Batman #697 – Vol. 1 (2010) delivers a bold, action-packed continuation of Dick Grayson’s evolution under the cape and cowl, as the Life After Death arc reaches its boiling point. Written and illustrated by Tony S. Daniel, this issue picks up with intensity and doesn’t let go, pitting the new Dark Knight against one of Gotham’s most manipulative crime bosses—Black Mask.

Still fresh in his role as Batman, Grayson finds himself caught in a power play for the soul of Gotham. With layers of deception peeled away, the identity of Black Mask is finally revealed—but not before a high-stakes showdown that showcases just how much Dick has grown into the role. Gone is the unsure successor; here we see a confident, calculating guardian who balances his acrobatic agility with sharp detective instincts and seasoned tactical prowess.

Tony S. Daniel’s writing maintains a gripping pace while offering satisfying payoffs to long-simmering plotlines. He crafts a Gotham full of double-crosses and shifting loyalties, keeping readers guessing even as the pieces click into place. What sets this issue apart is the clarity it brings to Dick’s position in the city—not as a placeholder for Bruce Wayne, but as a Batman that Gotham can trust in his own right.

The artwork, also by Daniel, is cinematic and impactful. The fight sequences are sharply choreographed, with dynamic panel layouts and rich contrast thanks to Sandu Florea’s inks and Ian Hannin’s moody colour tones. The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask is especially memorable, both visually and narratively—dripping with atmosphere, tension, and a sense of finality.

This issue is essential not only as the climax of the Life After Death arc, but as a definitive moment in Dick Grayson’s tenure. It’s a turning point that signals a new level of confidence and command in his portrayal of the Dark Knight. For readers and collectors following the post-Battle for the Cowl journey, this is a satisfying and richly illustrated payoff that rewards investment in the arc.

Now in stock at ComicBookXS.com, this issue is kept in excellent condition. Your order will be packaged in firm, secure protective mailers and dispatched swiftly—ensuring your comic reaches you flat, clean, and ready for storage or display.

For fans of the Tony Daniel era or collectors focused on Grayson’s time as Batman, Batman #697 is a standout issue that brings emotional resolution and intense storytelling, all wrapped in sleek visual artistry.