Page 1
Panel 1 The Batcave. Batman sits motionless at the
Batcomputer. He is looking at images.
Caption The Batcave
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(Off panel)
Sir?
Panel 2 We see that Batman is looking at pictures of
Damian.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(off panel)
Sir, you really should eat.
BATMAN
I'm not hungry, Alfred.
Panel 3 Alfred comes into view.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
I miss him too, sir.
Panel 4 Alfred looks on.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narration)
The Anniversary of Master Damian's
unfortunate demise is fast
approaching. In many ways, it is
Master Bruce's greatest loss, even
more than when Jason was murdered.
Page 2
Panel 1 Flashback: Damian meeting Bruce.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Granted, at first the boy
was...grating.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Father. I imagined you taller.
Panel 2 Flashback: Damian sucker punching Tim
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Headstrong, violent; a human weapon
at age 10.
DAMIAN WAYNE
You're just a hanger-on. I'm the
real heir! I deserve to be Robin!
Panel 3 Flashback: Batman confronting Damian
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
But in the end, we figured out the
truth. He was a lonely boy,
reaching out to a father he barely
knew.
Panel 4 Flashback: Dick and Damian as the Dynamic Duo
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Master Richard took in Damian when
Bruce was thought dead. Made him
Robin, showed him greater purpose.
Panel 5 Flashback: Damian confronting Talia.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
And in the end, Damian knew which
side he truly belonged to.
TALIA AL GHUL
Consider yourself an enemy of the
House of Al Ghul
DAMIAN WAYNE
Then I hope to be a good one,
mother.
Page 3
Panel 1 Flashback: Bruce and Damian fighting at each
other's side as Father and Son
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
And when Bruce came back and became
Batman again, he kept Damian with
him.
Panel 2 Flashback: Batman and Damian facing Nobody
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Soon, their relationship was
tested.
Panel 3 Flashback: Damian killing Nobody
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
But the boy's temper and actions
needed to be reined in. He didn't
need just Batman; he needed his
father. Damian killed a man trying
to kill his father.
Panel 4 Flashback: Bruce and Damian hugging
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Bruce vowed to help Damian take
control of his anger and skills,
and told him he always loved him
Panel 5 Flashback: Talia as Leviathan
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
Miss Talia, however, declared war
on her beloved, and her son. She
put a bounty on Damian's head.
Panel 6 Flashback: The Heretic kills Damian
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
And in the end, it was another
Damian, his artificially aged
clone, who killed Damian.
Panel 7 Flashback: Damian dies in Batman's arms.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
(narrating)
And thus the bravest boy I've
known, who was truly his father's
son, died long before his time.
Page 4
Panel 1 We return to the present. Batman is still looking
at the pictures
BATMAN
If only I got there sooner.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
Ms. Al Ghul planned out her scheme
well in advance, Master Bruce; it
is likely there was nothing you
could have done.
Panel 2 Batman practically leaps out of his chair in
anger.
BATMAN
I was his father! It was up to me
to protect him from Talia and from
that...THING! He shouldn't have
died! It should have been me.
Panel 3 Batman looks sad, goes quiet.
BATMAN
It should have been me.
Panel 4 Alfred comforts him.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
Damian was a soldier to the very
end, Master Bruce. And he was a
credit to you, sacrificing himself
so others can live. He was truly a
Wayne, and your son.
BATMAN
He was just a boy.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
I know.
BATMAN
I should have been able to save
him.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
I know. But you can't change the
past, or bring back the dead.
Panel 5 Batman turns.
BATMAN
I know! Do you know how TEMPTED I
was to dip him into a Lazarus Pit?
But I didn't; I didn't want to give
her the satisfaction.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
To be fair, Master Bruce, Master
Damian wouldn't want you to put him
in one of those either.
Panel 6 An alarm goes off. Batman goes to check it.
ALFRED PENNYWORTH
What's that?
Panel 7 CLOSE UP, Batman's eyes. They are wide in shock.
BATMAN
It's the alarm on Damian's grave.
Panel 8 CLOSE UP, eyes go narrow.
BATMAN
THEY ARE DESECRATING MY SON'S
GRAVE!
Page 5
Panel 1 The Wayne Family graveyard. A large man, Ubu,
stands watch as ninjas belonging to the League of
Assassins digs up the coffin containing the mortal remains
of Damian Wayne.
UBU
Hurry it up, the mistress will not
be pleased if we are late.
Panel 2 A shadow crosses the face of Ubu, who looks up in
shock
BATMAN
(off panel)
Don't worry about her, Ubu...
Panel 3 Batman kicks Ubu in the face
BATMAN
WORRY ABOUT ME!
