As new series Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham reaches its end, the Dark Knight unveils perhaps his most stunning redesign of all time – a transformation that’s one part demon, one part vampire, and one part Leonardo da Vinci.
In the Black Label title Gargoyle of Gotham, Batman has been contemplating whether to kill off the Bruce Wayne identity and become Batman full-time. His reasoning is that the city is getting worse and needs even more commitment, with new foes Crytoon, Stadtgeist and Little Joe (aka the new Joker) proving his point.
Thankfully, by the end of the story, Batman has decided to keep Bruce around, declaring him “my greatest weapon” and dedicating his civilian life to combatting corruption in Gotham and slowing its slow slide into chaos.
However, after everything he’s been through, he knows that Batman must evolve…
Batman Debuts His Darkest Costume of All Time
In today’s Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #4 – from Rafael Grampá, Mat Lopes, Valentina Napolitano and John Workman – the Dark Knight finishes his ultra-violent Odyssey through Gotham’s dark heart.
As he regains control over Gotham and thwarts his enemies, Batman is convinced that “Gotham keeps getting worse – on that subject, I’ve always been right.” While the city is in a lacuna of peace following his recent efforts, he knows the villains will return even worse, and vows to transform himself into “a villain to the villains,” doubling down on his mastery of ear.
To mark this transformation, he unleashes a demonic new costume, with a face-covering mask, a spiked costume, and mechanical wings with a vampiric, blood-red interior. Rafael Grampá’s art is exacting, showing the complex mechanics of Batman’s wings, as well as vicious spikes on his new gauntlets and the complex armor of his new suit.
Batman Looks Darker, But Gargoyle of Gotham Has Been a Redemption Story
As dark as Batman looks in this final image, Gargoyle of Gotham has been a crucible that’s left him better off. Not only has Batman re-embraced the Bruce Wayne identity, but he now has a new team of Robins – vigilantes who helped him at his lowest, and now plan to act as Gotham’s Robin Hoods, stealing from villains and giving to the needy.
The entirety of Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham has been a visual feast, stripping Batman down to the point that in this issue, he builds a new Batsuit out of thick coats, sportsware and knives strapped to his arms. However, having been broken down, Batman rises again, stronger for how he’s been tested by his city’s disintegration.
Rafael Grampá’s epic Batman story has been a truly unique examination of the Batman mythos, introducing a new rogues gallery who have transformed Bruce Wayne. The story ends with Batman evolving, becoming even more of a terrifying urban legend, but embracing his humanity, sense of purpose and ability to work with others to make Gotham a better place.
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #4 is available now from DC Comics.
- Created By
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Bob Kane, Bill Finger
- Alias
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Bruce Wayne
- Alliance
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Justice League, Outsiders, Batman Family
- Race
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Human
- Franchise
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D.C.