Carol and Saint Walker save her with their rings. Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond now make up Firestorm. Larfleeze throws Lex Luthor to the other lanterns, and they remark that it's the first time Larfleeze has given anything to anyone. Sayd and Ganthet then realize that the Anti-Monitor, the Black Hand, and the entire Indigo tribe are missing. We then see the Indigo tribe on another planet with the Black Hand seemingly hypnotized. In Gotham City, Hal and Barry go back to where it all began: the cemetery. Hal says that dead is dead from here on out. He then notes that Bruce Wayne has to be alive since the Black Lantern Batman wasn't really Bruce. Barry asks where the white light is, and Hal's reaction is that he can feel it pulling them away from the Blackest Night. Then, in the middle of a deserted road, we see a white power battery. Note: The listing of the 79-tied in Blackest Night issues is done to match DC's official ordering as seen on their digital comics website. Therefore, in text are listed several comics they did not include in their official list but that have ties to the event: Action Comics #890 (cover reads "Blackest Night: Aftermath") Solomon Grundy #7 (cover reads "Prelude to Blackest Night") Titans #15 (cover reads "Prelude to Blackest Night) Collected Editions Blackest Night Blackest Night: Green Lantern Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps Blackest Night: Rise of the Black Lanterns Justice League of America: Team History Secret Six: Dense Macabre Starman Omnibus Vol. 6 Teen Titans: Child's Play Related Items DC Universe DC Retroactive: Superman - The '80s #1: New Day, Final Destiny; Day of Destiny! Non-U.S. Editions Batman/Superman Sonderband #4 Blackest Night (Germany) Blackest Night #1 (Germany) Blackest Night #2 (Germany) Blackest Night #3 (Germany) Blackest Night #4 (Germany) Blackest Night #5 (Germany) Blackest Night #6 (Germany) Blackest Night #7 (Germany) Blackest Night #8 (Germany) Blackest Night Sonderband #1 Blackest Night Sonderband #2 Blackest Night Sonderband #3 Blackest Night Sonderband #4 Green Lantern Sonderband #17 Green Lantern Sonderband #18 Green Lantern Sonderband #19 Green Lantern Sonderband #20 Green Lantern Sonderband #21 Justice League of America Sonderband #11 DC Absolute Edition #1 (Mexico)
PKR 11,992
PKR 9,594
DC Comics · 2022
Story arc · 8 issues
Collected in Superman: Kal-El Returns
PKR 13,491
PKR 10,793
DC Comics · 1992
Story arc · 9 issues
"Panic In The Sky!" is an eight part crossover story that was published in four Superman titles. The title is borrowed from a 1950s television episode in the "Adventures of Superman" series starring George Reeves. Brainiac takes control over Warworld and attempts to take over Earth.
PKR 22,485
PKR 17,988
DC Comics · 2010
Story arc · 15 issues
Storyline involving the 4 Superman Series: Supergirl, Superman, Adventure Comics and Action Comics. Story involving the fate of the future, guest starring the Legion of Superheroes. The Future The first scene of this story is set in the future. The Legion of Superheroes is trying to save civilians from disappearing into nothingness: the future is disappearing, and according to Brainiac 5, it's all because of his ancestor, Brainiac 1. Brainiac 5 has established that his ancestor had killed Superman, which has resulted in the capture of all bottled cities. Since all the planets of the 31st century are originary from those bottled cities, and the cities were never released, then the planets never could have existed. As Brainiac borrows energy from fellow legionnaires, he disappears back to the present promising to see them again and saying: "Long Live the Legion". The Present In the present, Brainiac has started to invade New Krypton. As the Legion of Superheroes' Espionnage Squad recruit Mon-El and Superboy to help them save the bottled cities, Supergirl and Alura battle on New Krypton. Once they are all reunited, General Zod asks Supergirl and Mon-El to leave before orderring his troops to arrest the Legion. Alura comes in to prevent them from escaping, and fights Superboy. Supergirl arrives and sees her "cousin" hurting her mother. As they tell her Zod orderred their arrest, Supergirl explains to Alura the Legion is a Superhero team. Alura goes and meets General Zod for more informition on his battle technique while the Legion attacks Brainiac's ship to free the bottled cities. Thanks to Brainiac 5, they manage to breach the security field. Superman and Mon-El have managed to save one bottled city. Outside, New Krypton is invaded and Kandor is turned into another bottled city. As Superman tries to save Kandor, he is hit with a blast of red sunlight, and falls in the middle of the sky. It is then revealed that Brainiac 1 worked alongside Lex Luthor and General Zod to destroy New Krypton... Collected Editions Superman: Last Stand of New Krypton Volume 1 Superman: Last Stand of New Krypton Volume 2 Non-U.S. Editions Superman Sonderband #45
PKR 5,996
PKR 4,797
DC Comics · 2002
Story arc · 4 issues
Superman goes with his father back to Krypton to save his mother Lara from the Holy Order of Raom and discover the mystery of his origin. Sequel to the Return to Krypton arc, Superman goes with his father to Krypton to save his mother Lara from the Holy Order of Rao. Once there, Superman will discover the true nature of Krypton and the mastermind behind all.