Panel 4 Ubu staggers backwards as a group of ninja attack
Batman.
Panel 5 Batman punches one ninja and kicks another.
Panel 6 Batman throws a batarang, disarming another
ninja. His other hand is karate chopping the throat of
another.
Page 6
Panel 1 Batman is a whirling dervish, taking on the
ninjas crowding in around him. (Massive panel)
BATMAN
YOU THINK YOU COULD DEFILE THIS
PLACE AND NOT FACE CONSEQUENCES?!
Panel 2 Ubu shoves ninjas away from the grave
UBU
Out of my way, you fools. You shame
the Mistress.
Panel 3 As Batman fights the ninjas, Ubu looks into the
grave.
Panel 4 We see a coffin. On it is a brass tag: DAMIAN
WAYNE, BELOVED SON. TAKEN BEFORE HIS TIME.
Page 7
Panel 1 As Batman fights more ninjas, he sees Ubu taking
the coffin out of the grave.
BATMAN
No...
Panel 2 Batman struggles to fight his way out of the
ninjas.
BATMAN
You won't take him!
Panel 3 Ubu hoists the coffin over one shoulder.
UBU
Come and get him, Detective.
Panel 4 Batman fights towards Ubu as ninjas surround him
BATMAN
YOU WILL NOT TAKE HIM FROM ME
AGAIN!
Panel 5 Ninjas pin Batman down
Panel 6 Ubu puts the coffin onto a truck.
Panel 7 Batman bursts out of the ninjas.
Page 8
Panel 1 Batman glares at the ninja
BATMAN
You-
Panel 2 Batman starts taking down the ninja
BATMAN
Won't-
Panel 3 As he's fighting, Ubu starts the truck
BATMAN
Take-
Panel 4 Batman tosses a bunch of ninja onto the
gravestones
BATMAN
Him-
Panel 5 Batman's too late, the truck is down the road.
BATMAN
Again...
Panel 6 Batman stands silent, surrounded by the
unconscious and fleeing ninjas.
Page 9
Panel 1 Batman kneels
BATMAN
No...
Panel 2 Batman has his head in his hands
BATMAN
She took him from me...again.
Panel 3 The truck drives to a private landing strip
Caption Kane County Private Airport
Panel 4 Talia stands by a plane
TALIA AL GHUL
Do you have him?
Panel 5 Ubu gets out.
UBU
Yes, your highness.
Panel 6 Talia looks at the coffin, her distorted
reflection in the brass
TALIA AL GHUL
Hello my son, you'll be among the
living soon enough.
Panel 7 Talia turns to Ubu
TALIA AL GHUL
Set our course for Nanda Parabat!
UBU
Right away.
Page 10
Panel 1 The spires of Nanda Parabat, a long procession is
walking through the gates. We can see the coffin being
carried, along with another wrapped bundle.
Caption Nanda Parabat, The Shifting City
MONK
(inside the big temple)
You understand, Lady Al Ghul...
Panel 2 The interior of the temple. Talia and a monk look
at the coffin.
MONK
It is not as easy as your dread
father planned.
Panel 3 The decayed remains
MONK
(off panel)
The body is too far gone...
Panel 4 Talia motions to the wrapped bundle
TALIA AL GHUL
That's why we brought this...
Panel 5 It is unwrapped, it is a clone of Damian,
accelerated to age 10...the age he died
TALIA AL GHUL
It will be the vessel to house my
son's spirit!
MONK
An uncanny likeness...
TALIA AL GHUL
A perfect genetic replica...You
will bring him back...
Panel 6 The monk points to the waters of the Fountain of
Essence
MONK
Place them in there.
Page 11
Panel 1 Ubu and more guards place the bodies in.
MONK
Oh Great Goddess...
Panel 2 The bodies are submerged
MONK
Grant life to this one...
Panel 3 Talia is weeping
MONK
Taken before his time
Panel 4 We see a knife in Talia's hand.
MONK
May he rise now with the offering
of blood. Lady Talia...
Panel 5 Talia sacrifices the monk
TALIA AL GHUL
It never specified WHOSE blood.
Your part is done...
Page 12
Panel 1 The monk's blood slips into the water
TALIA AL GHUL
(off panel)
Now you shall aid in bringing my
son back to me.
Panel 2 The bones of Damian crumbles into dust as the
blood touches it.
Panel 3 Talia and Ubu stand back as a light rises from
the decaying bones.
Panel 4 The light enters the clone body in the same spot
where he was killed.
Panel 5 The water bubbles.
Panel 6 The eyes of the unconscuous clone open.
