NOTICE! Spoilers ahead for DC vs. Vampires: World War V #4In DC’s darkest Other worlds history, Batman gone – or so the remaining heroes initially thought. A new Batman has emerged amid the war between mortals and vampires, and his identity under the cowl has been a mystery until now. That is, until now, Bruce Wayne’s mysterious successor has potentially confirmed his true identity, revealing that this Batman is a former villain in DC lore.
The preview for D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #4 – written by Matthew Rosenberg, with art by Otto Schmidt – continues the gripping story of a DC Universe that has been invaded by vampires. Mister Miracle, who is trying to protect his son, seeks refuge in an isolated cabin he discovers. However, he quickly realizes he is not alone as Batman appears before him.
This is not the Batman he knew. In his conversation with Mister Miracle, Batman leaves an intriguing clue about his identity, suggesting that Ra’s al Ghul has shockingly assumed the mantle of the Caped Crusader, in a shocking twist on his usual role as antagonist.
DC’s New Batman Officially Revealed as Ra’s al Ghul’s Longtime Enemy
D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #4 – Written by Matthew Rosenberg; Art by Otto Schmidt; Available November 13th from DC Comics
When Scott points out that Batman is not a vampire and Robin is, he responds: “Family bonds will transcend these petty wars for those who are willing to try.” With the confirmation that he is Damian Wayne’s family, there is only one DC character who fits the profile of the new Batman: Ra’s al Ghul. Considering that Ra’s is one of the Dark Knight’s most notorious enemies, as well as the grandfather of Bruce Wayne’s son, this twist is a huge game changer, one that makes the most of the Other worlds promise to reinvent classic DC characters and subvert their usual dynamics.
The original Batman of Earth-63 was tragically killed in 2022 D.C. vs. Vampires #6, when Nightwing betrayed him to claim the mantle of “Lord of the Vampires.” It was thought that this would be the permanent end of Batman, but a successor has since emerged to continue the legacy that Bruce Wayne left behind. As this Batman wears a new costume that hides his face, readers are left speculating about who he could be. His meeting with Damian in the previous edition of the series makes reference to the two meeting and, now, their family bond has been affirmed.
Ra’s al Ghul is Batman’s most unlikely successor yet
How did Batman’s nemesis inherit his iconic mantle?
In D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #3, Batman tells Robin that he trained him, hinting at their closeness. While there are several DC characters who could technically be considered Damian’s mentors, most of them have died throughout the story, leaving only a single option, Ra’s al Ghul, his grandfather who trained him in his youth. Now that the familial relationship has been established, the theory that the new Batman is Ra’s al Ghul has all but been confirmed, meaning one of Batman’s darkest villains has taken up his mantle.
Instead of facing Batman, Ra’s al Ghul appears to have become Batman himself.
Ra’s al Ghul has historically been a villain for Batman and the rest of the Bat-family, so it’s a big change to see him in this new role. Instead of facing Batman, Ra’s al Ghul appears to have become Batman himself; It remains unknown how this change from villain to hero occurred, and the circumstances of this will certainly be explained in due course. All that is known for now is that this universe needs a BatmanAnd even though he doesn’t turn out as expected, his alliance with the vampire Robin proves that he can end this deadly conflict once and for all.
D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #4 will be available on November 13, 2024 from DC Comics.