PKR 5,996
PKR 4,797
DC Comics · 2001
Story arc · 4 issues
After a mysterious menssage apparentely sent by hisfather Jor-El, Superman and Lois Lane travel through time and space back to planet Krypton, to discover what they believed a cold and steril land to be a colorful fantastic place.
PKR 19,487
PKR 15,590
DC Comics · 2024
Story arc · 13 issues
Brainiac launches war on the Superman Family
PKR 10,493
PKR 8,394
DC Comics · 2016
Story arc · 7 issues
Non-U.S. Editions Superman Sonderband - Volumen 1 (German) Superman Sonderband - Super-Söhne (German)
PKR 56,962
PKR 45,570
DC Comics · 2012
Story arc · 38 issues
A re-imagination of Batman's origin in the New 52. Telling the story of an inexperienced Bruce Wayne in his formative years in his war on crime before finally honing his skills and truly becoming the Dark Knight. Plot Summary Zero Year is an eleven-part story arc in the Batman comic book, written by Scott Snyder and pencilled by Greg Capullo, which tells the untold tale of an inexperienced Bruce Wayne's formative years in his war on crime, before honing his craft and establishing himself as The Batman. Someone said In this story, a young Bruce Wayne attempts to save Gotham City from the murderous group known as the Red Hood Gang. However, since Bruce has yet to establish a reputation in the criminal underworld, and has yet to turn himself into the fearsome figure of Batman, he has been having a hard time winning his war. His inexperience, carelessness and uncontrolled anger have not only stalled his mission but also strained his relationship with his faithful butler Alfred Pennyworth. Bruce's uncle, Philip Kane, who had declared Bruce legally dead during his absence from Gotham, has taken control of Wayne Enterprises and is using it to produce weapons. In an attempt to improve the company's public image, Philip attempts to convince Bruce to take control of his family's company, but Bruce refuses, as has no interest in living as "Bruce Wayne", focusing all his attention on his war on crime. To make matters worse, the Red Hood gang is stealing the weapons produced by the company to further terrorize the city. Phil's leading strategist, Edward Nygma, the future Riddler, advises Phil to kill Bruce in order to solve their problems but Philip refuses and still tries to convince Bruce to lead the company. For weeks, while keeping his identity a secret using sophisticated technology, Bruce has been hunting down the Red Hood Gang and sabotages several of their operations, but is unable to take them down. The gang is getting stronger and stronger, equipping themselves with Wayne Tech and causing several random acts of violence throughout the city. However, following a surprise party for Bruce by his uncle, the Red Hood Gang, thanks to a tip from Nygma, ambush Bruce and give him a vicious beating. Bruce barely makes it back to the manor where he is nursed back to health by Alfred. Enraged by Nygma's actions, Philip attempts to kill the villain, admitting that Bruce is a better man than both of them, but Riddler incapacitates Philip and ends their alliance. Bruce comes to terms with the fact that he is losing this war and asks his father for guidance. Then a bat crashes through his window, and Bruce finally decides that he will become a Bat. Finally realizing his purpose, Bruce and Alfred set up their base in a cave under Wayne Manor, and Bruce sets off to strike fear in the hearts of criminals as a vigilante who the press calls Batman. He starts by methodically taking out members of the Red Hood gang, quickly establishing his reputation and finally getting the attention of Red Hood One. While investigating the gang's operations, eventually, with some help from a guilt-ridden Phillip, who was forced into becoming a member of the gang, Bruce discovers that the Red Hood gang are planning to use a dangerous toxin from the Ace Chemical factory to terrorize the city. He holds a press conference in front of the factory and exposes the gang's plans, forcing them to invade the factory right away. As Batman, Bruce fights off the Red Hood gang, but not without the death of Uncle Philip, who was killed by the leader for attempting to stop him. As the GCPD round up members of the gang, the factory burns down and Batman goes after the leader, preventing him from escaping and defeating him, but despite Bruce's efforts to save him, the Red Hood allows himself to fall into a large acid container. In the aftermath, Batman