Page 13
Panel 1 FULL PAGE PANEL. The reborn Damian Wayne screams
as he is returned to the living
DAMIAN WAYNE
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Page 14
Panel 1 Damian is freaked out.
TALIA AL GHUL
(off panel)
Damian...
Panel 2 He turns, terrified
TALIA AL GHUL
Come to Mother...
Panel 3 Damian instead runs for the door.
Panel 4 Talia turns to Ubu
TALIA AL GHUL
STOP HIM! BRING HIM BACK!
UBU
Yes, my lady.
Panel 5 Damian runs out the door and sees he's in Nanda
Parabat.
Panel 6 He runs naked through the city, chased by Ubu.
Panel 7 Damian runs out of the warm city onto the icy
glacier.
Panel 8 He runs and runs.
Page 15
Panel 1 Damian stops to breathe.
Panel 2 Ubu cold cocks him
UBU
Sorry, your highness, it is for
your own good.
Panel 3 Ubu picks Damian up from the snow.
Panel 4 Damian wakes up...
Caption Later...
DAMIAN WAYNE
Huh...
Panel 5 Damian sees he's dressed in his old attire, in a
well appointed room that is also his cell.
Caption Location Unknown
DAMIAN WAYNE
Where the hell am I?!
Panel 6 Damian looks down at his gut.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Last thing I remember...
Panel 7 Damian remembers being stabbed by the Heretic!
Page 16
Panel 1 Damian freaks out.
DAMIAN WAYNE
I should be dead! I was killed!
Father held me in his arms!
Panel 2 Realization, the cell door opens behind him.
DAMIAN WAYNE
She must have brought me back.
Panel 3 Talia stands in the door.
TALIA AL GHUL
What else would a mother do for her
son?
DAMIAN WAYNE
You could have respected my
decision.
TALIA AL GHUL
You are my son, and you will do as
you're told.
DAMIAN WAYNE
I want to be returned to Father; I
must be at his side.
Panel 4 Talia confronts her reborn son
TALIA AL GHUL
Out of the question.
DAMIAN WAYNE
You cannot keep me here, Mother. I
am not an Al Ghul, I'm a Wayne.
TALIA AL GHUL
You are the heir to Ra's Al Ghul,
and you will not get out of my
sight again. When you are less
petulent, we will resume your
training from where you left off
before you joined your father.
DAMIAN WAYNE
I'd rather be trained by him!
TALIA AL GHUL
You will NEVER see him again. And
you will sit here until you come to
your senses.
Panel 5 Talia turns to go.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Does Grandfather know that you
brought me back.
TALIA AL GHUL
No.
Panel 6 Damian smirks, Talia looks back.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Wonder how he'll react, once he
finds out.
TALIA AL GHUL
He won't. Now, I will send someone
up with supper in four hours. Think
upon your duties.
Panel 7 Talia leaves, slamming the door.
DAMIAN WAYNE
My duties are with my father. Drake
has probably burned down half of
Gotham without me there to clean up
the mess...And what happened to my
internal dialogue?!
Page 17
Panel 1 Damian sits as the sun sets.
Panel 2 Same location, a now empty plate is beside him as
night is seen outside.
Panel 3 Sunrise. Damian is stock still.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
So bored! Wish I had my katana. At
least now I don't blurt out my
thoughts!
Panel 4 The cell door creaks open.
Panel 5 Damian is suspiscious.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Mother, is this one of your tricks?
Panel 6 He pushes the door furher open
Panel 7 He looks one way down the cooridor.
Panel 8 He looks the other way.
Panel 9 Damian smiles
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
Freedom!
Page 18
Panel 1 Damian runs down the hall.
Panel 2 A security camera catches him
Panel 3 A security guard station. Ubu sees it on the
screens
UBU
His Highness is escaping...
Panel 4 Damian sees a crowd of ninjas waiting for him
UBU
(on PA)
Grab him, and return him to his
quarters. Otherwise, you will face
the Mistress's wrath!
Panel 5 Damian slides under one of the ninja's legs,
kicking him in the groin along the way.
Panel 6 Damian exits through a door as he's being chased.
Panel 7 Damian is now on a balcony.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Whoa.
Page 19
Panel 1 The stretch of Tokyo lies across the bay from the
rocky island fortess that Talia has set up.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Tokyo...haven't been here in a
while.
Panel 2 Damian sees the guards enter the balcony out of
the corner of his eye.
NINJA 1
Please return to your quarters,
your highness.
Panel 3 Damian looks at the harbor and the city.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
It's probably too far to swim to
the city.
Panel 4 He turns and faces the ninjas.
Panel 5 He grins.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
Doesn't mean I won't do it.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Give my farewells to my Mother.
