Warning! Spoilers for Batman #100 below!
Batman has overcome his toughest challenge yet, as the 'Joker War' has ended and the Dark Knight has regained some semblance of control over Gotham City. However, as one obstacle is cleared, another one has emerged. A new character named Ghost-Maker has debuted in the epilogue of Batman #100 and he's ready to give Gotham a new option as protector and hero.
Batman writer James Tynion originally teased Ghost-Maker as a new adversary for the Caped Crusader, whose past and future was said to be deeply tied in with Bruce Wayne and Batman. In a one-page epilogue at the end of the conclusion of the 'Joker War' arc by Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, and Tomeu Morey, Ghost-Maker makes his first appearance and his connection to Gotham's greatest hero is further teased.
Ghost-Maker's introduction begins with the hero looking over Gotham City in the wake of the war with Joker. He laments "what a mess you've made... our teachers would be ashamed of you." That's when he unsheaths his swords and monologues that it's time the city has a new choice in who's protecting them. He says "the truce is over. It's time for Gotham to meet the Ghost-Maker!" as the first glimpse of the character is shown.
It's only a one-page tease, but Tynion IV and Jimenez do a great job showcasing a brand new character whose mysterious connection to Batman adds a great amount of intrigue about who's behind the mask of Ghost-Maker. The fact they mention that they had the same teachers and previously had some sort of truce seems to suggest Ghost-Maker was also trained by the League of Assasins - which is supported by his choice of weapons, two deadly swords. Jimenez's design is stellar, as Ghost-Maker's body armor is accented by advanced tech and a dramatic cape. Aesthetically, Ghost-Maker looks like a real threat to Batman.
Ghost-Maker will arrive in Gotham City in Tynion IV and Jimenez's upcoming post-'Joker War' stories. It's exciting to see a new hero being introduced to the Batman lore, as the current creative team has already introduced a handful of interesting new characters that have fit in seemlessly, including Punchline and Clownhunter. With a sleek design and a deep-seated history with Bruce Wayne, Ghost-Maker's debut should have Batman readers excited about what's to come next. Can he become Gotham's premier hero, or will his connection to Batman ultimately be his undoing? We'll find out in future issues of the series. Batman #100 is in comic shops and available online now.