DC Just Revealed a Wild and Insane New Batman

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In the DC universe, alternate worlds that significantly deviate from the norm are nothing new. From series like “Dark Knights of Steel” to the widely-acclaimed “Absolute Universe”, DC often incorporates variations of their most beloved characters in their ‘elseworld’ comics. These characters can either be very similar to their main counterparts or drastically different. A fresh and intriguing ‘elseworld’ from DC is found within the pages of “Green Lantern Dark“, a post-apocalyptic tale that introduces a new Green Lantern who specializes in magic and wields a magical lantern. Accompanying this character are new interpretations of Beast Boy, Solomon Grundy, and the subject of this article, Batman. However, this Batman is unlike his original version.

In this universe, the character once known as The Dark Knight goes by the name Bat Specter instead. This new moniker isn’t just for added grit in this darkened world; rather, it reflects his role as a spectral avenger who haunts this desolate earth, seeking justice and vengeance. Moreover, he has adopted a speaking style reminiscent of Shakespearean actors.

Who is Batwraith?

For the first time, Green Lantern Rina Mori came across Batwraith within the walls of a gloomy, crumbling castle. She was on a mission to locate the kidnapped children from a nearby village, including her own companion and adopted sister Lunette. In this encounter, she faced off against this universe’s version of Beast Boy, who can transform into menacing hybrid monsters rather than ordinary animals – much deadlier than bears. As Rina struggled in battle with Beast Boy, a suit of armor adorned with a bat emblem suddenly appeared and joined the fight on her side.

In a series of fierce battles, several adversaries are pushed aside until Batwraith unveils his spectral form to Rina. Clad in armor resembling a bat, he has four fiery red eyes and is enveloped in crackling red energy. His appearance lacks a face, instead presenting a sleek black facade. Identifying himself as Sir William Walwyn, the lord of the castle they occupy, he is an ancient ghost who navigates the darkness. Speaking in a medieval dialect, he employs grandiose lines about being the “silent wings of the boundless night.” He informes the Green Lantern that she possesses the greatest power within this world, but her fear is what restrains her. Under his tutelage, Rina learns to harness her determination and liberate Beast Boy from the enchantment cast by Demona. Following this, he continues to accompany the Green Lantern and her comrades, persistently urging her to vanquish Demona, as she is the one who can.

What is Batwraith’s Role?

In essence, Batwraith serves as a guiding force in Rina’s epic heroic journey, despite his assertions otherwise at this stage. He appears to be an anomaly, a spectral embodiment of heroism that defies the grim reality of Demona’s rule, potentially dating back thousands of years. Among Demona’s associates, he seems to be the only one who understands the workings of the Green Lantern, knowing it is powered by Rina’s willpower and how her fear hinders its use. The comic has primarily revolved around Rina learning to harness her abilities, as she recognizes a part of them, yet clearly has untapped potential that remains unexplored. We have only been given basic insights into how Rina acquired her lantern, with her origin sharing some similarities with Hal Jordan’s, such as both witnessing the previous Green Lantern crash nearby, but little else is known beyond that.

In the meantime, it’s clear that Batwraith recognizes his capabilities, possibly due to his extensive experience and knowledge of past Green Lanterns. Regardless, it appears that Batwraith has been unwillingly drafted into Rina’s brave team, lending his magical power, wisdom, strong personality, and captivating orations to her mission. Currently, their objective seems to be the defeat of Demona. It will be intriguing to observe how they utilize this fresh, extraordinary take on Batman, which combines elements of a fantasy knight with dramatic speeches – who wouldn’t be fascinated by that?

Green Lantern Dark #4 is on sale now!

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2025-04-25 05:39