Batman 687

A Batman Reborn story:

A Battle Within (An Epilogue to Battle for the Cowl)

Alfred recalls how simple it was when Bruce and Dick were younger. As an assignment, Dick successfully sneaks in and attacks Batman, making him gloat that one day he’ll be in charge and wear the cape and cowl.

Today, in a robbery, Dick Grayson as Nightwing helps apprehend the criminals using the Batmobile, but didn’t go out of the car to give the illusion that it was Batman and that he’s still alive.

Four weeks ago, Superman and Wonder Woman visit Nightwing, Robin and Alfred in the cave to give them the cowl Batman wore when he died. Dick mourns with Alfred as the buttler tells him that they can’t give Batman a funeral.

“Batman is not dead,” Dick tells the Leaguers visiting Bruce’s tomb. “The world cannot know he’s dead.” To Acknowledge his death is against everything Batman fought for and everything Batman was. Criminals needed to think he can’t die and he’s always out there.

Today, Nightwing teaches Damian a lesson by saving him in his uneducated attack on Dr. Phosphorous. Alfred let’s Dick know that the responsibility for Damian might fall on him, just like Gotham.

Richard’s operations are moved to a bunker underneath the Wayne Foundation building. More than a symbolic gesture, the change means that if Dick is going to be Batman, it has to be him in there and not just someone playing the part. And as he needs the help of both Alfred and Damian in this role, there is also a need to go as Batman alone for he is not quite on solid ground yet.

Two weeks later, Batman appears to save the day when Scarecrow attacks Gotham Bay Bridge.