Editorial

Weekend Superhero: Introducing Gotham’s Daytime Protector: The Signal!

Batman: The Signal Comic Book

Weekend Superhero: Gotham’s Daytime Protector: The Signal

Have you heard of latest sidekick on the Batman roster? Better yet, have you heard of the latest Gotham City vigilante? This week the world was formally introduced to The Signal. Gotham City’s newest caped crusader. The first issue of the mini-series Batman and The Signal was released earlier this week and we’re kind of freaking out about it!

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The synopsis released by DC couldn’t be more perfect or enticing for old and new Batman fans alike: “Batman may own the night, but with new villains emerging during the day, he needs an ally to defend the city when he can’t. Only one teen is up to the challenge; Duke Thomas. After months of training, he’s ready to step out of the shadow of the Bat to become his own kind of hero. Meet Gotham City’s newest protector: The Signal! Spinning out of adventures in ALL-STAR BATMAN and WE ARE ROBIN, comics superstar Scott Snyder and newcomer Tony Patrick take our young hero to new heights in this exciting miniseries with artwork by Cully Hamner.”

This will not only be the first time readers get to see Batman stepping into a supporting role, but the first time we’ll get to see the other side of the Dark Knight’s home town. The Bats has got to sleep sometime, right? If you’ve ever wondered who protects Gotham from evil do-ers during the day, you’ve now got an answer in this newest DC release.

Can we talk about the costume? It’s a stark contrast to the get-up we’re used to seeing Batman don. Yellow and black. The Signal’s costume, inspired not only by the caped vigilante’s symbol but a tribute to the signal light that lights up the night whenever Batman is needed. And it’s not just the costume that receives a bright new makeover. The city itself is cast in a whole new light.

According to the creators, both The Signal and Duke bring a much lighter side to the Batman universe we don’t typically see. I for one am excited to see the contrast of everyday life, super villainy, and vigilante play out. Gotham City is still a city. Alive and vibrant in the day time one would imagine as it is in the night. People going about their business, leading normal lives. The juxtaposition of everyday citizens avoiding the bad guys as they navigate their commute is really intriguing.

So, just who is Duke Thomas? He’s a Gotham teen who joined the We Are Robin movement. Becoming one of hundreds of civilian teenagers who donned the Robin ‘R’ to fight crime for their city. He later officially joined the Batman family as Lark, but now bears the mantle of The Signal.

It’s a pretty impressive feat when Batman wants to take you on as his protégé. It’s even more impressive when he agrees to mentor you not as just another Robin; but as something else entirely. After rigorous training and one glorious yellow suit later, The Signal was born.

Like his mentor, Duke is trained in martial arts and hand to hand combat. But what sets this super hero apart from Bruce is that he has Photokinesis abilities. As the series progresses, we’ll get to see Duke learn to understand and fully utilize his metahuman powers while also navigating the challenges that comes from being a teenager.

It’s refreshing as a comic book connoisseur to see not only young blood take on the task of protecting the city of Gotham, but a person of color stepping into the limelight. We’ll also get to see the world of Batman from a whole new perspective. Typically reserved only for Batman himself. What’s Gotham like in the day? Who are the villains who threaten the city in the light? And… what happens to teen super villains who face the wrath of The Signal? Is there an Arkham juvenile detention center?

Batman and The Signal No. 1 was released Janurary 3rd, 2018 and fans already seem to love it! Have you read the new Batman and The Signal comic? What did you think?

Leave your thoughts on Batman and The Signal in the comments section below.  Want up-to-the-minute notifications? FilmBook staff members publish articles by EmailTwitterTumblrGoogle+, and Facebook.

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Malinda Money

**Resigned before being fired for disingenuous conduct & numerous work problems. IMDb Actress Malinda Money is the reason we had no coverage at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.** Malinda is an actor, singer, performer and self-professed geek. Family and friends insist she was singing and dancing before she could walk or talk. Malinda began her pursuit of the dramatic arts at the tender age of three. Since then she has continuously worked with hundreds of talented artists in professional film and theatrical productions.
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