continues setting up his Bat-Cave and establishing himself as a hero in Gotham. Edward Nygma, now calling himself The Riddler, then makes his presence known and knocks out all power from the city, in an attempt to challenge the people to get smarter. During the massive blackout, a heavy storm comes and the city falls into chaos, and Commissioner Loeb makes it the GCPD's priority to take down the Batman, but to no avail, as the hero repeatedly evades them. Bruce is determined to make an enemy out of the police because he sees them as corrupt and untrustworthy, especially James Gordon, who seems to have a connection to the Waynes' deaths and Bruce resents him for it. Bruce is also working on a jammer, because he feels that, even if the police manage to get the power back, they'll only fall into Riddler's trap and another blackout will take place. During this time, a series of suspicious murders have taken place, the victims, who were scientists working for Wayne Enterprises, had been ripped apart from the inside after their bones radically grew out of their body. Bruce investigates these murders and he is eventually led to Doctor Karl Helfern, a former Wayne Enterprises scientist who developed the formula that causes these effects. Bruce decides to visit the only man who may know something about it, Lucius Fox, an engineer who used to work for Bruce's father but was fired by Philip. Fox reveals that Helfern was working on a serum that was supposed to harden bones for protection against trauma, but it became unstable, and so was Helfern. However, Fox reveals that it was also his project and injects Bruce with something that incapacitated him, thus apparently revealing himself as an ally of Helfern, who is now known as Doctor Death. Bruce is kidnapped by Doctor Death, who has apparently injected himself with his own serum but instead of killing him, it has turned into a monstrous figure and becomes even more unstable. He almost kills Fox, but Bruce manages to fight him off. Lucius apologizes for the injection and reveals that it was actually a vaccine against Helfern's serum. As the two try to make their escape, Doctor Death catches up to them, now has become even more monstrous, and almost kills Bruce if it wasn't for the timely intervention of Gordon, who shoots Helfern and knocks him out of the building. Bruce is brought to a hospital where he is confronted by Gordon who wants to help Wayne and seeks to get more information about the killed scientists. However, Bruce does not like Gordon because he believes that, before his parents' deaths, Gordon and his partner, Corrigan, once escorted Bruce, who believes to have seen them take bribes from the neighbourhood. Bruce declares that Gordon and the rest of the police are crooked and that he will never trust them. Full Plot Bruce Wayne In: At the age of nineteen in Rio De Janeiro, Bruce met a criminal by the name of Don Miguel who taught Bruce high-speed driving and several insane driving tricks including colour cover, crowd ducking among others. In their final lesson, however, Bruce was instructed to lose the Policia in a bright red custom-made convertible car. After an intense car chase, Miguel attempted to kill the cops using a dangerous, but Bruce, having learned everything he needed from the criminal and wanting to prevent him from causing any more damage, crashes the car, trapping Miguel before finally knocking him out and leaving him to be apprehended by authorities. At the age of twenty-one, in Egypt, Bruce seeks out an old Russian scientist named Sergei to teach him what they call the impossible. He challenges him to test by trapping him under the Sphinx, where he has limited supplies and oxygen. Bruce spends six months preparing for this test, tinkering with tools and planning for every scenario in order to survive, but Sergei tells him that he needs to go beyond planning and what is called possible in order to survive. Indeed, once Bruce is actually trapped, most of his preparations weren't operational and he was forced to go beyond what he thought is possible in order to escape and pass Sergei's test. At the age of twenty-four, Bruce found himself in the middle of a pit in the Northeast of Harstad, Norway, fighting for twenty-eight hours straight in deathmatch, defeating every fighter to challenge him but avoided killing anyone despite the insistence of the Pit Queen. Bruce came to this pit seeking to use his body to wage war, but the Queen