Every now and then, we try to put together clues and squint really hard to see the hints that are being dropped all around us, to get a leg up on what might be coming from a series or a publisher. And, by golly, I think I’ve got this one figured out.
A few months ago, DC released the solicitation for “Earth 2 Annual” #1, which had the following text:
The new Batman of Earth 2 debuts as The Atom begins a mission to lead a new team of heroes—but are any of them prepared for the threat they’re about to face?
Immediately, speculation began (at least in my own head) about who the new Batman would be. At first, I speculated in “Greetings From Earth 2” that:
A new Batman seems like one of two things: a) a World Army intimidation technique or b) a civilian trying to avenge his role model. Neither seems like it would work out too well. I’m thinking it is more a) than b), and I’m thinking that this new Batman isn’t going to turn out so well.
Then again, maybe this is the Earth 2 Dick Grayson ascending to the same role his New Earth counterpart did when his Bruce Wayne died. Only time will tell.
But then, I started to pay a bit more attention and came to a new conclusion, which I teased in last month’s “Greetings From Earth 2:” I think the new Batman is actually the Earth 2 Superman. Here are my six reasons for thinking so:
1. His “death” has already been questioned
I mentioned this in the last “Greetings from Earth 2,” but I distinctly remembered reading Dan DiDio questioning if Earth 2 Superman actually died. Here is the “death” panel from “Earth 2” #1:
We see something happen to Supes there, but is he dead? Not as definitively as Batman or Wonder Woman is.
And here is the report ofwhat DiDio said, back in May 2012, at Kapow (via Comic Book Resources):
One fan spoke up, telling DiDio that as a newcomer to comics he wasn’t sure how the previous Earths had fit together, but that he “loved” the new “Earth 2” series, but was disappointed that Earth 2 Superman died. “Well yeah, but is he dead?” DiDio countered, prompting Bob Wayne to interrupt him with a fake coughing fit.
2. The physique
Now, I know that this is comics and everyone is super muscular, but look at how Andy Kubert, not exactly Rob Liefled in terms of over-muscling someone, drew him:
I mean, those are no normal thighs. Those are some Kryptonian glutes.
All kidding aside, he simply appears to be too muscular and built to be a human. And since the only alien beings we’ve met in this universe are New Gods and Kryptonians, and he almost certainly isn’t a New God, that leaves only one option.
3. The color scheme
Red, while a color that the “Flashpoint” Batman used, has never been a part of the Bat costume in any real way. I saw some people online speculate that this is an Earth 2 Dick Grayson giveaway, as his current (New Earth) costume also has red accents, and his past as Robin is also red-heavy. However, the red, and specifically the triangular encasement around the red bat, is very reminiscent of the Superman emblem. Check out this shot from the preview of “Earth 2” #13 (via Comic Book Resources):
That pose is all Batman, but the lighting on the costume is all Superman.
4. Motivation
In the pages of the annual, Batman was seen attempting to track down Steppenwolf – now, granted, most humans probably want Steppenwolf dead, but Batman seems especially motivated. Is it perhaps because, as the “death” panel shows, that Superman vows to kill him? His motivation for seeking revenge is not just the death of a huge swath of mankind, but also killing Wonder Woman, killing Lois Lane, and being responsible for the death/disappearance of Supergirl. Plus, we know that…
Continued below5. This Superman is ok with killing
Before “Earth 2” launched, DC’s The Source was doing a series of posts with the costume redesigns and a blurb about each character. Here is what DC editor Pat McCallum said about Superman (the original article has gone missing, but Comic Book Resources reported in and that report is still online):
“What would you have to do to teach Superman to kill? He’s endured the loss of his home world, and now the Last Son of Krypton must weather the death of his soul mate Lois Lane. Just how far can you bend the Man of Steel before he breaks?”
We see him kill in the annual, and not exactly in a merciful way (if such a thing as a merciful killing even exists when involving Superman):
6. He is supposed to have “line-wide” importance
Robinson had this to say about the character when he spoke to MTV Geek in March:
“He’s a huge part of ‘Earth 2,’ he’s going to be a huge part of the DC Universe, and everything he does from the Annual onward will have huge implications for the DC Universe.”
To me, that signifies both a character that we’ve seen before, as well as a character that would be recognized even off of his home planet. That implies only one guy: Superman.
Of course, there are a few weird things to consider as well: why does he appear either de-powered, or choose not to use his power? Why wouldn’t he just appear as Superman, instead of donning the cowl? It isn’t exactly a slam dunk theory, but I think it is a pretty decent bet.
Time will tell if I’m right or wrong, but leave your comments/criticisms in the comments, and tune in next week for a double-sized “Greetings From Earth 2” with an interview will guest artist Yildiray Cinar!
