Well, the oft-pondered mystery of what will happen to Dick Grayson as Batman once Bruce Wayne returns to the cape and cowl was finally answered today via an article in the New York Post which was then confirmed by DC Comics' Source Blog.
As you can probably judge from the Frank Quitely cover of Batman and Robin #16, Dick Grayson will be staying on as The Dark Knight, even as Bruce returns to the streets. The previously announced Batman, Inc., written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Yanick Paquette, will be Bruce's starring book as he attempts to establish a global presence of Batman. Bruce will also be taking the center stage as Batman in David Finch's upcoming ongoing series Batman: The Dark Knight. Both titles launch in November.
"Grayson's role really is the protector of Gotham City," said DC co-publisher/Executive Editor Dan Didio. "But we thought it only made sense for Bruce Wayne, a billionaire, to take a more global view."
Think of it as a Batman franchise.
So while Bruce Wayne is frolicking around in Batman, Inc. and The Dark Knight, Dick Graysion and Damian Wayne will remain the central characters in Batman, Batman and Robin, and Detective Comics. It's an interesting twist to the Batman ideal, but strangely appropriate when you consider Bruce's billionaire businessman status. Why wouldn't he want to expand his successful franchise to a globally recognized brand?
Bat-book editor Mike Marts said “Just as readers were getting comfortable with the idea of former sidekick Dick Grayson playing the role of Batman, along comes Bruce Wayne’s triumphant return to the Cape and Cowl. Is Gotham City ready for two Batmen? Is the world? And who’s to say the fun will end there?”
As always, stay tuned to CraveOnline for everything in the Bat-verse!
