Batman‘s biological son seemed destined to become a villain when he first arrived in the DC Universe. But that has all changed, now that Damian Wayne‘s future has been revealed, giving him a new Batsuit that rewrites DC history forever.
Trained to be a killer by his mother and grandfather, Talia and Ra’s Al Ghul, Damian has battled a reputation as an unfit successor to the role of Batman ever since. Not only is the new Batsuit worn by Damian Wayne in DC’s future a massive change from his former fate, but a design that may instantly be named one of Batman’s best designed suits, ever.
Damian Wayne Finally Gets A Batsuit As DC’s Future Batman
The New Batsuit Design Proves How Far Batman’s Son Has Come
Following the death of Batman in DC K.O.‘s opening battle, Bruce Wayne’s consolation prize is a chance to meet all his former Robins, all grown up into the Batmen who will one day replace him.
With artist Dan Mora’s designs for all four Batmen coming to DC K.O. Knightfight now unveiled, it’s Damian Wayne who delivers the biggest surprise.
When the modern Damian Wayne was introduced by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert in 2006, it wasn’t long before the aptly-numbered Batman #666 revealed the horrific future in which Damian claimed the mantle of Batman. The story, like Damian’s trench coated costume, was ambitious, bold, and unforgettable.
The lack of a formal Batsuit was to be expected at the time, as were the nightmarish events and deaths that would see Damian actually follow in Bruce’s footsteps. But much has changed in the nearly 20 years since then, with Damian slowly being shaped by the positive aspects of the Batman Family.
That altered, dare we say ‘improved’ destiny seems to be reflected in Damian’s new suit: keeping and highlighting the shoulder-based Bat insignia of his former trench coat, adapted to a Batsuit more befitting a man without deep-seated hatred for the Batman legacy.
But even if Mora’s design leaves questions about this specific Damian’s future, it also confirms that comparisons or connections to Batman v Superman‘s most shocking movie Batsuit can finally be finished, once and for all.
The Trench Coat Batsuit Now Belongs To Ben Affleck’s ‘Knightmare’ Alone
The Snyder Batsuit Was So Iconic It Was Brought Into The Comics, Too
There is no question that Damian Wayne incorporated a trench coat as a signature part of his Bat-uniform first, donning it a full decade before Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman ‘Knightmare’ delivered its version. Yet comparisons were unavoidable and, unfairly, saw Ben Affleck’s costume gain the advantage in their battle.
How else would you explain the Batman comics literally dressing Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman‘s Batsuit with their own explanation? And even Damian has seen his once-demonic trench coat opened to more closely resemble the Affleck version in the pages of Batman: Urban Legends (above).
Whether it is Mora’s intention, or that of DC editorial, introducing a new Batsuit achieves two major steps forward for the character. First, acknowledging that the question of “how Damian Wayne could become Bruce’s successor” has changed for the better. And second, giving him a new costume, evolved from his original, but entirely his own.
For now, fans can debate just how much Damian is going to be using that katana strapped to his back, and what weapons are contained in his multiple holsters. Will the answers to those questions change Damian Wayne from ‘hero’ to ‘villain’?
DC K.O. Knightfight #1 arrives on November 5, from DC Comics.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
