Batman: Son of the Demon
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Batman: Son of the Demon was a graphic novel by Jerry Bingham and Mike W. Barr published in 1987 by DC Comics.
It was somewhat considered to be a retroactive Elseworlds story due to several criticisms, most notably in character, until it was announced that Grant Morrison would be following up the events of the story in 2006, in the 4-issue story Batman & Son.
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[edit] Plot
The story centers on the eco-terrorist and head of the League of Assassins, Ra's Al Ghul aiding Batman in his quest to solve the murder of one of Gotham City's most prominent scientists. Ra's al Ghul and Batman turn out to be searching for the same man, the terrorist known as Qayin. Qayin is a rogue assassin who had murdered Ra's Al Ghul's wife, mother to his favorite daughter and heir-apparent, Talia. Batman has shared a stormy, on-again, off-again romance with Talia for many years, despite his ideological conflict with Ra's. During the course of the story line, Batman has time to properly romance and marry Talia (the service is performed by Ra's). Talia soon becomes pregnant, and the prospect of a family has a profound effect on Batman's demeanor, making him more risk-adverse and softening his typically grim outlook. Batman is nearly killed protecting the only-recently pregnant (and still very dangerous in her own right) Talia from an attack by the assassin's agents. Observing Batman's dangerous and overly protective behavior, Talia resolves that she cannot allow him to continue to act in such a manner, as he will almost certainly be killed. To that end, Talia claims to have miscarried. Crushed by the news, Batman returns to his typically grim disposition, and he and Talia agree to have the marriage dissolved. Batman returns to Gotham, never knowing Talia is still carrying his child.
The child, a boy, is born and left with an orphanage, and soon adopted by a western couple. The only hint of his impressive heritage is a jewel encrusted necklace, which had once belonged to Talia's mother.
[edit] Criticisms
Some fans were displeased with the characterization in Son of the Demon, and with the concept of Batman being a father. Many believe Batman never would have been so desperate to solve a crime that he would ally himself so closely with a known terrorist like Ra's. Later in the story, Batman disarms an assailant and tosses the weapon to Ra's to use on the rest of their foes; Batman's value of human life makes this action contradictory to some. On the other hand, Batman has never been the most caring superhero, and the fact that his and Ra's lives were on the line would certainly justify Batman's use of lethal force.
Finally, being the "World's Greatest Detective", there is some question as to whether Talia could have hidden the fact that she carried Batman's child to term and left him at an orphanage. This, however, can easily be explained away by the fact that Batman was overcome with grief,and therefore failed to suspect Talia of any wrong-doing.
[edit] Canonicity
When asked about the fate of Ibn al Xu'ffasch, Batman group editor Dennis O'Neil stated the story was not canonical, due to the events of Zero Hour. However, it appears that the universe-altering events of Infinite Crisis have changed the status of this story.
Batman & Son, a story arc written by Grant Morrison, starting in Batman #655 (July 26, 2006), follows up on Son of the Demon.