Panel 6 Damian dives in.
NINJA 1
Sir, the boy has dived into the
harbor. What should we do?
UBU
(on comm)
Follow him you fool; a swim across
Tokyo Bay is child's play for the
Mistress's son!
Page 20
Panel 1 Damian climbs onto the docks of Tokyo
DAMIAN WAYNE
Made it.
Panel 2 He glares at an astonished kid.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(in Japanese)
What, you've never seen someone do
a swim that long before?
JAPANESE KID
Yeah, adults!
DAMIAN WAYNE
(*needs no translation)
TT
Panel 3 Damian wanders along the streets
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
I must get home to Gotham...
Panel 4 Damian steals clothes
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
And with Mother's men after me, I
must escape and soon.
Panel 5 Now dressed in more casual clothes, sunglasses
and a baseball cap, Damian walks the streets in a
wealthier part of Tokyo.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
I hopefully still have a hidden
cache with a fake passport around
here. What I need is money.
Panel 6 He sees a young athletic America man with sandy
blond hair wearing athletic clothes and carrying a gym bag
walking along the street.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
An American, probably an ex-pat
living in Japan to learn Martial
Arts. And he's probably wealthy
enough to do that without needing a
living if he lives around here.
He'll be the perfect mark.
Page 21
Panel 1 Damian follows the young man into an alley.
Panel 2 Damian reaches for the pocket containing the
wallet.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(narrating)
Almost...
Panel 3 The young man quickly grabs Damian and pins him
to a wall
YOUNG MAN
(in Japanese)
Who the hell are you?! Don't make
me call the police. I'm willing to
let you off with a warning...
DAMIAN WAYNE
(in Japanese)
Let go of me you creep!
YOUNG MAN
(in Japanese)
Creep?! You're the one trying to
pickpocket me!
DAMIAN WAYNE
(in Japanese)
I'm trying to go home!
YOUNG MAN
(in Japanese)
And where is that?
Panel 4 Damian struggles as the young man takes off his
hat and sunglasses.
DAMIAN WAYNE
(in Japanese)
Gotham!
YOUNG MAN
(laughing, in English)
Gotham?! That would be the-
Page 22
Panel 1 One page panel, the young man looks shocked as
lightning strikes.
YOUNG MAN
Impossible.
DAMIAN WAYNE
What do you mean?
YOUNG MAN
You...you're Damian Wayne. You're
supposed to be dead!
DAMIAN WAYNE
Well, guess you were wrong.
YOUNG MAN
What are you, some impersonator, a
zombie...
DAMIAN WAYNE
No, I'm the real deal; the superior
package.
YOUNG MAN
You? Superior? Look here my little
zombie...
Page 23
Panel 1 Big panel. Ninjas fill the alley now.
YOUNG MAN
Looking for you?
DAMIAN WAYNE
Yep.
YOUNG MAN
Don't tell me you're going to fight
them...
Panel 2 Damian attacks
DAMIAN WAYNE
Well I'm sick of running!
YOUNG MAN
You're going to get yourself
killed.
Panel 3 A ninja attacks the young man
YOUNG MAN
Or me killed.
Panel 4 The young man kicks the ninja away as Damian
breaks a ninja's arm and takes his sai.
Panel 5 Damian disarms another ninja as the young man
tosses a ninja into a dumpster.
Page 24
Panel 1 The young man flips off a wall and onto a ninja's
back. Damian kicks another ninja.
YOUNG MAN
Watch your 5 o'clock!
DAMIAN WAYNE
What are you doing here in Japan?
YOUNG MAN
Training.
DAMIAN WAYNE
For what?
Panel 2 The young man takes one ninja down with a punch
and another with a kick
YOUNG MAN
My health, and none of your
business. Where did you learn how
to fight?
DAMIAN WAYNE
My mother.
YOUNG MAN
Sounds like some woman.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Call her a bitch, I don't mind.
Panel 3 They each take out a ninja.
YOUNG MAN
You kiss your mother with that
mouth?
DAMIAN WAYNE
If you met her, you'd be calling
her worse things.
Panel 4 The alleyway is filled with ninja.
DAMIAN WAYNE
And she is really not giving her
"help" proper instruction.
Panel 5 The young man sees Damian is injured.
YOUNG MAN
You're hurt.
DAMIAN WAYNE
TT I'm fine.
Page 25
Panel 1 The young man kneels down.
YOUNG MAN
No, you're not. Cuts like that need
immediate attention.
DAMIAN WAYNE
What are you, some doctor?
YOUNG MAN
Maybe. Come, I'll take you to my
place.
