DC Comics Secretly Killed Batman’s First Mentor and No One Noticed

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A key figure in Batman’s origin story has been killed in a shocking event. While many people helped Bruce Wayne become the hero he is, these supporting characters sometimes reappear in the DC Universe, often under tragic circumstances. This recent death is particularly heartbreaking because of the important role this person played in shaping Batman.

Readers of DC’s Absolute Universe have learned that no one and nothing is safe. This alternate reality, created by Darkseid and his Omega Energy, is a grim place designed to strip heroes of everything that helped them in their original world. For Batman, it’s not just his home or base of operations that have been taken away – it’s also the allies who supported his counterpart in the main universe.

The Joker Kills Harvey Harris, Batman’s Detective Mentor

Scott Snyder and Jock’s Absolute Batman #15 reveals the full story behind this world’s Joker. Told through Alfred’s narration, the comic details the history of the Grimm family, a wealthy and influential dynasty that began in the entertainment industry in the 1800s. While the Grimms are publicly known as generous philanthropists, Alfred explains there’s a hidden, sinister secret connecting the family’s lineage from its founder, Joseph ‘Jack’ Grimm, to his great-grandson, Jack Grimm V.

Alfred uncovers that the Grimms are deceptive, having secretly manipulated events and swindled people throughout history. They’ve profited from both tragedies and relief efforts. Disturbingly, anyone who investigated them too deeply has either vanished or died mysteriously. Harvey Harris, a colleague of Alfred’s at the FBI, was looking into the Grimms when he died in a boating accident. Alfred also suspects that the entire Grimm family is a carefully constructed illusion created by Jack Grimm V, who seems to have found a way to prolong his own life.

It was my absolute worst fear confirmed. While Alfred and Bruce were talking, I realized the Joker was up to something truly horrifying – he wasn’t after animals, but people! And the victim… it was Harvey Harris, an old friend and colleague of Alfred’s, who’d been marooned on one of the Joker’s islands for decades. It was a gruesome scene; the Joker, revealing his monstrous side, hunted Harvey down, and… he didn’t just kill him. Harvey never even had a chance to try and save himself. It was just awful to imagine.

Harvey Harris’ Death Reinforces the Bleakness of the Absolute Universe

Harvey Harris is an older, lesser-known character from the early days of DC Comics. He was a top detective in Gotham City and was once asked by a young Bruce Wayne to teach him the ropes. While he didn’t appear much before the ‘Crisis’ event, DC later brought him back as one of Bruce’s mentors during his travels. Although he isn’t featured often in recent Batman stories, Harvey Harris remains a significant figure as one of Batman’s key teachers.

It’s fitting that Harris died in the Absolute Universe, considering the world’s overall tone. He played a key role in helping Bruce control his anger and stay focused as a detective. We’ve seen how much rage fuels Absolute Batman, and it makes sense that Bruce is struggling without the guidance he once had to manage his emotions. It’s just another tactic Darkseid is using to weaken these heroes.

While likely just a surprising moment for fans, the death of Harris really highlights the danger Batman and other heroes are in. Batman isn’t completely alone, but he’s facing overwhelming odds and will have to overcome them without his usual advantages.

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2025-12-14 01:11