Batman and Robin are set to finally reunite in DC's crossover event "Shadow War," with the estranged Dynamic Duo faced by Damian Wayne's mother Talia al Ghul in an exclusive preview from Shadow War: Alpha #1.
After participating in the deadly Lazarus Tournament, Damian and his newfound friends emerged triumphant while uncovering secrets about the League of Shadows and Ra's al Ghul's true destiny. The martial arts tournament also saw Damian grow closer to his mother Talia and witness a new, more sympathetic side to his grandfather Ra's. Meanwhile, Batman has gone international following the events of "Fear State" and is set for a reunion with his son while Damian and Talia bond over a nighttime sparring match.
Shadow War: Alpha #1 is written by Joshua Williamson, penciled by Viktor Bogdanovic, inked by Daniel Henriques and colored by Mike Spicer, showcasing Talia and Damian's duel as Ra's observes. The preview also reveals Dark Knight is engaged with a nocturnal confrontation of his own, evidently on the other side of the world, before the events of "Shadow War" bring him back together with his son. Batman and Robin previously had a severe falling out when the Caped Crusader discovered the extreme lengths Damian took against supervillains behind his back, including private cells and a willingness to employ lethal force.
"Shadow War" is poised to bring the father and son face-to-face for the first time since they acrimoniously parted ways, with solicits for Shadow War: Alpha #1 announcing that Deathstroke assassinates Ra's al Ghul. An incensed Talia takes command of the League of Shadows to declare an all-out war on Deathstroke and his recent rise to power over a new Secret Society of Super-Villains, chronicled in Deathstroke Inc., with Batman and Robin forced to team up to defuse this conflict before it can cause further bloodshed.
"Shadow War" will unfold in the pages of Batman, Robin and Deathstroke Inc., with March's Robin #12 and Deathstroke Inc. #7 serving as prologue issues leading directly into the crossover. This crossover is followed by DC's big summer event Dark Crisis, also written by Williamson, which has teased Deathstroke similarly playing a major role in the upcoming fight for the DC Multiverse.
SHADOW WAR: ALPHA #1
- Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
- Art by VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC
- Cover by JONBOY MEYERS
- Variant cover by VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC
- 1:25 variant cover by DAN MORA
- $5.99 US | 48 pages | Variant $6.99 US (card stock)
- ON SALE 3/29/22
- When Deathstroke assassinates Ra's al Ghul, Talia al Ghul demands revenge and sends her League of Shadows to kill Deathstroke and Deathstroke Inc.! Batman and Robin must team up to track down Deathstroke and bring him to justice…but do they? Expect over-the-top fights, action, mystery, and betrayal as this crossover event creates a major impact on the DCU!
- The action continues in April with Batman #122!
Written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Viktor Bogdanovic, Shadow War: Alpha #1 goes on sale March 29 from DC.
Source: DC