During Flashpoint, we were introduced to a brand new version of the Caped Crusader. In this altered reality where Aquaman and Wonder Woman had torn the world apart with a years-long war, it was Thomas Wayne who became the Dark Knight after his son Bruce was gunned down in from of him.
Now, in Batman #22, the character will be making a return as “The Button” crossover with The Flash continues. Attempting to explain who’s been toying with the DC Universe and its timeline, the story will set the stage for characters from the Watchmen universe to appear here and the reunion between Bruce Wayne and his father (from a different timeline) promises to be very interesting indeed.
For more on what to expect from writers Joshua Williamson and Tom King, and artist Jason Fabok’s Batman #22, here’s the solicitation text courtesy of DC Comics:
The Dark Knight and The Fastest Man Alive, the two greatest detectives on any world, unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood-stained smiley button embedded in the Batcave wall. What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects! It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here!
What’s particularly interesting about this preview is the fact that the Flashpoint timeline continued on despite the Flash believing he fixed it. That could lead to this version of Batman sticking around for some time to come, something which would most definitely shake up the life of the Bruce Wayne we all know and love.
Just how many more answers Batman #22 will provide about the Watchmen and Flashpoint remains to be seen, but this issue definitely looks like it’ll be a must-buy.