DC’s Boy Wonder Proves One of Batman’s Oldest Enemies Does Have a Heart

DC Comics’ Boy Wonder has finally discovered that one of his harshest critics really does have his best interests at heart.

The Boy Wonder #4 brings readers back to a confrontation between Damian Wayne and his grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul, during which the latter decides that his descendant will be better suited as a vessel for himself than as an independent agent. When Damian decides that he would rather die than fall victim to Ra’s’ plot, he makes what might have been the last leap of his life if not for the help of his mother, Talia al Ghul. Although Damian isn’t exactly open to the idea of reconciling with his mother after everything she has put him through, it is clear that Talia herself is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure her son’s safety, not to mention his happiness.

Written by JUNI BA Art by JUNI BA Colors by CHRIS O’HALLORAN Letters by ADITYA BIDIKAR Main cover art by JUNI BA Variant cover by VALENTINA NAPOLITANO

The daughter of the Demon’s Head himself, Talia al Ghul made her DC Comics debut in the pages of 1971’s Detective Comics #411 by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Bob Brown. Over the years, Talia has been one of Batman’s greatest love interests and worst enemies. Because of the former, the two sired a son, Damian, who Bruce himself wouldn’t learn about until years after the fact. Because of the latter, however, Bruce and Talia’s relationship has been strained to say the least, which hasn’t endeared her to her son any more than she already was.

Damian Wayne first appeared in Batman: Son of the Demon by writer Mike W. Barr and artist Jerry Bingham. The story focuses heavily on Bruce and Talia’s romance, including the two conceiving a child together. In a shocking turn, Talia faked their child’s death in order to manipulate Batman into helping her father take down one of his enemies. By the time the dust had settled, Bruce was left wondering how his life might have turned out if he never lost his child, whereas Talia left Damian to be adopted in secret with Batman none the wiser.

Damian rejoined the world of DC Comics in 2006’s Batman #655 by writer Grant Morrison and artist Andy Kubert, in which Talia brought her son into the field with her on a mission to spy on his father. Eventually, Bruce learned the truth of Damian’s origin and took him in as the new Robin. Although Damian’s early years were fraught with all manner of difficulties, particularly in adjusting to life as a crime-fighter rather than a cold-blooded killer, he soon enough found a place for himself alongside the rest of the Batman Family. Damian has also played a role on various lineups in the years since his reintroduction, including as a member of the Teen Titans.

The Boy Wonder #4 is on sale now from DC Comics.

Source: DC Comics