WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #4!
After months of teasing, DC has finally revealed the identity of the new Batmanand I’m thrilled to say I’m one of the fans who guessed correctly. But honestly, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m still in shock. I never thought that DC would have the courage to hand over the mantle of the Dark Knight to one of Batman’s most notorious supervillains.
I would love to see Damian, alongside his two rival grandfathers, hunting vampires…
After killing Bruce Wayne in D.C. vs. Vampires #6 (2022), Earth-63 was left without Batman. However, Matthew Rosenberg, Otto Schmidt, Pierluigi Casolino and Tom Napolitano’s sequel series, D.C. vs. Vampires: World War Vchanged that in 2024, teasing the return of Batman’s mantle.
Although the new Dark Knight appears several times throughout the first three issues, it was only in the last release – issue #4 – that DC has officially revealed Batman’s identity as Ra’s al Ghul, the infamous supervillain and grandfather of Damian Wayne. This revelation made me raise my fist, as I had predicted that Ra’s al Ghul would be the new Batman a month in advance.
How I knew Ra’s al Ghul was Batman a month before the official reveal
Main cover by Otto Schmidt for D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #3 (2024)
Ra’s al Ghul’s Batman has made numerous appearances throughout the narrative, but his costume covers every inch of his skin, including the lower half of his face, which hides his signature goatee and mustache. As a result, there was no way to guess his identity based on appearance alone. It wasn’t until issue #3, when Robin and this new Batman finally interact, that Rosenberg gave fans their first substantial clue. about who the new Dark Knight could be. This clue came at the end of the issue, when Damian was attacked by the vampiric trio of Wonder Girl, Raven and Black Adam, only for this mysterious Batman to show up and save the day.
The first hints about this Batman’s identity came from the way he spoke to Damian. Most notably, this Dark Knight addressed Robin with a sense of familiarity, making it clear that whoever was under the mask knew Damian personally. Since most of Damian’s family is dead, this significantly narrowed down the list of suspects. Furthermore, this Batman spoke with a distinctly superior tone, even referring to Damian as “child”—a way of speaking that is very characteristic of Ra’s al Ghul. These clues led me to conclude that it was Damian’s grandfather in disguise.
DC confirms that Ra’s al Ghul is Earth-63’s newest Batman (Bruce Wayne is rolling in his grave)
Damian Wayne: the Robin who served his father, brother and grandfather as Batman
My theory that the new Batman of Earth-63 was Ra’s al Ghul was proven correct in D.C. vs. Vampires: World War #4, when Ra’s unmasks himself in front of Damian at the White House, his current base of operations. Even though Ra’s signature facial hair hadn’t confirmed his identity, his response to Damian’s sarcasm—“It would be wise to remember who you are talking to, my grandson.”– left no doubt. In this interaction, it’s clear that Damian is less concerned about his grandfather taking on the Batman identity and more furious about Ra’s being absent when the rest of Damian’s family was being killed and torn apart.
Damian rants about all the ways Ra failed him by not being there when he needed him most. However, despite the anger in Damian’s words, it becomes increasingly evident that the anger is a mask for the deep pain he feels. This emotional outburst is particularly invigorating for Damian’s character, as it serves as a reminder that despite his competence, he is still a child. It also provides fascinating insight into Damian’s relationship with Ra’s, showing that, Despite the rift between them, Damian still cares deeply for his grandfather.
Ra’s al Ghul reveals the REAL reason he wants Damian as his Robin
Surprise, surprise: Ra’s wants to use his grandson to conquer the world
While the moment between Ra’s and Damian in World War V It feels like the beginning of a broken relationship on the way to being repaired, I was quickly reminded that the Demon Boss doesn’t do anything unless it benefits him personally.as it soon becomes clear why he came looking for Damian in the first place. Ra’s begins by waxing poetic about how he and Damian are the only family they have left, suggesting that together they can take revenge on the vampires and defeat them. When Damian asks if his grandfather truly believes they could defeat all vampires, Ra’s responds: “Do not destroy. Lead.”
This response rightfully confuses Robin, especially when he points out that Ra’s isn’t even a vampire. To which his grandfather responds, “No. But you can change that.” At that moment, all my hopes for a repaired relationship between Damian and his grandfather came crashing down, as it became clear that Ra’s wasn’t looking for his grandson for the sake of family. Instead of, he had a selfish goal: to get Damian to turn him into a vampire and help him in his quest to rule all other vampires. This revelation that Ra’s only wants to use Damian is disappointing, but entirely in character.
Alfred Pennyworth, Ra’s al Ghul and Damian Wayne could be DC’s next ‘Fantastic Trio’
C card stock variant of Stephen Segovia’s cover for D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #4 (2024)
Despite having been manipulated countless times by Ra’s Damian is once again about to fall for his grandfather’s schemes as he leans in to bite him. However, DC’s newest Green Lantern – Alfred Pennyworth, aka Damian’s pseudo-grandfather – arrives just in time to stop him. Initially thrilled to see Alfred and his new status as a Green Lantern, Damian soon feels betrayed when he discovers that Alfred has had the ring since he cut off Hal Jordan’s hand and just decided to use it. This triggers a confrontation between Ra’s and Alfred, as they argue over who is best suited to care for Damian and help him on his mission.
Although everyone is in disagreement, this situation raises the intriguing possibility that Batman Ra’s al Ghul, Green Lantern Alfred Pennyworth and Robin Damian Wayne could form a new iteration of the Terrific Trio—a group name traditionally associated with Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl, Bruce Wayne’s Batman and Dick Grayson’s Robin. I would love to see Damian, alongside his two feuding grandfathers, hunting vampires – that dynamic would undoubtedly lead to some hilarious moments. With the way issue #4 ended, it’s also likely that the new Batman and Green Lantern will have to come together to save robin of from Green Arrow fury.
D.C. vs. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #4 is now available from DC Comics!