by Jeremy DeFatta
Happy new book day, everyone! Today, I want to look at my favorite (or soon to be favorite) non-canonical depictions of Bruce Wayne. This is a sampling that I’ve assembled in no particular order. Please feel free to respond to my list or give me one of your own in the comments below.
1. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Several entries on my list will be Elseworlds comics, but I felt that Kingdom Come deserved first mention. This is a daring romp through a future world where all of DC’s familiar superheroes have grown old and retired, leaving the world to descendants who do little more than run about unchecked causing all sorts of havoc. That is, until Superman decides to get a few friends back together.
This is rightfully regarded as one of a few great archetypal superhero stories. Though it consists of most of DC’s Golden Age (and then some) roster, I want to include this book because of its depiction of the Batman/Bruce Wayne character, especially by the end of the story. Here, Bruce is old and unable even to stand without mechanical aid because of how brutal he was to his body in his time as Batman, but his mind and detective skills are as sharp as ever. Add to that a moving scene showcasing the lasting friendship within DC’s holy trinity—Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman—and you’ll understand why this book is a highly regarded classic.
2. Gotham by Gaslight by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola
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