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DC’s first black Batman looks to be taking a page from Oliver Queen’s book in the upcoming I Am Batman comic. Per CBR, new previews for the issue show the series exploring the idea of deputizing Batman to control him. This is a storyline explored in the seventh season of the CW show Arrow. How this will play out for Jace is anybody’s guess, but it didn’t go too well for Green Arrow.
What Happened on Arrow?
In the DC show Arrow, fans followed the life of Oliver Queen, aka the Green Arrow. During the show’s seventh season Oliver Queen came out of prison to continue his vigilante ways without his mask. Backed by the local police department, his new way of fighting crime was a stark departure from the previous seasons. For instance, he had to follow the law regarding how he stopped crooks and criminals in Star City. This deputization of a vigilante showed the differences between following the law and seeking justice through other means.
What Is Jace Up To?
Tim “Jace” Fox is currently donning the cowl as New York City’s Batman in the I Am Batman comic. Now, previews for the upcoming sixth issue show Jace exploring his identity as Batman. He struggles with being a hero in the shadows versus one that is seen making a difference. As he grapples with these choices, the New York government members decide to do something about Batman. At first, it is suggested he is eliminated with a special task force. However, that would not go over well with the public. So, to ensure that Jace does what the police want, they decide to deputize him. Just like in Arrow, this deputization may not be as good as it sounds.
Deputizing Batman would go against Jace’s ideals as the masked vigilante. His course of action is to ensure that institutions, like the mayor and police department, do not abuse their power. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the I Am Batman comic.
Written by John Ridley with art from Ken Lashley, I Am Batman #6 hits stand on February 8.
