Batman #500: Dark Angel

Quick answer

Batman #500: Dark Angel stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1993-10-31 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman (Bruce Wayne), Robin (Dick Grayson), Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Jean-Paul escapes serious injury when falling from a tall building, and blames the costume for slowing him down in his encounter with Bane. Absorbed in the System, he designs and creates a new one, very different from the classic Batman costume. Meanwhile, Nightwing learns that Bruce has passed the role of Nightwing on to Jean-Paul, and Mayor Krol forbids the police from interfering in any of Batman's activities. Clad in his new costume, Batman heads out for a final confrontation with Bane. Exploiting Bane's dependence on the Venom drug, he is, in time, victorious. At the last moment he pulls back from killing Bane, much to the relief of both Robin and Commissioner Gordon, the latter of whom is beginning to suspect that this isn't the Batman he knows . Notes: 64 page issue. Wraparound cover by Jose Quesada and Kevin Nowlan. Wraparound cover outer layer contains Batman. Wraparound cover inner layer contains Jean-Paul Valley. Wraparound cover is an embossed edition. Direct sales and newsstand cover by Kelley Jones. Covers colored by Bob LeRose. Covers supervised by Curtis King. Pencils and inks by Jim Aparo and Terry Austin from pages 1-28. Pencils and inks by Mike Manley from pages 29-56. " Classic Batman " a postcard attached to the inside front cover by Jim Aparo. " The New Batman " a postcard attached to the inside back cover by Mike Manley. Part 1: The Fall . Part 2: The…

Characters listed for this issue

Batman (Bruce Wayne)The Dark Knight of Gotham. Billionaire by day, vigilante by night. No superpowers, just iron…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

R

Robin (Dick Grayson)Open this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)The first Robin, all grown up. Acrobat, detective, leader. The best of Batman without the da…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon)The one good cop in a corrupt city. Keeps the GCPD running and the Bat-Signal lit. Never los…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

BaneThe man who broke the Bat. Venom-enhanced strength and absolutely no mercy. He wants to dest…VIEW APPEARANCES ›