claims that he cannot win this war without killing, and he will continue to fight until he dies. However, Bruce persists, winning battle after battle but without killing anyone, and in the end, there were no more fighters to challenge because they were all afraid of him. Secret City: Bruce's disguise is blown The story starts six years ago, having recently returned to Gotham City after travelling the world, Bruce Wayne decides to use the skills he learned abroad to cleanse his city of crime, his first target being the Red Hood Gang, a growing group of criminals made up of middle and upper class Gothamites who were convinced or blackmailed into joining the group by the leader, whose identity still remains a mystery to Bruce, as he never takes off his mask, not even in front of his crew. Using a disguise, Bruce infiltrated the group but his cover was eventually blown, and he was cornered by the gang. Though he managed to escape and save the hostages held by the gang, this encounter showed Bruce's carelessness and lack of discipline that almost jeopardized the entire mission. Edward Nygma Back at his base, Bruce's faithful butler Alfred Pennyworth, who is heavily against Bruce's crusade, tries to talk some sense into him and attempts to convince Bruce to announce his return to the city, but Bruce says that he wants to remain legally dead as he feels that he's more efficient that way in his war and he doesn't want to be distracted by "Bruce Wayne". On his way out of the manor, Bruce is met by his uncle Philip Kane, much to Alfred's dismay, who reveals that he was the one who declared Bruce legally dead so he could re-built Wayne Enterprises into something new, by merging it with Kane Chemicals, becoming a leader in protective technology, specializing in weapons. Bruce disapproves of what his uncle has done with the company, and despite Philip's attempts to convince Bruce to take control of the company, he refuses because that's not what he's here to do and it's not who he is. Later that night, while meeting with an associate, Philip reveals that he wants Bruce to lead the company to improve the company's public image since they are hated for building weapons, and to make matters worse, the Red Hood Gang is stealing those weapons from them. The associate, who is revealed to be none other than Edward Nygma, tells him that the solution to Philip's problems, or Riddle as Edward calls it, is simple: killing Bruce Wayne. The Red Hood Gang Strikes The Red Hood Gang hijack Luca Falcone's blimp, as part of their plan to take over all other gangs in Gotham. After the leader, Red Hood One, throws Falcone off the blimp, he gloats to his captive, who appears to be Oswald Cobblepot, about having acquired all the drugs, information and advanced weaponry, including a Wayne Sonic Rifle. Then suddenly, "Cobblepot" attacks Red Hood One and reaches for his hood, but gets electrocuted. The Hood then deduces that this is, in fact, the vigilante who has been giving them trouble for the last few weeks. It was in fact, Bruce, having kidnapped the real Cobblepot and trapped him in the blimp's basement, disguised as the villain, in another attempt to take down the gang. Impressed, the Red Hood leader offers Bruce a spot on his team, claiming that they are two of a kind, but Bruce refuses and manages to take down some of the Hood's men, and even stabs the leader with his gauntlet, thereby getting a sample of his DNA. Bruce barely manages to escape unscathed, with the real Cobblepot with him. Alfred slaps Bruce Back at the manor, Bruce is still upset by the fact that he's still losing this war, as the leader's DNA has no match in any records, and he is still unable to stop this gang while it's quickly growing and becoming more dangerous. Alfred tells Bruce that his war is doomed and disapproves of the way in which he is fighting it. At Bruce's insistence, Alfred tells him that fighting from the shadows as a ghost is cowardly, unlike his parents, who fought for their city in public. He also disapproves of the fact that he is letting the Wayne name rot and leaving Wayne Enterprises in the hands of his uncle, who he sees as a sad, angry man with no purpose but glory. A heated argument breaks out between the two, as Alfred claims that Bruce's parents would be ashamed while Bruce tells him that's the real coward, provoking Alfred to slap Bruce in the face, before heading back to the manor. Bruce Wayne vs Edward Nygma After the argument, Bruce