Back in August, artist Jorge Jiménez debuted Batman’s newest character, Commander Star. At first glance, he appeared to be someone with nothing but the American Dream on his mind. The more I examined the character and found out that he’ll be the Dark Knight’s next villain, it became clear that he was going to be a zealot. As he made his debut in Batman No. 153, it was obvious that I was right.
"I served my country, and now I intend to serve this city, a city in crisis." -Commander Star
Commander Star debuts “helping” Batman stopping criminals from driving into a park full of innocent people. One of the lawbreakers tries to escape and before the Caped Crusader can stop him, Commander Star shoots the criminal in his legs.
Batman is furious. He knocks the guns out of Commander Star’s hand reminding him that he shot a firearm in the street. Before things can escalate, Gotham Police Commissioner Vandal Savage says, “Step Back, Batman. From where I stand, this man just saved lives.” Mayor of Gotham City Christopher Nakano shows up and says he’s not letting another weaponized vigilante run the streets of Gotham. With that in mind, Vandal tells his officers to arrest Batman for his many crimes. Batman drops a smoke bomb and disappears.
There are a couple of things to note. First, Vandal Savage knows who Bruce Wayne is Batman. He’s even living in Wayne Manor (this happens in Batman: The Gotham War). In Batman No. 149, Vandal lights the Bat-Signal to get Bruce's attention. When the Dark Knight appears, Vandal attempts to tell Bruce how things will be. This conversation ends with Batman punching Vandal and telling him he can keep the mansion.
Vandal must be holding a grudge. He has the Court of Owls backing him and he's the police commissioner, but Batman is still doing whatever he wants. Now he has Commander Star to help him fight his nemesis.
"Mr. Star, I know we just met, but...I believe this city needs you now more than ever" -Vandal Savage
Speaking of Commander Star, we come to our second noteworthy point. The appearance of Commander Star is too convenient. We don’t know anything about him and he happens to appear as the Court of Owls continues their push for supremacy? He has to be working for the Court.
I assume he's working with the Court of Owls, but we don't know anything about him. Is he DC Comics’ version of a super soldier? Does he have meta-human abilities? Is he a new villain or an old one in disguise? There are tons of other questions that need answering. These are only a few. When more answers come, Caped Crusades will be here to report them.
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