WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for BATMAN #154!Fans of the Dark Knight – and even those outside of his fan base – know that ‘Dynamic Duo’ typically refers to Batman and robin. But the streets of Gotham City will undergo a change when Batman’s ORIGINAL sidekick returns to the spotlight, forcing the Boy Wonder to step down from his role as half of this iconic team.
…this may surprise some who assumed Batman’s first allies were Alfred Pennyworth or Dick Grayson.
With a release date of November 6, 2024, Batman #154 by Chip Zdarsky, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles launches the second part of The dying city arc, centered on the murder mystery of Gotham’s mayor. This time, it’s not the Dark Knight and Robin who enter the scene, but former Commissioner James Gordon – now a private investigator – alongside Batman.
Issue #153 marked Gordon’s return to the spotlight, but issue #154 further solidifies his partnership with Batman, especially when Detective Harvey Bullock calls the duo the ‘Dynamic Duo’.
James Gordon returns as Batman’s partner and claims the title of dynamic duo
Commissioner Gordon first appeared in Detective comics #27 (May 1939)
Despite Bullock’s heavy sarcasm, his use of “Dynamic Duo” for Batman and Gordon implies that the two have been teaming up frequently lately. This is especially noteworthy since Gordon has been absent from major DC stories with the exception of issue #153. It’s a welcome return for the beloved character, even without his former title as Gotham City Commissioner. Although only the first five pages of this issue have been viewed, fans can anticipate a story focused on Batman and Gordon joining forces to gather clues and uncover the truth behind the mayor’s murder.
This new partnership between Batman and Gordon is also significant as it takes them back to their roots. Gordon first debuted in Detective comics #27 (1939) by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, alongside Batman, establishing him as the Dark Knight’s first ally. This may surprise some who assumed that Batman’s first allies were Alfred Pennyworth or Dick Grayson. However, Robin did not appear until Detective comics #38 (1940), with Alfred joining even later in Batman #16 (1943). With this history in mind, Bullock’s remark seems almost appropriate, calling Gordon and Batman “Dynamic Duo” seeing as they were the original crime-fighting duo.
New from Zdarsky Batman Arc is putting more emphasis on the Dark Knight’s partnership with Gordon
Batman #154 fully released on November 6, 2024
Issue #153 marked the rebirth of the partnership between Batman and Gordon. Still, this latest issue cements the change of the Dark Knight and Wonder Boy story arc to focus on Batman and private eye Gordon working together. This return to their original partnership is exciting for many fans, and it will be fascinating to see how long Zdarsky keeps Gordon in the spotlight and what new dynamics he brings to this reimagined world. “Dynamic Duo.” One thing is certain: Batman and Gordon together they form an unstoppable force – something Gotham will urgently need with the imminent return of the Court of Owls.
Batman #154 is available November 6, 2025, from DC Comics!
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