Batman #22 provided a rare opportunity for a son to meet his father, a memory he’s been avenging for the majority of his life. He also got some parental advice, but perhaps not the advice he was expecting.
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Spoilers incoming for Batman #22, so you’ve been warned.
Bruce finally had the chance to meet his father in part three of “The Button”, in a universe he didn’t even know existed. The Flashpoint universe was created by The Flash when he meddled with the past, and in this time Thomas Wayne became the Batman after his son and wife were killed. The reunion is cut short as the alternate universe starts to deconstruct, as whatever was holding it in place has now let go. As the cosmic treadmill is geared up to escape, Thomas pushes Bruce into the Flash, telling Flash to save him.
Before Bruce disappears, Thomas says “You were my world son. I delivered you myself…and the moment I saw you…I knew every choice I’d ever made had been the right ones…because they led to you.” What follows is a big shock to Bruce and fans alike, as Thomas says “You’re the greatest gift this life has ever given me, and there is more I should have shared in that letter, so listen to me…Don’t be Batman. Find Happiness. Please. You don’t have to do this. Don’t do it for me. Don’t do it for your mother. Be a father for your son in a way I never could be for you. Let the Batman die with me.”
Bruce’s life-long mission has been to avenge his parent’s death by keeping Gotham protected from similar acts. His dad’s words will likely linger for some time, and it remains to be seen if Bruce will change course after this latest set of circumstances is resolved.
Batman #22 is written by Joshua Williamson with art by Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson. The official description is located below.
“THE BUTTON” part three! The cataclysmic events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1 continue here! The Dark Knight and The Fastest Man Alive, the two greatest detectives on any world, unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood-stained smiley button embedded in the Batcave wall. What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects! It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here!
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