Batman #696 – Vol. 1 (2010) brings the Life After Death arc to a riveting conclusion, delivering a sharp blend of psychological tension, action, and mystery. With Dick Grayson still adjusting to the weight of the cape and cowl, this issue pushes him into the centre of a tangled web of deception where every move could be his last.

Written by Tony S. Daniel, who also provides the pencils, this instalment is a showcase of high-stakes storytelling where Gotham’s criminal elite closes in—and Dick’s mettle as the new Dark Knight is truly tested. The narrative threads that began earlier in the arc come to a head as Batman confronts the elusive Black Mask, all while navigating twisted schemes and identity games involving Hugo Strange, Firefly, and a host of masked threats.

What makes Batman #696 especially intriguing is how it plays with perception. Is Dick Grayson merely following in Bruce Wayne’s footsteps, or is he shaping a new legend entirely? This issue answers that question in gritty, street-level fashion—offering a more agile, improvisational Batman who doesn’t rely on fear alone, but outsmarts his enemies with calculated risk and precision.

Tony S. Daniel’s artwork remains consistently strong throughout, with richly detailed panels, dramatic shadows, and intense close-ups that amplify the sense of paranoia and pressure. His Gotham is both grim and stylish—mirroring the psychological battleground that Grayson must navigate. The inking by Sandu Florea and colouring by Ian Hannin add depth and contrast, giving the issue a sharp, kinetic visual rhythm that enhances every twist and reveal.

This is a key moment in the post-Battle for the Cowl era, where Dick Grayson’s transformation from sidekick to successor becomes fully realised. It’s not about imitation—it’s about reinvention. By the end of this issue, there’s no doubt: this Batman belongs to Grayson, and the city is starting to take notice.

Available now at ComicBookXS.com, Batman #696 is in excellent condition and ready for dispatch. Each order is sealed in rigid, reinforced protective packaging and posted quickly—so your comic arrives flat, secure, and display-ready.

A must-have issue for fans of Dick Grayson’s run as Batman, this comic is a powerful conclusion to a dark and stylish arc—perfect for collectors wanting to complete their Tony Daniel era run or dive deeper into Gotham’s murky underworld.