WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Next Batman: Second Son #8, by John Ridley, Travel Foreman, Norm Rapmund, Deron Bennett and Rex Lokus, on sale now.

The Next Batman: Second Son has been coy about the dark secret from his past that Tim "Jace" Fox has been trying to keep. Before Tim ends up as the new Batman in "Future State," The Next Batman: Second Son has been shedding light on what happened before he took up the mantle, offering insight into what put him on the heroic path after he changed his name to Jace and became a mercenary, hunting villains across the globe.

Now, The Next Batman: Second Son #8 reveals what Tim was running from, and it involves a brutal accident that he covered up with his family's power, wealth and influence.

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Jace's mom, Tanya, was recently seen sealing files for his trial, making it clear she wants nothing to come out that could hurt the family's reputation. This is part of the reason why Jace has also been at odds with Lucius, because while the family's endured a torrid time in the public eye after accepting the Wayne fortune, he needs to come clean. He's grateful his dad helped him cover up things, but Jace needs to clear his conscience in order to move on.

A flashback reveals that Tim was a spoiled brat, who took full advantage of the cars, jets and everything Lucius had at his disposal. The Fox patriarch was always busy working for Bruce so this was his way of satiating Tim, not realizing he was neglecting his son. One night, after a disagreement at a party, Tim angrily got behind the wheel of a car, leaving his sister Tamara behind.

Unfortunately, Tim was distracted by his phone, and ended up hitting a pedestrian. This is undoubtedly Enrique Acevedo, which ties into the files Tim's mother, Tanya, has kept out of his current court case. Sadly, rather than tend to the bleeding guy, who's painfully calling for help, Tim flees the scene. The flashback ends with a young Tim asking for his father's help.

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This sheds light on many of the facets explored in this series, from the resentment Jace has towards himself, to Luke, his brother, thinking he's a vile coward. It further informs why Jace is looking to atone, fighting crime and helping the underprivileged on the ground when he later dons the Bat-suit.

Most of all, this reveals a dark side to the Fox family as they continue to show signs of corruption and hypocrisy. It explains why Jace didn't want to come home, as he was steeped in guilt and shame that he could have tarnished his family name so grievously.

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