Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for DC K.O.: Knightfight #3
One of Batman’s current DC storylines is setting up a new encounter with one of the greatest challenges The Dark Knight has ever faced. Rather than a new villain or cosmic threat, Bruce Wayne will soon be facing something far more personal, and arguably far harder to overcome.
As seen in the pages of DC K.O.: Knightfight, Batman has been tested both physically and emotionally. However, teases for the final issue suggest the one challenge Bruce may never defeat isn’t some villain or monster, but an elusive concept that has forever clashed with his identity as Batman and his never-ending crusade: happiness.
Batman’s DC K.O. Trials Have Been Super Intense
Tying into the greater DC K.O. crossover, Knightfight has been revealing what happened to Batman after he lost in the first round of the King Omega tournament.
Batman’s journey through these various trials presented by the Heart of Apokoliops has been brutal. Assuming he can complete them all and the Heart is satisfied, there is a chance for The Dark Knight to reenter the tournament, the winner of which will gain the power to rival Darkseid before he destroys the universe.
So far, Batman has faced twisted alternate versions of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, who each became Batman in their respective realities crafted by the Heart. Both fights carried significant emotional weight, especially since Bruce was consistently trying to avoid fighting his family.
After defying the Heart’s wishes in Knightfight #3 by refusing to fight Tim Drake’s Batman, the Heart of Apokolips decides to change tactics rather than send even more alt-versions of his Bat-Family who’d taken on Bruce’s mantle.
Batman’s Final Heart of Apokolips Test Is…Happiness?
Naturally, the Heart’s final test centers on Damian Wayne, Bruce’s son and the last Robin he has yet to face in Knightfight.
However, this new reality is different from the others, as Damian’s Gotham no longer needs a Batman at all. Looking outside, an older Bruce Wayne can see what was once Crime Alley (where his parents died), and vibrant and full of life, with the war Bruce dedicated his life to already won.
Likewise, this older Damian explains that he knows this world is false, and he’s willing to help Bruce escape. However, he first wants to show Bruce what’s at stake and everything to be gained from this reality. This is when this alt-Damian introduces his own son named Alfred (Batman’s grandson).
The dilemma is clear: this is a Gotham where Bruce Wayne could finally be happy and leave the mantle of Batman behind for good.
Unfortunately, happiness in any form has always been hard for Bruce to maintain, being inherently antithetical to how he operates as The Dark Knight. After all, happiness played a big role in preventing Batman’s marriage to Catwoman, as she was led to believe that a happy Bruce Wayne would compromise his ability to be Batman.
Achieving true and ongoing happiness and genuine contentment has always been one of Batman’s greatest challenges. As such, it’s going to be fascinating to see “Batman vs Happiness” as this new issue teases for the final issue of Knightfight that’s still to come.
DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 is on sale now from DC Comics.
- Created by
-
Bob Kane, Bill Finger
- Latest TV Show
-
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
