Most of the Bat Family members had big moments and great comic books in 2024. With the new year approaching, it’s time to look and see who we should watch in 2025. Will Tim Drake establish himself more than he has? Is 2025 the year Damian Wayne becomes a more treasured Robin? Will G. Willow Wilson's Poison Ivy remain one of the best DC comic books? All three are possible, but these ten characters are the ones you should pay the closest attention to.
Joker
It’s been a while since Joker has been Batman’s main villain. He fought Joker briefly when Zur-En-Arrh controlled Bruce’s body, but I wouldn’t count that as a major battle (Batman No.139-141 by Chip Zdarsky). Now is a good time for them to rekindle their rivalry. However, it would be nice if Joker went up against someone else in the Bat Family. Maybe play the game on easy like he did during Injustice.
The Court of Owls
The Court of Owls made their return (as if they ever left) during Batman No. 153. When this arc is over, it’s doubtful they’ll disappear. Look for them to tell Riddler and Mad Hatter they were used as stepping stones towards their bigger goals. It’ll be funny to see Edward Nygmand and Jervis Tetch shocked by the Court’s betrayal and interesting if they decide to make it their mission to get back at their betrayers.
Hush
Hush (real name Thomas Elliot) returns in Batman No. 158 on March 26, 2025, in a story written by Jeph Loeb with art by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. According to CBR, Joker will play a big part in Hush 2 (leading back to my earlier point about watching out for the Clown Prince of Crime in 2025). And (as seen in a Screen Rant article) Catwoman, Huntress, and Red Hood are part of his plan.
Red Hood
DC Comics writers have done a stellar job of making Jason Todd a beloved character. Hopefully whatever is going on in Hush 2 won’t stop that. Making him a villain who hates Batman would ruin over a decade’s worth of character development.
Dick Grayson
Dan Watters’ run of Nightwing began with Dick fighting an unknown villain from his past, trying to prevent a gang war, and learning that his good intentions have consequences. As this article is being written, Nightwing has only three issues. The rest of the arc should continue with more reveals and repercussions for Dick and Barbara Gordon.
Cassandra Cain
Cassie Cain has the potential to be one of the best Bat Family characters. She’s only been around for twenty-five years (debuting in Batman No. 567) and is just starting to hit her stride.
Since James Tynion's Detective Comics, Cassandra Cain evolved to be more than one of the best fighters. Now she has a fun personality and shows that she's smarter than people realize. The next step is to show that she’s just as good as newer characters like Miles Morales and Kamala Khan. That's currently taking place in
Kelly Thompson's Birds of Prey and Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa's Batgirl.
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred was killed back in Batman: City of Bane and, shockingly, he's remained that way only returning twice but dead both times (Joker War and Dark Knights Death Metal). He also appeared alive in an alternate universe (Batman: The Bat-Man of Gotham). While Bruce and Dick Grayson have improved as characters since his death, it’s about time he came back. Don’t be shocked if he’s been around for a while and didn’t tell his family. It's a very Alfred thing to do.
Absolute Batman
The story Scott Snyder is telling will have Absolute Batman competing for the best comic book of 2025. It’s already shown that there’s a ton of tales to tell within the first three issues. Imagine what Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta will do with a full year.
So far, we’ve seen the existence of Joker and the existence of the League of Assassins and hints about Bane. And the Black Mask story hasn't finished either. 2025 will reveal more and you don’t want to miss it.
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon hasn’t been Batgirl much over the years because she’s spent most of her time as Oracle. As great as she is as a vigilante, she’s better as Oracle. So much so that the Justice League helped set up the Watchtower’s computers and communications (DC All In Special No. 1). This should be the beginning of something big for her. Putting Babs in charge of the best heroes in the world is a job she’ll excel at.
Scarlett Martha Scott
The mystery behind Scarlett Scott will be a good one. We don’t know if she’s involved in the death of kids directly or if she’s just a pawn. Either way, this directly affects Bruce Wayne.
Scarlett isn’t just someone from Bruce's past who he just had sex with. She gave him a serum that helped his body de-age. When the company gets exposed for being part of dead teenagers, his name will be attached to the scandal. If Scarlett knew what was going on and still let Bruce take the drug, Bruce will be furious when he finds out.
What other Bat Family heroes and villains will have a big 2025? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.