Summary

  • Batman's mythos is forever changed as the origin of Vandal Savage, an immortal villain, is revealed through a flashbacks and interactions with Ra's al Ghul.
  • Vandal Savage's connection to Ra's al Ghul suggests that they gained powers from the same source - a meteorite that also created the fabled Lazarus Pits.
  • Savage's immortality is fading, and he seeks the source of the Lazarus Pits to regain his power, potentially making him fully immortal again. This creates an undeniable link between Savage and Ra's al Ghul, altering Batman's lore.

Warning! Contains preview pages for Batman #138!A piece of Batman's lore changes with one shocking development. As "Gotham War" continues, the origin of one villain shakes up the Caped Crusader's mythos forever.

In a preview for Batman #138 by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez, the in his Lazarus Pits. Savage hints that the pools won't last forever and that time will run out for immortals like them. Al Ghul confirms that the two's immortality comes from the same source, and allows Savage to bathe in the Lazarus Pit, but warns him it might not be enough.

Batman's Nemesis Ra's al Ghul and Vandal Savage Gained Powers from the Same Source

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Vandal Savage has become a thorn in Batman's side at the worst possible time. Bruce Wayne is engaged in an ideological war with Catwoman and the Bat-Family after Selina began training low-level criminals to become skilled cat burglars like her and target the city's wealthiest. As the battle began driving a wedge through the family, Batman discovered that his ancestral home, Wayne Manor, had been purchased by Savage. Savage is also working with his daughter Scandal to subvert Catwoman's operation, leaving Vandal free to claim an unknown treasure.

The idea of Vandal Savage and Ra's al Ghul being connected has been hinted at before. An investigation into the Joker's origins once touched on the idea that the two gained immortality from the same source, though it wasn't outright shown. The flashback here seems to confirm the meteorite that gave Savage his power was the source of Ra's al Ghul's fabled Lazarus Pits. This has huge implications. Not only does it create a solid tie between al Ghul and Savage, but it also possibly reveals why Savage has come to Gotham.

Vandal Savage is Seeking Out the Lazarus Pits' Source

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It's implied that Savage's immortality is fading and that he needs something stronger to gain his power back. He also says that until now the Lazarus Pits have only had a fraction of the meteorite's original power. Is it possible that the events of Lazarus Planet have done something to concentrate the world's remaining supply of Lazarus Resin? Or has Savage simply found the original meteorite, giving him the chance to reinvigorate his powers, making him fully immortal once more? Whatever the reason he's come to Gotham, an undisputable link has formed between Vandal Savage and Ra's al Ghul, changing the Dark Knight's lore forever. Batman #138 goes on sale October 3rd.