Warning: SPOILERS for Batman Universe #5
Even casual comic book fans have seen Batman become a Green Lantern once or twice, typically for only a matter of seconds, before he (and the ring) realize he's better off in the shadows. But in the pages of the new Batman Universe, the Dark Knight has ended up with a different kind of ring on his finger... and the entire Green Lantern Corps united against him. Even for Batman, that's an out of the ordinary adventure.
The reveal comes in the latest pages of Batman Universe #5, paying off a multi-issue chase between Batman and Vandal Savage. After playing a hunch that the magical artifact being sought by the villain contained a familiar piece of jewelry, Batman became a new kind of White Lantern. But where that might be cause for fans to celebrate under normal circumstances, the Green Lantern Corps has shown up to make their displeasure known. From there... things only get worse.
The fight with Vandal can barely be called one, since one single blow from this white power ring knocks the villain out for good. Sadly, Bruce only has time to tell Nightwing that -- having been a White Lantern once already -- this weapon feels different. His best conclusion or working theory is that the ring is an ancient prototype of a Green Lantern ring, perhaps abandoned for the same reason that he now feels as if the ring is wearing him, and not the other way around. It's then that what looks to be a massive force of Green Lanterns arrive with no intention of treating Batman like an ally. Which is their mistake, since the ring responds with violence even their rings can't match.
Possessing a power even greater than the Green Lanterns is one thing, and it's safe to assume the Green Lanterns will be moving to a full-on attack to separate Bruce from the weapon (apparently knowing more about its nature than even he's been able to deduce). But the issue ends with Bruce being swallowed up by the ancient power ring into a white, formless void. That's the kind of problem even Batman might not be equipped to handle. Hopefully, the next issue will prove the ring itself is a bigger threat than the Lanterns coming to collect. But until that day comes, readers can check out the full solicitations details and plot synopsis for the issue below:
- BATMAN UNIVERSE #5
- Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
- Art by: Nick Derington, Dave Stewart
- Cover Art by: Nick Derington
- Available to comics shops for the first time! After being gunned down in Crime Alley by Vandal Savage, Batman is mysteriously saved by the power source in the Faberge egg Savage has stolen! That power turns out to be a White Lantern ring-and when Batman uses it to defeat Savage, its energy signature calls the entire Green Lantern Corps to Earth...and they are not happy! Originally published in Batman Giant #11 and #12.
Batman Universe #5 is available now from your local comic book shop.