Knowing that the “I am Bane” story arc currently unfolding in the pages of Batman will conclude with issue #20 early next month, it’s probably time to start talking about what’s to come afterward.
We know that Batman and The Flash will be taking part in a four-issue crossover that will occupy issues #21 and 22 of both titles, respectively. Dubbed “The Button,” it’s set to explore what is perhaps Rebirth’s greatest mystery, the one involving the Watchmen characters who supposedly tampered with reality itself.
After that, Batman #23 is set to detail the aftermath of the “I am Bane” arc and will still be illustrated by David Finch, which is appropriate since he drew the story proper. I can only assume that it’ll be included in the very same trade paperback, so keeping that sense of visual continuity is all for the better.
As for what lies beyond that, well, Bleeding Cool reports that “The War of Jokes and Riddles” is set to commence this June, spanning Batman #25-32. Apparently, this was hinted at in some dialogue exchanged between Riddler and Bane in this week’s Batman #19 (you can read our review here).
Interestingly enough, it’ll take place in the past, shortly after the events of Zero Year and pits the Riddler against, you guessed it, the Joker. Although I’m all for reading this, I can’t help but wonder when DC is finally going to explore the three Jokers concept introduced last spring. Even though this isn’t in the present, we can still cross our fingers hoping some light will be shed on that subject.
Although no release date has been set as of yet for Batman #25, you can count on it to be written by Tom King and illustrated by Mikel Janin.
