Batman: Knightfall Omnibus Vol. 2

Background. Following Bruce Wayne’s back injury in the first volume, DC took a bold step: letting another character don the Batman suit. But not Dick Grayson or Tim Drake, the obvious candidates, but Jean-Paul Valley, a young man manipulated by the religious order known as the System, programmed for violence. The result was a radically different Batman: armour with claws, a flamethrower and zero moral restraint.

What’s inside. The complete Knightquest saga, with Jean-Paul Valley operating as Batman whilst Bruce Wayne tries to recover. It includes his clashes with villains such as the Faceless Assassin, Abattoir, Mister Freeze and the return of Bane. Alongside this, the issues where Bruce Wayne crosses paths with Lady Shiva and trains his body.

Why it’s worth reading. Knightquest is the boldest experiment DC has ever undertaken with Batman: a Batman who kills, who does not follow Bruce’s moral code, and who is also technically more effective. It poses a genuine question: what makes Batman Batman—the suit or the principles? The answer provided by the writers redefines the character forever. Essential reading to understand why Batman does not kill.

Publication details. 976 pages. Second volume of the omnibus trilogy. US edition published by DC Comics. ISBN 9781401274368.