It’s been three years since the events of the previous issue, and Gotham as well as the rest of the planet is moving closer and closer to a showdown with Brainiac. There are lots of questions to be answered, like how exactly does Bruce survive to 2030 if the world is supposed to end in 1985? What does a Gotham City where Batman and his rogues gallery form a tentative alliance look like? We learn all this and much more in the conclusion to Mark Russell and Michael Allred’s brilliant take on the Batman mythos.
Pariah’s hostile takeover of Wayne Enterprises is over.
Credit: DC Comics
The Story
Mark Russell does an amazing job wrapping Bruce Wayne’s story up, as well as connecting it to the previous Superman: Space Age series. Though there were no direct connections between the world’s of Superman: Space Age and Batman: Dark Age before this issue, we do finally see some connective tissue. As a big fan of the previous installment in Russell and Allred’s “Age” universe, it makes me excited for the possibility of more iterations, perhaps starring Wonder Woman and maybe eventually a Justice League incarnation.
Russell transforms a bratty, entitled teenager who didn’t seem to care about anyone or anything into a Dark Knight that uses his wealth, privilege and power to better the lives of all of Gotham’s citizens. By the end of this series, the Batman of Dark Age accomplishes more than most versions of the caped crusader. One of the benefits of these types of contained stories is that the characters are allowed to grow and change their status quo. Bruce Wayne is allowed to find love and even retire for a time. To live in happiness for at least a few years and pass the mantle of the Bat on to a new generation. But even in this universe, Bruce Wayne can’t stay happy forever. There is still tragedy and loss to overcome.
The Bruce Wayne of 2030 has been melancholic and dejected in most of his scenes. His narration through journal entries has been wistful, but up until now it wasn’t clear what his big regret was. We just knew that Dick Grayson was dead, and his doctor is the daughter of Dick and Barbara Gordon. We learn the outcome of Brainiac’s attack on Earth in 1985, and the devastating consequences for Bruce as well as the rest of the planet. Even though Bruce lost a lot on that day, he didn’t allow it to embitter him. He still remained kind and helpful to his fellow Gothamites, never forgetting his father’s legacy of the City of Tomorrow.
Another highlight of the series that I feel is often overlooked has been Russell’s ability to lighten the mood with some well-placed jokes. Bruce and Dick both have a penchant for cracking jokes that really makes them endearing and helps alleviate the ultimately tragic story that’s being recounted.
Dick lightening the mood with a wisecrack.
Credit: DC Comics
The Art
Michael Allred once again knocks it out of the park in this issue. His page layouts and compositions are dynamic and invigorating. I don’t think there is a single panel layout repeated in the entire 40 page book. One of my favorites is a scene between Batman and Catwoman on the rooftops of Gotham, with an absolutely huge, detailed full moon behind them. It appears in three panels before it’s replaced by a giant Bat signal in a full page spread of the two embracing.
There’s some great design and use of vehicles – Batman and Batgirl’s motorcycles as well as the Batmobile. The vehicles are practically driving off the page. Allred also gets to design Nightwing and Batgirl suits that are quickly recognizable, but also contain a few unique details that plant them firmly in this universe.
The final third of the book has a breakneck pacing where so much is happening and every page turn is exciting. The choreography of the two interweaving final showdowns between Brainiac and the Justice League as well as the Joker with Nightwing and Batman creates a spectacular climax to the book. There are lots of explosions and fires, which is where colorist Laura Allred really shines. Whether it’s a giant skyscraper with huge flames flowing out of the windows, or a car filled with TNT exploding, the colors really make you feel the heat and intensity.
Final Thoughts
In Batman: Dark Age #6, Mark Russell and Michael Allred bring Bruce Wayne’s journey to a stunning and poignant close, weaving a narrative that captures both the grit and hope that have always defined Batman. Russell’s knack for blending personal tragedy with resilience allows this Batman to step beyond his familiar brooding and finally glimpse happiness, even if only briefly. Michael Allred’s artwork transforms every panel into a vibrant, meticulously crafted Gotham that feels alive, culminating in breathtaking showdowns that leap off the page. Laura Allred’s colors intensify each explosive moment, grounding the high-stakes action in fiery, tactile realism. The ending, while bittersweet, doesn’t rely solely on loss; it’s a fitting testament to Bruce Wayne’s journey and growth, one that reminds us why he endures as a hero—both within Gotham and within the hearts of fans. This final issue not only cements Dark Age as a standout exploration of the Batman mythos but leaves readers eagerly awaiting where Russell and Allred’s universe might venture next.
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