Panel 2 Damian kicks the young man onto the wall
DAMIAN WAYNE
Keep away from me!
Panel 3 The young man stands up.
YOUNG MAN
I swear on my little brother's head
I will not do such a thing to you!
What do you take me for?
Panel 4 Damian smirks
DAMIAN WAYNE
A so called fighter who needs to
work on his form.
Panel 5 Damian turns serious.
DAMIAN WAYNE
But you did help back there...
Panel 6 The young man holds out his hand
YOUNG MAN
Come on, let's treat that wound.
Page 26
Panel 1 Damian and the young man enter the latter's
house.
YOUNG MAN
(calling)
Brighton!
Panel 2 A large man, obviously ex-military, enters and
looks astonished at his employer and his employer's guest.
BRIGHTON
What is it sir?
YOUNG MAN
Get your medical kit, this kid and
I were attacked. By ninja of all
things. And he's injured.
BRIGHTON
Well, you wanted excitement. And I
want to give you a once over too.
YOUNG MAN
Just hurry.
Panel 3 As Brighton goes to get the medical kit, Damian
turns to the young man.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Who are you anyway?
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
J. Bowden Hapgood, at your service.
DAMIAN WAYNE
TT That's an obvious fake name.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Well, to protect those I care
about, that's all you're going to
know. Just call me "J".
Panel 4 Brighton enters with the medical kit as the boy
and the young man keep talking.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Five minutes on Google to figure
out who you are, and I'll have your
real name.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
You won't be able to.
BRIGHTON
Sir, I should take a look...
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
FINE!
Page 27
Panel 1 It's after dinner now, and it's obvious that
Damian ate a VERY large meal.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Well, it's obvious your
ressurection has given you an
appetite.
DAMIAN WAYNE
The food was passable...thank you,
Brighton.
BRIGHTON
It was J who made it.
Panel 2 J looks pissed at Damian's remark
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Anyways, we can't risk you staying
here; not with your mother looking
for you.
DAMIAN WAYNE
You are not taking me back to her.
Panel 3 Damian points a knife at J's throat. J just
stares him down.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
I know that. Which is why I will
personally take you back to Gotham.
DAMIAN WAYNE
You will?
Panel 4 Brighton looks confused.
BRIGHTON
We will?
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Well, we certainly can't leave him
alone to die; and they will be
coming after us now that we've
helped him.
Panel 5 Brighton thinks
BRIGHTON
But, your training...
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
I think a few years abroad and
training in many places has been
sufficient.
DAMIAN WAYNE
What are you trying to be, a rich
boy MMA fighter?
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Better than just lying around doing
nothing. And I'm certain you have
had your fill of that, little
zombie boy.
DAMIAN WAYNE
Don't call me that!
Panel 6 J stands.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
Besides, I'm getting a tad homesick
myself.
Page 28
Panel 1 J looks at Damian.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
So here's what I'm going to do.
Brighton and I will be returning
home, and we will drop you off in
Gotham along the way. However, we
need to make a few stops along the
way.
Panel 2 Damian listens with a sour expression
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
(off panel)
This will also help you as it will
keep your psycho mother guessing.
DAMIAN WAYNE
And what do you get out of it?
Panel 3 J looks right into Damian's eyes
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
The satisfaction of a good deed.
Panel 4 J stands and walks away
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
I will get you back to Gotham, you
little zombie brat, so you will be
safe with your daddy and out of my
hair!
Panel 5 Damian scowls
DAMIAN WAYNE
My father is a great man
Panel 6 J smirks, looking at Damian out of the corner of
his eye.
J. BOWDEN HAPGOOD
I know.
Panel 7 Brighton just sighs.
BRIGHTON
I'll show you to your temporary
quarters, Mister Wayne. After that,
I got to make arrangements.
Page 29
Panel 1 Talia is meditating as Ubu approaches.
TALIA AL GHUL
Yes?
Panel 2 Ubu kneels beside his mistress
UBU
We failed to get him, your
highness.
Panel 3 Talia doesn't move.
UBU
I'm sorry, Mistress
Panel 4 Talia stabs Ubu with a katana
TALIA AL GHUL
I have no pity for failures.
Panel 5 She turns to a screen, seven shadowy figures are
seen.
TALIA AL GHUL
You've seen the price of failure.
You seven will track my son and his
rescuer. You will return Damian
unharmed to me, kill his friend.
Page 30
Panel 1 Full page panel
SHADOWY FIGURE 1
We, The Seven Men of Death, will do
as you ask, Lady Talia.
Panel 2 Inset, Talia's grinning mouth
TALIA AL GHUL
Damian, you will listen to Mommy
before long...
Caption TO BE CONTINUED.
