Batman: The Merciless #1
In "Wrath Child," a shattered Earth-12 bears the scars of a war that cost Wonder Woman her life, leaving Batman to don Ares’s power-amplifying helmet and embrace a new, merciless identity. Written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Francis Manapul in a striking, unified artistic vision, this first issue of Batman: The Merciless plunges readers into a dark, fractured reality where grief fuels transformation. Cover by Jay Fabok captures the storm of rage and destiny that defines this pivotal chapter.
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On Earth -12, Ares had fashioned a new helmet that amplified his powers. The Batman and Wonder Woman of that world, who were romantically involved, led the final battle to defeat Ares, but it cost Wonder Woman her life. Grief-stricken, Batman donned Ares helmet gaining his powers and becoming the new God of War. Recruited by the Batman Who Laughs, he travels to Earth 0, where he confronts a joint task force of the heads of A.R.G.U.S., S.H.A.D.E., the D.E.O. and Task Force X and turns them all against each other.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).