COMICS: Get Ready For Bat-Bane

I recently theorized in a Facebook discussion group that I participate in that Bane would be the Batman in Forever Evil. Well, I was wrong about that when it was revealed in the second issue that is indeed Bruce Wayne himself. It turns out I was partially right because Bane is taking on the mantle of the Bat in his own way in December's Forever Evil: Arkham War #3. Hey, solicits did say that a new protector of Gotham would rise and a Talon will somewhat become Bane's sidekick in issue #4 of the tie-in.

Realizing the power of the Bat symbol, Bane creates his own costume despite his hatred of the man he's paying homage to. You can also expect him to engage Killer Croc in a brutal battle at Wayne Tower as they vie for supremacy in a war-torn Gotham. I just wouldn't count on seeing Croc breaking Bane's back.

“It's a clear goal, actually, for each of their distinct parties, so to speak. Gotham is the prize, and there's nothing else on their radar. They just want Gotham and each one has their own reasons for wanting it,” writer Peter Tomasi told Comic Book Resources. “Bane wants to take over as one entity, while Arkham is schizophrenic and they're already taking it over as separate entities that play into their psyche.”

Below you can view the first piece of artwork featuring Bat-Bane (that's what I'm calling him), as well as the solicit for the issue and its cover art.

As the battle for control over Gotham City escalates, a new protector rises. But first, it’s the face-off you won’t want to miss: Killer Croc vs. Bane!