Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman #153!I know it sounds crazy, but I’m pretty sure Batman Twist new Captain America– His rival is actually his long-lost ‘brother’. A new day dawns for the DC Universe and as Bruce Wayne starts to look to the future, his past comes back to haunt him.
You can say “Wait, Batman has a brother?“And the truth is, maybe. The New 52 introduces readers and Bruce to a man known as Lincoln March, an enemy not only connected to the mysterious Court of Owls, but potentially the Wayne family. If I were a gambler, I’d say The new vigilante who has come to Gotham City is none other than Bruce’s brother.
Commander Star arrives to replace Batman in Gotham
Just as Bruce’s control of Wayne Enterprises is being challenged
in Batman #153 By Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles, Bruce has a lot of hard work in improving his city. While parts of Old Gotham are being revitalized and turned into affordable housing, Wayne Enterprises is facing a backlash from protesters, who are framing Bruce’s effort as a handout to migrants. To make matters worse, Wayne Enterprises’ new CEO, Rowan Birkemoe, reveals that the company’s resources are stretched thin. however, Birkemoe does indeed work with the Riddler And after Rowan fails to convince Bruce to consider a merger, she suggests plan ‘B’.
After the meeting, Batman heads to stop a crew of jewel thieves who have just stolen a cache of diamonds. However, another hero is on the scene, a man wearing a costume modeled after the American flag who is armed with guns and arm blades. Commander Stern, as he introduces himself, assists Batman by shooting one of the thieves in the legEarning him Batman’s shot. But Star is welcomed by Gotham’s new police commissioner, Vandal Wilde. Batman flees after Savage calls for his arrest, while Vandal sneaks up on the new vigilante.
…someone sued Bruce for half his shares in Wayne Enterprises.
Batman discusses the city’s newest vigilante with Leslie Tompkins, who reassures Bruce that even with this new vigilante and the Riddler’s new venture, Bruce is doing everything he can to make Gotham better. Unfortunately, Bruce’s night gets worse when he leaves Thompkins’ clinic and is approached by Birkemoe at Bruce’s home. Birkemoe informs Batman that someone has sued Bruce for half of his shares in Wayne Enterprises. But What really jolts Batman is Birkemoe asking if he has a brother.
The Court of Owls is using their greatest asset to take over Gotham
Batman’s brother is set to replace him
As I said, the New 52 revealed that Lincoln March was the alias of a man who believed himself to be Thomas Wayne, Jr., an orphaned child who was groomed by the Court of Owls to replace Bruce Wayne. Although Bruce never conclusively proved that March was his brother or not, there were just enough details in his story that rang true. March came back to haunt Batman several times over the years, though Bruce never grew any closer to the truth. And after Bruce used a freeze grenade on Lincoln, It seemed like the Batman mystery was dead for good.
Lincoln March’s first appearance was back in Batman Vol. 2 #1 (2011)!
Of course, at this point, Commander Star could be anyone. But with everything we’ve seen in the story so far, Lincoln would be the most likely choice. The Court of Owls has a major presence in Batman #153 By the mysterious Leonid, who wants Riddler and his new company to continue unabated. Not to mention Rowan Birkemoe angling to have Wayne Enterprises acquired by Nygmatech. Throw in the court-backed Commissioner Wilde hyping up Commander Star as the hero Gotham needs, And we have a conspiracy with the Court of Owls right at the center of it.
To be fair, the last time March was seen, he was in an undead state and that was before Batman put him on ice. But for the court, death is a matter of inconvenience. Plus, what better way to really stick it to the man who’s been a thorn in their side for years than by seizing Batman’s company and replacing him with a hero that the Court of Owls controls? The new story arc just started, but I can’t see a scenario where Commander Star isn’t Batman’s brother.
Commander Star did To be Lincoln March
It’s time to resolve this plot point once and for all
While Lincoln March isn’t every fan’s cup of tea, I think it’s a great time to bring him back. After all, it was never actually confirmed if March was really Thomas Wayne Jr. Having him back in Gotham as a demented Homelander-esque riff on Batman is pretty unique and if it really is March Under the Stars and Stripes, we can finally, hopefully, get an answer as to whether or not he’s related to the Caped Crusader. Although I don’t know for sure that DC’s evil new’Captain America‘Is Batman Bro, I have a real feeling he is.
Batman #153 is available now from DC Comics.