Spoilers for Batman Secret Files: The Signal #1 ahead!
Batman has trained and mentored a number of heroes over the years, and now readers learn he has created a multi-step superhero training program. In Batman Secret Files: The Signal #1, one of Gotham’s newest heroes, the Signal, moves up in Batman’s training program, well on his way to becoming Gotham City’s daytime protector. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Signal, AKA Duke Thomas, is one of the newer heroes in Gotham, currently being trained by Batman to patrol Gotham’s streets in the daytime. A former member of the We Are Robin collective as well as a former Outsider, Signal is undergoing a rigorous training program, and in this issue, readers get a peek at its first few steps. The first step, the Cursed Wheel, is already familiar to readers. Introduced in 2016’s All-Star Batman, the Cursed Wheel represents both the discipline and knowledge the Caped Crusader gained through the years. This was already a psychologically intense ordeal – and now readers learn there are even more steps.
As revealed in this issue, the second phase of Signal’s training was “team-building” – explaining why Signal joined the Outsiders. Signal’s actions over the past few months, particularly in Dark Nights Death Metal, have convinced Batman that Signal is ready for phase three: “citywide response and ecosystem analysis.” Batman then tells Signal about his past Robins: how he failed Jason, and Dick had to leave to find his way. He goes on to praise Signal, calling him the best of Gotham, and that he is proud to train him. Batman then presents Signal with a hard drive full of years of observations, notes, and journals. He encourages Signal to take full advantage of them.
Given the number of sidekicks and other allies Batman has trained over the years, it makes sense he would develop a training course for new heroes. Readers only see the first three steps, so they must use their imagination as to what additional steps there may be. It’s not too much of a stretch seeing other heroes embrace training programs as well. It is also a testament to how great a hero Signal can be that he has not only made it through the training program in the first place, but that he has exceeded Batman’s expectations. The storyline is also a nice follow-up to the Cursed Wheel storyline from a few years ago and continues Signal’s arc as well.
Batman has created a training program for new heroes, and the Signal has passed it with flying colors. Batman Secret Files: The Signal is written by Tony Patrick, with art by Christian Duce, colors by Luis Guerrero, and letters by Andworld Design.