meets up with Philip at the Museum and tells him to shut down his operation because gangs have been stealing tech from Wayne Enterprises. Philip is reluctant and again tries to convince Bruce to be part of the company so they can things out, but Bruce turns him down again and insists that Bruce Wayne should stay dead. Philip then turns on the lights and reveals Welcoming Party thereby revealing his return to the city. Bruce angrily storms off and while searching for the Museum's exit, he encounters Edward Nygma. During their conversation, Nygma implies to Bruce that his uncle is giving weapons away to the Red Hood in an attempt keep them away from bigger ones, but refuses to say anymore. After solving Nygma's riddle concerning the Museum's exit, Bruce tells Edward on his way out to try harder next time, to which Edward mutters that there won't be the next time. As he reaches the manor, he is caught in an explosion set up by the Red Hood. Under the mercy of the Red Hood Bruce is then ambushed by the Red Hood Gang, who give him a vicious beating. The Red Hood reveals that the death of Bruce's parents changed his own life as well. The fact that the Waynes, scions of the city, were randomly killed by a nobody for no reason, inspired what the Red Hood gang is all about, acts of randomness inspiring madness, fear and survival. He also reveals that there is another man, like Bruce, who has been fighting them, but promises that, in the end, they will get him just like they got Bruce. Before leaving Bruce to die, the Red Hood thanks Bruce for leaving that theatre with his parents that night, because it inspired him and then proceeds to takes down down the Waynes portraits and puts two bullets through them. Severely wounded, Bruce barely manages to make his way to the lower levels of the Manor before passing out. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Edward Nygma was the one who sent the gang after Bruce, and Philip, enraged by actions, threatens to kill him. However, Nygma says a password that activates the magnetic plate in Philip's head, which was placed there after a childhood accident, causing Philip to collapse and to be incapacitated. Nygma announces his resignation and leaves Philip laying on the floor in pain, but not before Philip taunts him with the fact that despite all his strategies, he's nothing more than a shadow, an empty question mark and that no one will know who he is. Edward simply pauses and tells him goodbye. The moment of truth Bruce is found by Alfred and was nursed back to health. Alfred tells Bruce that despite their differences, he promises that he will always be there to patch him up. Bruce simply taps him on the shoulder as a sign of gratitude. Bruce then wanders the mansion, distraught at the fact that he is unable to win this war, and then faces a statue of his father, asking for guidance. Remembering the traumatic event as a child when he fell into a pit near Wayne Manor, before he was saved by his father, he was attacked by a swarm of bats. His father once told him the lifeblood of Gotham runs under Wayne Manor and asks him what the city told him to be. Just then, a bat crashes through the window and lands on Thomas Wayne's statue. Bruce replies "Yes I see. Yes, Father. I shall become a bat." Dark City Finally realizing his purpose, Bruce and Alfred set up their base in a cave under Wayne Manor, and Bruce sets off to strike fear into the hearts of criminals as Batman. He starts by methodically taking out members of the Red Hood gang, quickly establishing his reputation and finally getting the attention of Red Hood One. Following the gang's heists, Bruce sees no patterns, as all their acts are random, and decides that he needs help from his uncle. Philip is extremely regretful of what happened and reveals that he has been marked by the gang and forced to become a member himself. He gives Bruce access to the system which allows Bruce to realize what the gang's plan is, when and where they are planning on executing it. On the anniversary of the Waynes' murders, the gang is planning on forming a deadly poison using material obtained from the Ace Chemical factory, and exploding at several different locations around the city. Bruce realizes that this is a job for Bruce Wayne, not Batman, so he holds a press conference the day before the scheduled execution of the plan, outside the Chemical factory, to officially announcing his return to Gotham City. He goes on to