DC Just Turned One of Batman’s Worst Stories Into a New Epic

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Batman is arguably the most popular and widely published superhero globally. He’s appeared in countless forms of media, but the original comic books remain consistently bestsellers. With over 8,000 comics detailing his adventures – and more still being created – Batman boasts some of DC’s strongest stories. However, with such a massive body of work, there are also some truly terrible stories, and unfortunately, those rank among the worst superhero comics ever made. Let’s hope that’s a record that won’t be broken.

Even the most disliked comic book storylines can sometimes lead to great things. A prime example is “Gotham War,” a Batman story widely considered to be terrible. It featured a confusing conflict between Batman and Catwoman, most of the Bat-Family tolerating a lot of crime, and a frustrating plot twist. While it’s often ignored, this story surprisingly set the stage for the compelling rivalry and major villain featured in Matt Fraction’s Batman (2025). Vandal Savage has become a fantastic Batman adversary, and it all started with the groundwork laid in “Gotham War.”

An Immortal Trapped in a Cage of Crime

Batman and Catwoman were arguing about Catwoman’s criminal connections and whether they helped or hurt Gotham when Vandal Savage arrived, desperate for a way to regain his lost immortality. He believed ancient artifacts, crafted from the same meteorite that granted him his long life, could restore his powers. As a deliberate insult to Bruce Wayne, Savage even bought Wayne Manor. However, the artifacts didn’t work as expected – they exploded, unexpectedly restoring Savage’s immortality, but with a major limitation: he was now bound to Gotham City. If he ever left the city limits, he would instantly disappear. Trapped, Savage was then approached by Gotham’s most corrupt leaders, who offered him the position of Police Commissioner.

In issue #8 of Batman, Bruce Wayne seeks guidance from the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott, regarding the situation with Savage. They both find it odd that Savage has remained in Gotham, suggesting he might be trapped, but Alan understands why Savage is targeting Batman. Bruce has consistently defeated Savage, and for someone like Savage, his pride is all he has left. Savage is deliberately tormenting Bruce, seeking revenge for every perceived slight. Given Savage’s unusual perception of time, this revenge could manifest in unpredictable ways, but it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on Gotham City.

Meanwhile, Savage continued his plot to dismantle Gotham City. He secured official approval from the new mayor, Poison Ivy, to brand Batman and his allies as outlaws. His goal isn’t simply to defeat Batman, but to destroy his legacy by turning Gotham against him. Savage aims for a lasting, total victory, and this is just the beginning – a beginning he’s thoroughly enjoying.

A Rocky Start Turned to a Thrilling New Adventure

While the “Gotham War” storyline had its flaws, it introduced some interesting concepts. The idea of Vandal Savage being stuck in Gotham and becoming Police Commissioner is particularly compelling, offering built-in tension and a fun premise. Fortunately, the current writer is delivering on that potential. The story focuses on Batman trying to understand Savage’s motivations and the reason he’s unable to leave the city. This puts Batman in an unusual position – he’s capable of outsmarting Savage, but first needs to decipher his thought process. It’s a refreshing challenge for Batman, and it’s satisfying to watch him struggle with, and ultimately overcome, the situation.

Savage is at his most compelling here, a fascinating villain because he’s both incredibly patient and surprisingly childish. He’s a terrifying figure capable of long-term planning, but also deeply insecure and bothered by perceived slights, like Batman outperforming him. This creates a compelling dynamic between the two characters, forcing them to utilize their strengths in new ways. While I didn’t enjoy the “Gotham War” storyline, it clearly laid the groundwork for this, proving that even disliked stories can contribute to something great. It’s a good reminder that a comic’s true potential often unfolds through the work of multiple writers.

Batman #8 is on sale now!

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2026-04-01 22:13