Spoilers for Batman #131 by DC ComicsA new Batman villain has arrived in the DC Universe, as the Red Mask just made his debut in the pages of DC Comics. In Batman #131 by DC Comics, the issue ends with the first appearance of the Red Mask, who is very interested in Bruce Wayne coming to his Earth. The new villain wants to capture Batman, revealing that he’s been waiting for him for some time.
Batman has found himself in a world without Bruce Wayne. In his previous battles with Failsafe, a powerful android created specifically to take out Batman should he ever turn evil, Wayne was teleported to an all-new world, where he encounters a skeleton version of Jim Gordon who can hear his thoughts and follows him throughout his adventures. Unfortunately, Batman quickly learns the new DC Universe isn’t anything like his own, with a new villain, the Red Mask, turning his attention to the hero’s arrival in his version of Gotham City with the intent of taking him down.
Batman Is In A Familiar, But Different Gotham City
In Batman #131 by Chip Zdarsky, Mike Hawthorne, Adriano Di Benedetto, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles from DC Comics, The Dark Knight navigates through a new Gotham City, discovering the world is much different than his usual home. After fighting against a version of Harvey Dent, who is essentially the universe’s version of Judge Dredd, Bryce Wayne is rescued by a young woman who assists him as he recovers from serious injuries. The focus shifts to Selina Kyle, who receives a phone call from a villain, the Red Mask, who tells her she needs to drop everything she’s doing, so she can go after “Bruce Wayne,” while revealing he’s been “waiting for” him.
Little is revealed about the new villain, but Red Mask makes quite a first impression. He is seen horrifyingly experimenting on metahumans, possibly in Arkham Asylum, without much regard for their survival. With a white cloak and a red mask and gloves, the Red Mask’s look fits nicely into the world of Gotham City – although it remains to be seen what he wants with Batman or who is behind the mask.
While DC Comics will soon reveal the Red Mask’s plan is for Batman, the villain has already struck a chord with readers, as Batman #131 is receiving an all-new second printing with the new character starring on the cover from Jorge Jimenez. Readers can see the new villain debut in Batman #131 by DC Comics, which is in comic book stores now.
