Batman #142 introduces the revelation that Duke Thomas, a member of the Bat-Family, possesses the ability to drain all the light out of Gotham City, thus becoming its greatest threat. With control over light and darkness, Duke has the potential to aid in the city's destruction, as depicted in the future timeline of the comic. The Joker plays a significant role in this bleak future, with Duke Thomas assisting in the realization of this dark destiny. This sets the stage for the ongoing struggle of Batman and the Bat-Family to prevent this future from becoming a reality.
The Bat-Family, dedicated to protecting Gotham City, has a shocking revelation from DC: one of their own is destined to bring darkness to the city. In Batman #142, it's revealed that Duke Thomas, a member of the Bat-Family, will use his powers to plunge Gotham into darkness. The story explores the Joker's true origin and his future, where he unleashes a virus that infects the Bat-Family, including Duke. Batman reveals that the virus gives Duke the ability to drain light from the city, transforming it into darkness with no way to stop him. Duke's powers over light and darkness make him a powerful hero, but also a potent threat if he loses control. As one of the newest members of the Bat-Family, Duke's meta-human abilities make him an effective crime fighter, but also potentially the biggest threat Gotham has ever seen.DC has portrayed Duke Thomas as potentially becoming either Gotham's greatest criminal or a twisted version of Batman. Gotham, already a dark and distressing place, could be further plunged into darkness if Duke were to become insane, draining the remaining light from the city. Although readers have not yet witnessed this villainous transformation of Duke, the impact on the world around him is evident. This is exemplified in Batman #142, which depicts the Caped Crusader navigating through a cave illuminated only by a flashlight, while Gotham is in ruins and overrun by Joker-infected civilians.
The future of Gotham appears bleak, with the Bat-Family facing corruption by the Joker. While the full extent of this chaos is yet to be revealed, it is clear that at some point in the future, Gotham was destroyed by the Joker, with Duke Thomas using his powers to assist in the destruction. While all members of the Bat-Family have faced failures, very few, like Duke Thomas, are destined to bring about the downfall of Gotham.
Batman #142, written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Sorrentino, and Stefano Nesi, is now available from DC Comics.