explain why he came back despite what happened to his parents, because Gotham city, despite its flaws, is transformative and challenges everyone to be the best person they can be. He exposes the Red Hood Gang's plans and encourages the people of Gotham to fight back against this menace. Before he could finish, however, the gang launch their attack in an attempt to kill Bruce, but he is saved by Lieutenant James Gordon. During the confusion, Bruce sneaks into the factory during while Gordon attempts to lead a group of cops through the front door. Inside, Bruce is confronted by Red Hood One, who is impressed by Bruce's efforts but tells him that the cycle of randomness opened with his parents' murder and it will close with his death, and the destruction of the factory with the police inside while the gang escapes through the back entrance with what is available of their toxin, which they will unleash on the city the next day, opening a new cycle. But Bruce tells him that his parent's death may have been random and meaningless but their lives weren't, and he tells Red Hood that his life is an abomination and he is nothing more than an evil man pretending to have a purpose. Just before the leader can pull the trigger, a massive outage takes place in the entire neighbourhood, thanks to Alfred, and in a masterfully executed facade give the illusion that Batman appeared to save Bruce. The light then goes back on, and Bruce, now suited up, as Batman, appears and engages the gang in combat and gains the upper hand while Alfred shuts down the bay doors to prevent the gang from escaping. After defeating most of the gang, Batman is almost shot by Red Hood One, but he is saved by a member of the gang, who is then shot and killed in retaliation by the leader. To Batman's horror, it is revealed to be his very own uncle Philip who was forced into joining the gang. As the place starts to go on fire, Gordon and the police enter the factory and confront Batman, who manages to evade them to go after the fleeing leader. As the police round up the incapacitated members of the gang, on the rooftop, Red Hood attempts to make his escape using a helicopter but Batman grapples onto him and they both plummet into the burning factory. They engage in combat and Batman finally defeats the Red Hood but the railing they were standing collapses. Batman extends his hand and tries to save his enemy but the Red Hood refuses and declares that this is just the beginning before allowing himself to fall into the acid below. In the aftermath, Bruce and Alfred finish setting up the Bat Cave, and they finally reconcile, with Alfred telling Bruce that his parents would have been proud of him and that Batman's legend begins with him saving Bruce Wayne thus cementing their separation into his legacy. Though Bruce has doubts that his identity will be uncovered, Alfred reassures him that if plays his role right, the p
PKR 20,986
PKR 16,789
DC Comics · 1985
Story arc · 14 issues
Storyline that ran through Saga of the Swamp Thing (Later Swamp Thing) from issues #37 to #50. American Gothic involves the introduction of John Constantine, and what that meant for Swamp Thing. Essentially, Cosntantine works as a sort of plot driver for the series of stories that make up “American Gothic.” An evil South-American magic cult named the Brujeria are using the Crisis on Infinite Earths to help them take over the supernatural arena, and as part of their plot, they began having all sorts of evil events take place across America. Constantine manipulates Swamp Thing into taking down these threats. Eventually, it all leads to basically one big ol’ fight between good and evil, and literally the Ultimate Darkness against the Ultimate Light. There are a series of artists at work during this storyline – the standard brilliance of Stephen Bissette and John Totleben, but also impressive work from Rick Veitch and Stan Woch on pencils. Moore handled the slow build towards issue #50 about as well as any writer has ever handled a build to a “big” issue number – this is a storyline without being a strict storyline (for most of the story, at least). The final battle in #50, though, is given all the trappings you would expect from a “big” issue, with Moore playing with the vast history of DC Comics and their supernatural characters. Moore stayed on the title for a little while longer (and did some excellent work), but in many ways, this was the pinnacle of his Swamp Thing run.
