Summary
Warning! Batman and Robin #10 spoilers ahead!Man-Bat’s unpredictability has always made him a dangerousBatmanfoe, and now his latest ‘upgrade’ makes him even worse. After an intense investigation, the Dark Knight finally manages to stop Kirk Langstrom, only to discover an unfortunate reality that could pose a danger to himself and the rest of Gotham down the line.
InBatman and Robin #10by Joshua Williamson, Simone Di Meo, and Nikola Čižmešija,Man-Bat’s new persona the Battakes to the skies, ready to transform Gotham into a city of animal-human hybrids. Batman fights the Bat and manages to turn him back into Kirk Langstrom by turning the genetically altered bats against him.
Langstrom goes quietly and assists undoing the damage he did as the Bat. Batman reveals to Robin thatwhile Langstrom started with the two personas, Man-Bat has begun developing more. Batman resolves to keep an eye out and get Langstrom the help he needs.
Man-Bat is Creating Multiple Personalities on Top of His Previous Ones
When Batman and Robin reforged their partnership, they noticed someone was going around pilfering from labs and targeting scientists who specialized in genetics. The Dynamic Duo’s investigation would eventually lead them to Man-Bat, or rather, a new, intimidating version of the villain who called himself the Bat. Seeing himself as the true heir of Gotham, the Bat sought to replace Batman as the city’s sole protector. From weaponizing bats to working with a cult founded in his name, the new and improvedMan-Bat did everything he could to corrupt Batman’s symbol and take it for himself.
The tragedy is that no matter how hard Kirk Langstrom tries to keep his dark side contained, it inevitably comes out. If that wasn’t bad enough, Langstrom now has at least two alternate personas inside his mind. But Batman raises the possibility that there could be even more alter egos potentially lurking inside Langstrom’s mind. The Bat mentioned he was the result of Langstrom experimenting on himself so many times over the years, with death allowing him to return as something ‘superior’.But if there are other personalities in Man-Bat’s head, how much longer until they come out?
Man-Bat Could Be Hiding an Even More Dangerous Version of Himself
Man-Bat is often portrayed as a vicious monster. The Bat was a more intelligent and far more insidious take on the hybrid villain. What other kinds of personalities could be waiting in Langstrom’s subconscious? And how would they differ from Langstrom or his two batty alter egos? The idea of Man-Bat having more than one identity is an intriguing one and adds even more layers of pathos to an already compelling villain. Hopefully, the next timeBatmanreaders see Man-Bat’s new personality, it’ll be a bit more friendly than the Bat was.
Batman and Robin #10is available now from DC Comics.
Batman and Robin #10 (2024)
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
