One of DC Comics’ oldest debates may have finally been settled, as Batwoman, Helena Wayne, showed Nightwing why she is the only rightful heir to Batman‘s iconic cowl after Bruce Wayne hangs it up for good.
For decades now, fans of Batman have debated who should take the mantle when — or, if — Bruce Wayne finally hangs up his cape and tights for good. There are endless candidates, especially as Bruce’s extended Bat-family has produced some of comics’ most iconic heroes. Chief among them maybe Dick Grayson. As the first Robin he started the trend of youngsters in need becoming heroes under the Dark Knight’s tutelage, and as Nightwing he’s become a solo hero revered by colleagues and fans alike, many see him as the rightful heir to Bruce’s legacy. Though some might argue whether Nightwing or Batman Beyond deserve to be Batman’s successor, they’re not the only candidates. Recently, another family member has stepped in and taken rights to that legacy by force, making the perfect argument all the while.
The DC Black Label series, Batman/Catwoman by Tom King and Clay Mann takes a deep dive into the titular characters’ long and storied relationship in the past, present, and future, including the complicated relationship their daughter, Helena Wayne, has with their legacies. After Bruce’s death, the future of Batman sits in limbo. Dick is commissioner of the Gotham Police Department, and Helena has taken to the streets as Batwoman to carry on her parents’ legacy. In issue 11, her brutal tactics, however, drew the attention of Nightwing, who confronted her inside the Bat Cave. It turned out to be a critical mistake, as Helena quickly dispatched of Dick, beating the living daylights out of him while asserting she is the rightful successor to her father, despite Nightwing being the oldest of Bruce’s wards.
Helena’s speech — and subsequent beatdown — perfectly demonstrate why she’s right. Dick Grayson may be the oldest of Batman’s wards, but no member of the Batfamily embodies Bruce like Helena. Not only is Helena Batman (and Catwoman’s) biological child, and a naturally talented fighter, but she inherited Bruce’s brutal, frightening nature, making her the prime candidate to take over as Batman. Dick, on the other hand, is simply too soft around the edges to be a worthy Batman. Grayson’s optimism alone puts him in stark contrast to the brooding nature of Bruce, who’s very origin is rooted in tragedy and vengeance. In response to his own personal tragedies alongside his father figure’s dismal outlook, Dick became a beacon of hope and optimism, taking away many of the sharp edges that make Batman such a feared entity.
Helena, meanwhile, has embraced her father’s tactics and style. She adopted not only his hardened attitude and bleak outlook, but the tactical ruthlessness Bruce so perfectly used to strike fear in his enemies. Helena even showed this off in their fight, luring in Dick with flattering conversation before leveling him and tossing him out of the Bat Cave with authority. In one fight, Batwoman did everything that Nightwing never would. While that’s what makes him a great hero in his own right, it’s proof that Helena Wayne, not Dick Grayson, is destined to become Batman after Bruce Wayne.
Look for Batman/Catwoman #11 available now from DC Comics.
