Warning: Spoilers for Batman #153!For as outside the law as Batman Well, he has a lot of rules that he requires every member of his bat-family to follow. The key rule, of course, is his no-kill rule. However, there are some smaller rules that fold into this overarching rule – namely, the use of guns. But when a new hero appears in Gotham, firing on criminals, he challenges everything Batman stands for.
Batman has a new rival for the title of Defender of Gotham in Batman #153 By Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles. As the Dark Knight attempts to neutralize a gang of criminals in a getaway van, A surprising new hero debuts on the scene to help Batman Clean up the streets. Batman doesn’t care who he is and doesn’t need his help – until he shoots one of the fleeing criminals in the leg in a crowded street.
His name is Commander StarAnd he is the newest ally of Commissioner Vandal Savage, promising to bring order to the streets of Gotham in a much more succinct way that breaks every one of Batman’s rules.
Batman has a strict no-gun policy for the heroes of Gotham
Panels from “Cheer” by Chip Zdarsky, Eddie Barrows, Marcus To, Eber Ferreira, Adriano Lucas and Becca Carey in Batman: Urban Legends #1
Batman has a simple history with guns. Bruce Wayne’s war on crime and violent criminals traces back to the reason for his parents’ murder: a gun. The very flash of the gun firing will always trigger Batman into that helpless childhood feeling That he doesn’t want anyone to ever feel that again. As such, he decided to fight with his body as his main weapon, sharpening it to near perfection, in addition to some non-lethal gadgets that help him outsmart the brutal cowards of guns.
Along with introducing Commander Star, Batman #153 is officially part of the DC All In initiative, meaning the issue is the perfect starting point for new and lapsed readers of the Batman title!
While Batman’s no-kill rule is laid down strictly across all heroes in his Bat-family, he also requires his allies to never use guns or, although his former Robin, Red Hood, regularly butts heads with him on that front. But now there is a stranger in Gotham who is neither his ally nor a hero who follows his same rule. Commander Star is fashioned to be the savior of Gotham And is putting everything Batman has worked for at risk.
Enter Commander Star: DC’s gun-wielding Captain America
Commander Star is the “bright” counterpart of Batman
Batman’s role in Gotham has been questioned as A stranger dressed in the colors of the American flag is shooting guns openly in the streetsAnd what could easily have been harmed. Commander Star debuts as a direct opposite to Batman, shooting a criminal instead of chasing after him. He makes Batman’s job look easy. Not only does he help Batman take down criminals in a way Batman despises, but then he turns on him, trying to arrest the Dark Knight and assume his mantle.
Commander Star is a reflection of the Dark Knight, but his ease with guns suggests he has a darker side that could make him truly villainous.
Little is known about this new character, except that he seems to be in league with Commissioner Wilde. Together, they think Gotham only needs one hero. Commander Star looks like DC’s version of Captain America, albeit much darker, and mixed with the themes of Batman. He doesn’t seem to have any special powers, just a military background, a fantastically colored suit – and some guns, of course. Flashing colors and in service to the police force, Commander Star is a reflection of the Dark Knight, but his ease with guns suggests he has a darker side that could make him truly villainous.
Gotham has many heroes trying to replace Batman
Gotham and Gotham Girl sought to be the sole protector of the city
Commander Star Is not the first Gotham hero who has tried to conquer the city of Batman. Created by Tom King and David Finch for their Batman history, both Gotham and Gotham Girl debuted as Gotham’s answer to Superman and Supergirl. Named after their city and with a deadly new mix of Venom in their veins, they were powerful enough to take down the entire Justice League, as well as threaten Batman’s hold on his own city.
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The dangerous Gotham City seems to attract some of the wildest people in the DC Universe. Batman is an ultimate hero, and something about him challenges heroes and villains alike. As Gotham and Gotham Girl meet their own varied fates, Commander Star arrives on the scene, expecting to become Gotham’s savior. But a legacy is not built overnight, and Batman will remain even when Commander Star is out of the picture As the true and gun-free hero of Gotham.
Batman is Gotham’s true hero, especially without a gun
The Dark Knight has faced off against villains with guns many times before
It’s no secret that Batman is tested. The very thing he hates most in the world is the weapon of choice for this new American hero, and now he has the police backing him up. Batman is quickly becoming a villain in his own city. But a bullet never stopped the Dark Knight, and if there’s anyone who knows how to separate a gun and the coward who uses it, it’s him. Batman.
Batman #153 Available now from DC Comics!