DC's new Batman may be following in Oliver Queen's footsteps from Arrow.
Tim "Jace" Fox stepped into the role of DC Comics' first black caped crusader during the "Future State" event of early 2021. His solo series, Future State: The Next Batman, took place in an alternate future, while the current I Am Batman series written by John Ridley explores his time under the cowl in the main DC Universe. Now, a preview for I Am Batman #6 shows the series incorporating the idea of deputizing vigilantes, as was explored in the seventh season of Arrow.
When Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) was freed from prison, he resumed his crime-fighting unmasked and with the support of the Star City Police Department, though it came with caveats. Unlike the hero's usual methods through intimidation, breaking and entering, etc., he had to follow police procedures and rules, which is something Oliver and Team Arrow struggled with at times. Now, Jace's new home base -- New York City -- wants to deputize him as a way to control him.
The preview shows Jace embracing what he feels his Batman should be, which is a hero for the streets and someone that people can see making a difference. New York City's commissioner immediately suggests "taking out" Jace with a specialized squad, which New York's mayor suggests would not go over well with the public. To "make sure [Jace] follows the letter of the law," the mayor discusses bringing him into the police force. Of course, this goes against part of Jace's current mission, which is ensuring that institutions and those with power do not abuse it.
Though Jace now has the full support of his father, Lucius Fox, in his efforts to be Batman, his departure to New York also marks a time where Gotham City has no Batman watching over it. Bruce Wayne is currently away from his home in an attempt to clear the name of Batman Inc., now funded by Superman villain Lex Luthor. Jace can be seen fighting for his adopted city in the preview for I Am Batman below, covers and solicitation included.
I AM BATMAN #6
- Written by JOHN RIDLEY
- Art by KEN LASHLEY
- Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
- Variant by FRANCESCO MATTINA
- 1:25 variant by KHARY RANDOLPH and EMILIO LOPEZ
- Black history month variant by ALEXIS FRANKLIN
- $3.99 US | 32 pages | $4.99 US Variant (Card stock)
- ON SALE 2/8/22
- Jace Fox's baptism by fire as Batman during "Fear State" was the first step toward his next great challenge—a relocation to the Big Apple! Joining his mother and sisters in the move as they arrive to the city, Jace will find new adventure, a rekindled love, and terrifying new adversaries as "Empire State of Mind" begins!
I Am Batman #6 is written by Ridley with art by Ken Lashley, colors by Rex Lokus, letters by Troy Peteri and main cover art by Alex Sinclair and Olivier Coipel. Variant covers for the issue were contributed to by Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez, Francesco Mattina and Alexis Franklin. The issue goes on sale Feb. 8 from DC Comics.
Source: DC Comics