The following article contains spoilers from Batman: Fortress #1, on sale now from DC Comics.
In Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, Gary Oldman’s Jim Gordon had many epic moments. This pleased fans, who were happy the character was being done justice after the previous films treated him like a sidekick. A choice that failed in following up on the potential the ’90s animated series offered. It felt true to the comics, making Jim a confidant and unwavering partner.
The best moment though, came at the end, when Jim and Christian Bale’s Batman had a heart-to-heart regarding Gotham and their partnership. Ironically, this sequence got homaged in Batman: Fortress #1 (by Gary Whitta, Darick Robertson, Diego Rodriguez, and Simon Bowland), with the Dark Knight making it clear gratitude would never be needed for his crusade on crime.
The movie concluded with Jim and the Bat charting new plans to protect the city. Jim showed him Joker’s calling card as well, which Batman said he’d look into. When the Caped Crusader was just about to jump off the precinct, Jim admitted he never got to say thanks to the Bat for saving them all from Ra’s al Ghul and Scarecrow. It created a heartwarming response, with Batman making it clear, Jim would never have to.
Batman made it clear he wasn’t into the vigilante business for appreciation. He wanted to clean the city up, and appreciated good men like Jim were around to help. If anything, Batman should have thanked them, which he did in The Dark Knight Rises. Batman told Jim know that his compassion helped a young Bruce when his parents died.
In Fortress, that selfless nature between both men was paid tribute when the city got hit with a mysterious blackout. In fact, it was global, as Superman went missing, leaving Metropolis in tatters. Bruce suited up in the cape and cowl, and met Jim on the rooftops after the signal hit the sky. There, he gave him intel on how to fix their comms, so at least the cops could stay in contact and try to heal the city as riots broke out.
Jim thanked him as the Bat was about to depart, but once more, Bruce made it clear Jim didn’t have to say that. He was a bit more gruff, but it was understandable as time was of the essence. Still, it was a nice nod to the Nolan sequence, because this Bat was even more personally connected to Jim. In fact, he asked Jim about his health, knowing the toll the job had taken on the Commissioner, mentally and physically.
Given criminals like Penguin, Joker and other Arkham inmates were loose, he needed Jim reassured and in leadership mode. It was a caring, welcomed gesture to his staunchest ally in keeping Gotham safe. Ultimately, the Bat showed empathy, camaraderie and brotherhood, which he will need if he’s to have Jim’s nervous legion of cops ready to stop the city from eating itself alive.