Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman #153!I know it sounds crazy, but I’m pretty sureBatman’stwisted newCaptain America-like rival is actually his long-lost ‘brother’. A new day has dawned for the DC Universe and as Bruce Wayne starts to look to the future, his past is coming back to haunt him.
You might be saying “Wait, Batman has a brother?” and the truth is, maybe. The New 52 introduced readers and Bruce to a man known as Lincoln March, a foe not only connected tothe mysterious Court of Owls, but potentially the Wayne Family. If I was a gambler, I’d say the new vigilante that has come to Gotham City is none other than Bruce’s sibling.
Commander Star Arrives to Replace Batman in Gotham
Right as Bruce’s Control of Wayne Enterprises is Challenged
InBatman #153by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles, Bruce has been putting in a lot of hard work into improving his city.While parts of Old Gothamhave been revitalized and turned into affordable housing, Wayne Enterprises is facing blowback from protesters, who are framing Bruce’s endeavor as a handout to migrants. To make matters worse, Wayne Enterprises’ new CEO, Rowan Birkemoe, reveals that the company’s resources are stretched thin. However,Birkemoe is actually working with the Riddlerand after Rowan fails to convince Bruce to consider a merger, she suggests plan ‘B’.
Riddler has been through some changes as seen in the “Dark Prisons” arc ofBatman #145-149 (2024).
After the meeting, Batman heads to stop a crew of jewel thieves who have just stolen a cache of diamonds. However, another hero is on the scene, a man wearing a costume modeled after the American flag who is armed with guns and arm blades.Commander Star, as he introduces himself, assists Batman by shooting one of the thieves in the leg, earning him Batman’s scorn. But Star is welcomed byGotham’s new Police Commissioner, Vandal Savage. Batman flees after Savage calls for his arrest, while Vandal cozies up to the new vigilante.
… someone has challenged Bruce for half of his shares in Wayne Enterprises.
Batman discusses the city’s newest vigilante with Leslie Thompkins, who reassures Bruce that even with this new vigilante and the Riddler’s new enterprise, Bruce is doing everything he can to make Gotham better. Unfortunately, Bruce’s night gets worse when he leaves Thompkins’ clinic and is approached by Birkemoe at Bruce’s home. Birkemoe informs Batman that someone has challenged Bruce for half of his shares in Wayne Enterprises. Butwhat really jostles Batman is Birkemoe asking if he has a brother.
The Court of Owls is Using Their Greatest Asset to Take Over Gotham
Batman’s Brother is Being Set Up to Replace Him
Like I said, the New 52 revealed that Lincoln March was the alias of a man who believed himself to be Thomas Wayne, Jr., an orphaned child who was groomed by the Court of Owls to replace Bruce Wayne. While Bruce never conclusively proved March was his brother or not, there were just enough details in his story that seemed true. March returned to haunt Batman several times over the years, though Bruce never grew closer to the truth. And after Bruce used a freeze grenade on Lincoln,it seemed like this Batman mystery was dead for good.
Lincoln March’s first appearance was way back inBatman Vol. 2 #1 (2011)!
Granted, at this juncture, Commander Star could be anyone. But with everything we’ve seen in this story so far, Lincoln would be the most likely choice. The Court of Owls has a major presence inBatman #153through the mysterious Leonid, who wants Riddler and his new company to continue unabated. Not to mention Rowan Birkemoe angling to have Wayne Enterprises acquired by Nygmatech. Throw in the Court-backed Commissioner Savage hyping up Commander Star as the hero Gotham needs,and we have a conspiracy with the Court of Owls right at the center of it.
To be fair, the last time March was seen, he was in an undead state and that was before Batman put him on ice. But for the Court of Owls, death is a matter of inconvenience. Plus, what better way to really stick it to the man that’s been a thorn in their side for years than by seizing Batman’s company and replacing him with a hero that the Court of Owls controls? This new story arc has just begun, but I can’t see a scenario where Commander Star isn’t Batman’s brother.
Commander StarHasto Be Lincoln March
It’s Time to Resolve This Plot Point Once and For All
While Lincoln March wasn’t every fan’s cup of tea, I think it’s a great time to bring him back. After all, it’s never actually been confirmed if March was actually Thomas Wayne Jr. or not. Having him back in Gotham as a demented Homelander-esque riff on Batman is pretty unique and if it really is March under those stars and stripes, we can finally, hopefully, get an answer on whether he’s kin to the Caped Crusader or not. While I don’t know for certain that DC’s evil new ‘Captain America’ isBatman’sbrother, I have a real feeling he is.
Batman #153is available now from DC Comics.
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.
