Batman by Grant Morrison Omnibus Vol. 3

Background. The third and final volume brings to a close seven years of Grant Morrison writing Batman. Here, Bruce Wayne has returned from his apparent death, has publicly declared that he is funding Batman, and launches Batman Incorporated: a global network of Batmen in every country. Morrison uses this structure to make his most explicit critique of the superhero’s corporate franchise, whilst tying up all the plot threads he has been developing since 2006.

What’s inside. The complete two volumes of Batman Incorporated, including the war against Leviathan (the criminal organisation led by Talia al Ghul) and the most controversial moment of the run: Damian Wayne’s death in combat. Art mainly by Chris Burnham, who adopts the visual style Frank Quitely had established in the previous volume.

Why it’s worth reading. Morrison concludes his run with a brutal emotional punch. Damian Wayne’s death is one of the most memorable scenes in modern Batman, and the conflict with Talia al Ghul redefines Bruce’s relationship with his family history. It is the resolution of one of the most ambitious runs ever written about the character, with a conclusion that carries real weight rather than being a publisher’s reset.

Publication details. 688 pages. Conclusion of the omnibus trilogy. US edition published by DC Comics. ISBN 9781779502711.