So after the New 52 grand event of DC comics this was one of the most anticipated story lines I was dying to read. This started last June 2017 and compromised of several one shots and different tie ins providing the point of view of the different characters that are in the Dark Nights Metal Arc. 

The premise is simple what if Batman who we know is always the man with the plan and with enough preparation can defeat anyone becomes so emotional and broken that he becomes evil. That in his despair and loss turned against the Justice League. Out of the dark, demented nightmares of Scott Snyder and art by Greg Capullo comes Dark Nights: Metal. Out of the ashes he emerges as having their powers. There have been three things that were constant with Batman. His origin story of seeing his parents killed, that he does not have powers but relies on his intellect, preparation and immense wealth to overcome any problems and lastly he never kills. Screw you Batman VS Superman movie and your Martha line!! Sorry fanboy ranting there. 

![dark nights metal.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514459876/usmim76gx28qjh1dyv3v.jpg)
[Source](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKaRoL7WAAAW4xp.jpg)

I started my comic book journey with Marvel actually as a young kid I watched the cartoon Fox TV series [X-Men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men_(TV_series)) No one could use the TV if this was showing! This was my time! Oh man the memories!

In particular I was drawn to the ferocity of Wolverine! I have never been fans of goody-goody heroes like Superman and Cyclops so the likes of Batman and Wolverine who were darker appealed to me. 

![xmen.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514460092/cq5xtw8lu3pm7fchb55i.jpg)
[Source](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1e/59/3d/1e593dcb0cf4796e090a497d614dbd63.jpg)

I have been hooked in the different stories featuring Batman. Then [Batman The Animated Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_The_Animated_Series) which was voiced by the great Kevin Conroy. Whenever I read a Batman comic it is his voice that I hear in my head. Joker was voiced by the legendary Mark Hamill, who I think is the greatest Joker ever. Sorry to Heath Ledger fans who I agree that he did a great job but Mark will always be my best Joker. 

I have read almost all Batman series. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Batman: The Killing Joke by Allan Moore, Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne by Grant Morrison and Batman and the Court of Owls by Scott Snyder are my favorites and Dark Nights: Metal touches on some of these titles, It was a mind blowing moment as you realize how Scott Snyder took several Batman stories and provided some continuity here. 

![BTAS.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514460690/v6xv86nxdrehvfflfzh5.jpg)
[Source](http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/batman_tas_dvd.png)

Most have already watched the movie Justice League. So most would be familiar with who the principals are. You have your Trinity: Superman, Batman and Wonderwoman. You also have The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Cyborg. There are others that join from time to time as needed in the story arcs but these are your main cast. 

![466483_m1500739984.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514462719/kdtgknatzy0fr0u8zwnv.jpg)
[Source](https://www.movieinsider.com/images/p/466483_m1500739984.jpg)


So let us begin with origins of the different nightmare Batmans from the Dark Multiverse. I won't go through the theory of the [Multiverse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse_(DC_Comics)) as even for a comic book reader like me it is convoluted at times. 

**Batman: Red Death**

![Batman_The_Red_Death_Vol_1_1_Variant.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514462323/cciqmwxmyzg58uce2kry.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/b/bd/Batman_The_Red_Death_Vol_1_1_Variant.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170927170835)

The first story that we will cover happens in a dark multiverse that Bruce has been broken emotionally from losing everything that one of his three things that are constant with Batman is broken. 

He is going after The Flash and they are arguing about The Flash's powers. They battle it out but in the end as Bruce prepared for this fight and had taken everything in account on how to beat The Flash he emerges victorious clad in a red armor with red glowing eyes. He is now the Red Death!

I really don't want to spoil it so I'll just have a very general description for it and if you are interested to know more I suggest that you buy the comic. It is about $3.99 in Amazon for a digital copy if you don't want to spring for shipping or visit your local comic book store. 

**Batman: The Murder Machine**

![Batman_The_Murder_Machine_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514466929/nue32iznjqbne9wxk9ea.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/5/5f/Batman_The_Murder_Machine_Vol_1_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170927084540)

I am not really a fan of Cyborg but he has been a constant member of the Justice League. I first saw him in the Teen Titans story arcs but aside from that I don't really follow him. Yet when the dark multiverse Batman becomes Cyborg it is awesome. Bruce Wayne is already smart and is a technological genius but when he becomes the Murder Machine he becomes so much more!

This story resolves around the premise of what if Bruce Wayne's conscience and empathy disappeared. What if he becomes cold and so logical that loss of life is an acceptable parameter for him. 

A scene of the Murder Machine and Cyborg fights as he explains why he became like that. It is an awesome story. It ends with us seeing more of the different evil Batmen. Dark Knights of the stuff of nightmares. 

