***Contains Spoilers***
Legacy was the follow-up to Contagion, where we finally learn the true mastermind behind the Apocolypse plague, “The Clench.” The story starts with the discovery that The Clench has returned to Gotham and a scramble from Batman and the Bat-Family to find a new cure. From there, the team discovers that Ra’s Al Ghul is behind the plague and has partnered with Bane to wipe out 90% of the human race.
This is another classic Batman story that follows the ’90s formula. I liked how the story is centered on an apocalyptic threat, but the narrative is much more about the mystery of who is behind it. Once the mastermind is revealed to be Ra’s Al Ghul, the authors keep the surprise of Bane just a bit longer. I also really liked the dynamic that was portrayed between Bane and Ra’s. This unholy alliance is rooted in selfish ambitions on both sides but is also founded on acknowledgment of each other’s strength and intelligence. It is clear from the start that they will betray each other as soon as their common interests diverge, but they appear to be an unstoppable force while they are aligned.
Legacy also continues to develop the Bat-Family. Batman has always teamed up over the years, Justice League, Outsiders, etc. But coming out of Knightfall, he is really starting to work with and rely on the extended Bat-Family more naturally. What used to be Batman barking orders at Robin has evolved into a sense of trust and mutual respect between Batman, Nightwing, and Robin (Tim Drake), with more significant roles from Oracle, Catwoman, and Huntress.
While the Bat-Family team as a whole progressed, one of the things I did not like about Legacy is that it did do much individual character development and instead jumped right into the action. I know that character development is possible in this form because the Bane of the Demon plot does develop Bane and his “relationship” with Talia and Ra’s. The main story relied on past impressions of Batman, Nightwing, and Robin for the reader to use to fill in the dynamics.
Legacy is a very entertaining Batman story that I give 3-stars.
Feature Image Batman Legacy vol. 1 Cover art by Graham Nolan.