For those familiar with Batman’s publication history, it’s a treasure-trove of references to spot. This comes through the stories shared, littering subtle and not-so-subtle references to classic tales and ideas from over the decades. Showing these conflicting events and scenarios allows the creative team to include as many retrospective elements as possible. It could be read any time and align with whatever you have in your headcanon. While this is set after Batman’s “death” is the Final Crisis comic book event, it has been written in a way that doesn’t reference that story. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s all explained.Ī brief aside for those who’re concerned about continuity. The tales begin to contradict one another and describe impossible scenarios. However, things start to seem odd as the funeral goes on. They delve into what Batman means to them, how he inspired them, and what the hero stood for. As Batman’s body lays lifeless at the front, everyone gets a chance to go up and say their piece.

The story is set at Batman’s funeral, which is attended by an array of allies and villains. Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader? Deluxe Edition cover by Andy Kubert. From there, Gaiman doesn’t try to ape the 1986 classic but instead tells his own love letter. While the Superman story was told through Superman #423 and Action Comics #583, this was published in Batman #686 and Detective Comics #853. Titled Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?, the story followed the structure of the Superman tale by being serialised in two parts over the flagship titles. But who do you get to write such a tale? Neil Gaiman, of course, with art by Andy Kubert. However, he eventually received one in 2009 when it was thought the Dark Knight had “died” at the hands of Darkseid in Final Crisis. One of the greatest Superman stories of all time is Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow? Published in 1986, the Alan Moore-penned love letter said “goodbye” to the Golden and Silver Age versions of Superman before John Byrne rebooted the character after Crisis on Infinite Earths.īatman didn’t require the same overhaul as Superman, so a retrospective exploration wasn’t necessary. You can find all the reading recommendations here.

Bat-Classics is a regular column in which How To Love Comics recommends Batman stories from yesteryear.

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