2026 Officially Makes Batman a Grandfather

Batman’s first appearance in 2026 has officially made him a grandfather. So which Boy Wonder made the Dark Knight into a proud granddad, and is this seemingly happy development meant to last, or is there a heartbreaking twist lurking on the horizon?

DC K.O., DC’s latest crisis event, is a tournament-style deathmatch now in full swing. Fans following the series will remember that Batman was knocked out of the gauntlet before the tournament even began, after the Joker stabbed him in a surprise attack and killed him.

However, the Heart of Apokolips was not finished with the Dark Knight, transporting him through alternate timelines where his Robins have grown up to become Batman. The catch is that the Heart is trying to force Bruce to kill his sons. Now, DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 by Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora introduces the latest twist in Batman's reality-jumping saga: Bruce’s grandchild.

2026 Makes Batman a Grandfather, But There’s a Heart-Breaking Twist

Comic Page Comes From Joshua Williamson’s DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 (2026) - Art by Dan Mora

As of Knightfight #3, Bruce has now interacted with all four of his sons: Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian. While the first three remained oblivious to the tournament underway and to the fact that they are creations of the Heart of Apokolips, this universe’s grown Damian immediately breaks the ice by acknowledging that he is aware that “this world is not real.”

Since none of Bruce’s other sons believed him when he explained he was not “their Bruce,” the Dark Knight is momentarily struck speechless by Damian’s awareness. Damian explains, “Whatever built [this reality] made me too smart. Too much like what I imagine the real me is like,” revealing his understanding of the manipulation at play.

He goes on to say, “This is all part of some kind of cosmic contest. You are real. This was made to manipulate you.” Still reeling, Bruce asks if Damian will help him escape the reality. Damian agrees, but with one condition: Bruce must understand what is at stake for him. He then introduces Bruce to his young, blue-eyed son, Alfred.

The reveal lands as an emotional gut punch. On one hand, DC presents a reality where Damian heals from his trauma, becomes a father, and makes Bruce a grandfather. On the other hand, this world is not real, and escaping it will likely require Batman to destroy it, along with his grandson, creating a truly heartbreaking twist for Bat-Family fans.

DC K.O.: Knightfight #3 is now available from DC Comics!