Warning! Spoilers ahead for Dark Knight of Steel #4
In the latest issue of Dark Knights of Steel, the newest version of Batman finally learns the secret origins of his true parentage, uniting two of DC's most important families in this alternate medieval reality. While Thomas and Martha Wayne were killed when Bruce Wayne was young (not unlike the primary continuity), it's been revealed that Thomas Wayne was not Bruce's biological father. Instead, Dark Knights of Steel's Batman is part-Kryptonian, being the illegitimate son of Jor-El. However, this new issue reveals that while this version of Batman was born from a night of infidelity, he ultimately became a source of unification.
In previous issues from Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri, it was revealed that Jor-El and his wife Lara escaped the destruction of Krypton with their son Kal, eventually becoming King and Queen of the realm following the deaths of the Waynes (with young Bruce growing up to serve as one of the Els most dedicated knights). Now, the recent Dark Knights of Steel #4 sees Alfred revealing the truth to Bruce who's discovered he's the bastard son of Jor-El, a fact which had long been kept from him and the rest of the kingdom.
Landing on the medieval version of DC's Earth, the Els initially attempted to remain anonymous. However, the threat of a volcano saw Lara and Jor-El having no choice but to spring into action, revealing their powers to the kingdom ruled by Thomas and Martha Wayne in order to save it. This led to the Waynes and Els becoming great friends and the Kryptonians receiving the adoration of the kingdom. While one night threatened to tear that friendship apart when Jor-El and Martha had an affair, the birth of Bruce "healed all the wounds" with Thomas loving Bruce as he would his own son. As such, the Waynes and Els remained united under one banner until a dark combination of Lex Luthor and the Joker wielding a Green Lantern ring killed the Waynes. However, Martha's last words to Lara placed the kingdom in the Els's hands to rule until Bruce could grow up to inherit the throne (despite being a bastard).
With Jor-El now dead in the present thanks to the same Luthor/Joker/Lantern hybrid known as the Green Man, the time has seemingly come for Batman to take the throne as king of the realm. However, there are still complications that will likely arise. Firstly, Batman's status as a bastard could see the kingdom rejecting him. Superman may also believe that he has a stronger claim to the throne being Prince of the Els, potentially leading to a brawl between the half-brothers. The Green Man himself is also still out there who likely isn't done causing chaos and mayhem across the kingdom.
In any case, it certainly seems as though the son of an El and a Wayne would be the ideal candidate to rule the kingdom. While Alfred certainly seems to think so, this new version of Batman may have his doubts despite learning the full truth about his unique parentage. DC fans will just have to wait and see if Batman will take the throne as Dark Knights of Steel continues.
