DC Comics has released a preview of Mark Russell’s upcoming Batman: Dark Age. The series, which follows an early Bruce Wayne as he evolves into the Dark Knight, will show the heroes origin story. However, Russell is changing what people know about how young Wayne eventually donned the cowl and cape. Instead, a new origin story will dip Batman’s beginnings in real-world historical events. Joining Russell on this bold new series are artists Mike and Laura Allred. Together, the team is turning Gotham’s protector into an American hero.
Batman: Dark Age
The Batman: Dark Age series is bringing readers a Batman that is also a prominent figure in American history. The series also promises to bring other iconic characters from throughout the Dark Knight’s long comic history. All of these characters will converge in a Gotham that is plagued with crime as it rapidly heads to a prophesized doom. DC has released several preview pages from the debut issue that show a change in Bruce’s origins to becoming Batman.
The preview pages for Batman: Dark Age jump back and forth between an adult Wayne kicking criminal butt as Batman and a young Wayne as his parents get ready for a night out. Already, we see a change as young Bruce Wayne is not with his parents at the theater when they are killed. Instead, he is home as the two are attacked and shot. This is a key factor in the young billionaire becoming Batman as witnessing his parents murder sets him on a path of vengeance. If he never witnesses the event, will he still crave the same things as Batman?
Following Superman
The creative team of Batman: Dark Age previously gave Superman his own heroic storyline. The Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age ran from 2022 to 2023. The Black Label series took Clark Kent back to the 1960’s where the Man of Steel comes out to the world as the first superhero. Over the decades, Superman finds an ever-evolving world and wonders why it is always in danger. Now Bruce Wayne will also find himself on a new path, one that puts into question all he knows.
Batman: Dark Age #1 is on sale 03/26.
