Batman #687: A Battle Within (Battle For The Cowl Epilogue)

Quick answer

Batman #687: A Battle Within (Battle For The Cowl Epilogue) stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 2009-08-01 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), Alfred Pennyworth and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

In this special epilogue to BATTLE FOR THE COWL, new BATMAN writer Judd Winick rejoins the Bat Family! This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan. Detailed Summary In the epilogue to Battle for the Cowl, The issue starts years ago as Bruce Wayne is suiting up as Batman while talking to Alfred about his excursions in the tabloids as Bruce Wayne, thankful for the false reports so he can focus on the Riddler. Mid-sentence there is a power surge in the cave and suddenly there is an attack, Batman protects Alfred, but soon realizes that the attack is weak upon impact, something not meant to harm. As he looks up he spots the culprit atop the Giant Penny and asks a young Dick Grayson, dressed as Robin what he was doing. This was all part of a plan Dick was supposed to execute on the streets, but Dick realized this wouldn't have worked so he pulled an audible and aced the Batman. He tells him to watch out because soon he will be the head monkey in charge and he will be in the cowl. Moving ahead to present time, a distraught Alfred looks upon 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 ›

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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 ›

Alfred PennyworthThe man who raised Batman. Ex-SAS, current butler, permanent father figure. The only one who…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

The Riddler (Edward Nygma)Edward Nygma can't help himself — he has to leave clues. Obsessed with proving he's smarter …VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane)Dr. Jonathan Crane weaponizes fear itself with his trademark toxin. Your worst nightmare, bo…VIEW APPEARANCES ›