Batman's Forgotten Team is Finally Back For Their Revenge
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman #120
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Batman, the Dark Knight faces his forgotten global team he'd abandoned: Batman Incorporated. Upon learning that his old network of vigilantes seemingly murdered a new villain known as Abyss, Batman leaves Gotham City for the country of Badhnisia to investigate. However, it seems as though the Caped Crusader has stumbled onto something far more complex than expected. Furthermore, it looks like Batman Inc. has a bone to pick with their former leader as well.
The international team Batman Inc. was a creation of Grant Morrison in 2010 following Bruce Wayne's resurrection after he was killed by Darkseid. Essentially, Batman decided to franchise his crusade, taking it worldwide beyond Gotham City as he recruited and trained vigilantes all over the world, forming a massive network of heroes. Many of these agents included Man-of-Bats, El Gaucho, Bat-Man of China, Dark Ranger, and the Hood. Interestingly enough, this new Batman era from Joshua Williamson has revealed that they stayed together as a team despite its official end when Batman left (along with his funding). However, the fact that they'd be willing to murder someone has the Dark Knight very concerned.
Things only get more complicated and confusing for Bruce when it's revealed Abyss isn't as dead as was reported. The villain blinds Batman shortly after Bruce's surprise meeting with Lex Luthor, who admits to being Batman Inc.'s new financial backer. Now, Batman #120 from Joshua Williamson, Jorge Molina, and Mikel Janín features Batman meeting with his former team directly, though they all seem to be harboring quite a lot of bitterness towards the Dark Knight, attacking him in their anger for his rejection of them.
While it's good that Batman's old team aren't murderers, the truth may be far worse. Apparently, they're all working for Abyss with the intent to kill Luthor despite the former villain acting as their donor. However, the big question is whether or not Abyss has corrupted the Bat-heroes using some form of mind-control, or if they've chosen to work with him of their own free will. After all, they do claim to have a new purpose given to them in the wake of Batman not seeming to care about them at all.
While the blame may very well be on Batman for abandoning the team of heroes he put together, the fact that Batman Inc. is being funded by Lex while Abyss is leading the team to kill Luthor himself is pretty suspect. Clearly, it seems Batman's brawl with his old and very vengeful allies in Batman Incorporated is only the first of more to come. Seeing as how he's currently still blinded from the attack by Abyss, it's likely he'll have no choice but to team up with Luthor as well in the issues to come so he can uncover the truth.