The phrase “Sins of the Fathers” can be traced back to Judaic tradition. It is often misquoted, however, as most Abrahamic religious sects believe in judging the individual rather than the family line. The saying is meant to teach that the actions of one generation can yield unintended consequences for the next. This idea lies at the heart of Detective Comics #1090, where Batman must face the consequences of his father’s mercy.
Detective Comics #1090 is the first issue of Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin‘s run on the series. It is also the first part of a story titled “Mercy of the Father.” The opening pages find Batman facing an unseen foe, who claims to have murdered many people for his sake. This somehow ties into the life of Thomas Wayne, whose mercy is said to have borne unintended consequences.
The first five pages of Detective Comics #1090 may be viewed below.
Batman is truly his father’s son
It would be fair to say the Bruce Wayne has an idealized view of his dearly departed parents. Some reinterpretations of the Batman mythos have played with this, suggesting a dark side to Dr. Thomas Wayne’s life. The preview of Detective Comics #1090, however, depicts a Thomas Wayne whose habits seem rather like those of his son, Bruce Wayne.
Thomas Wayne is specifically shown to deny himself sleep in the course of his duties, like Batman. He also proves himself similarly strict in adhering to a moral code. In this case, he stays true to the Hippocratic Oath many physicians follow to offer medical treatment to anyone in need, no matter the circumstances. This can be compared to Batman and his oath never to take a life.
Detective Comics #1090 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 23, 2024.