**Batman: Dawnbreaker**

![Batman_The_Dawnbreaker_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514464490/rojocfjv7mjqsxqnzy2w.jpg)

This starts off with a scene familiar to any Batman fan. Bruce's parents lying dead on the floor. As the robber looks at Bruce a Green Lantern ring swoops down and informs him that he is now part of the Green Lantern core. 

He takes the ring and uses it. We all know how strong Batman's will is. Here we have an ordinary person fighting gods and beings way above his power level and he comes on top. He bends the ring to his will and we see the corruption. When he recites his oath man it was just goosebumps! 

We end it with seeing for a demented Batman, a Batman who laughs. 

**Batman: The Drowned**
![Batman_The_Drowned_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514466750/dmmhdwc0xp81kachxuoc.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/2/20/Batman_The_Drowned_Vol_1_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20171018085801)

Aquaman was given a huge disservice with that [Super Friends](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Friends) cartoon. He was relegated as a comedic joke of the man that talks to marine animals. The real Aquaman is definitely bad ass as he is strong, almost impervious and does not talk but commands marine life. He is a king of almost more than half of the Earth!

I am hoping that the Aquaman movie will be awesome. 

When I first saw the cover I thought it was cool that they gender bended Batman here. She is Bryce Wayne. We get plopped into a  water world, a world drowned. 

There was a war between Bryce and the Atlanteans. She of course prepares for it and as we all know if Batman has enough time to prepare for it he can win any fight. 

A beacon lights the dark waters and we see the Batman who laughs talking to her, explaining the multiverse. 

**Batman: The Merciless**

![Batman_The_Merciless_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514468049/l14zepq2ql2p8e2gpqjf.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/f/fe/Batman_The_Merciless_Vol_1_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20171025073924)

Oh man when I saw the cover of Batman covered in armor, blood dripping from his sword and countless bodies beneath his feet I was sold to it!

Wonderwoman is said to be the strongest melee fighter of the Justice League. Her training as an Amazon fighter and combined with an almost god-like strength and stamina. Imagine that with Batman with his intellect and own fighting prowess. 

They are fighting the god of war, Aries after so many years. So many bodies of friends and comrades lay broken before Aries because he forged a new helmet that increased his powers. Batman was able to get it and when he put it on everything changed. He was power, he was god like, he was drunk with his strength, he was war and he was Merciless!

Damn this story is so good! By far this is my second most favorite origin of the nightmare Batmans!

**Batman: Devastator**

![Batman_The_Devastator_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514468691/ofyiux2ikla3ja1uwal3.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/3/3f/Batman_The_Devastator_Vol_1_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20171101091750)

That cover with Batman looking absolutely savage! I could hear him roaring into the night as he frightens everyone, chilling their blood. 

I love how this issue gets ideas from so many iconic stories of a battle of Batman VS Superman ( No, no, no we do not mention Zack Snyder's BVS, just stop with the Martha!) Sorry raging fanboy went out again. 

It takes cue on a Superman that has changed. From being an icon of hope to a harbringer of destruction. Most heroes are already dead, people population decimated. Batman holding a kryptonite spear and a Superman talking condescendingly to Batman. All is lost and as he is about to be killed he injects himself with a Doomsday virus. 

He transforms into a beast, logic and compassion disappearing as their is only rage and the need to pummel Superman. Hands bloodied Batman hears the voice of the Batman who laughs as he is inducted into the nightmares. 

**Batman who Laughs**

![The_Batman_Who_Laughs_Vol_1_1.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1514469625/kfmdnsi3ja9s4mz4qg4e.jpg)
[Source](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/b/b7/The_Batman_Who_Laughs_Vol_1_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20171115095634)

Oh man here we go! We have been teased so much with the appearance of The Batman Who Laughs in the various origins of the different nightmare Batmans. That cover says it all. That maniacal grin, that pasty face and those jokerized robins bound in chains, almost feral and wild in appearance. 

It is a tale as old as these characters. This relationship between Batman and Joker. There need for each other as one represents order and justice and other chaos and mayhem. The first part of The Dark Knight Returns talk about this, the Killing Joke made it so interesting. That idea of a single bad day changing things for everyone. Of pushing the limits until something snaps. 

Snap it does and this story was just so good! Unbelievably good! Sorry fanboying again here haha. 

I don't want to spoil it and I suggest that you and support this series. Go buy it now!! 

The origins are awesome and the back story and how it ties to the rest of the Batman stories through out the years. The whole purpose is to bring about this Entity called Barbatos, the so called Bat god ,who saw Batman through time and had him exposed to various metals called Nth metal. Scott Snyder is so good by being able to get parts from other graphic novels like Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne and Batman and the Court of Owls. This is story telling to another level and will surely become a new favorite of Batman fans. 

What is your favorite Batman story? 

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