Batman Returns: DC’s Biggest Crossover Is Getting A Major Twist

4 days ago 12

Published Feb 6, 2026, 8:30 PM EST

Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.

With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.

Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for DC K.O.: Knightfight #4It's true. Batman is officially returning in one of DC's biggest crossover events. While it initially seemed like The Dark Knight was out for the count and put on a side quest during DC's "King Omega" tournament, it's now been confirmed that the Caped Crusader is set to make an epic comeback.

During the first round of DC K.O., Batman was surprisingly eliminated during the surprise arrival of various villains who were added to the contest, which will see an ultimate victor gaining the power of Darkseid himself. However, it's now been confirmed that Batman will be getting back in the ring for the tournament's final rounds.

After Four Major Trials, The Heart of Apokolips Is Letting Batman Back Into The King Omega Tournament

Heart of Apokolips with Batman in Knightfight #4

Despite being eliminated, Batman didn't remain in stone like other fallen combatants. Having naturally planned ahead, Batman wore Apokoliptian armor with boom tube technology, ensuring that he wouldn't be fully out for the count.

What Batman didn't plan for was the overseeing Heart of Apokolips putting The Dark Knight through various trials in realities where each of his Robins became The Dark Knight in his stead. Each trial forced Batman to face twisted realities where his Robins replaced him, intense emotional gauntlets designed to break Batman’s identity while forcing him to face some of his greatest doubts and fears.

After facing all four Robins in the tie-in series DC K.O.: Knightfight, the fourth and final issue sees the Heart of Apokolips giving Batman the chance to return to the main tournament, having proven himself ready to fight his allies and show no mercy to claim Darkseid's power to stop Darkseid himself before he destroys the universe.

Batman Will Be The Major Upset DC K.O.'s Ending Needs

Now, Batman’s return positions him to be the perfect wild card for the final rounds of DC K.O.

With Superman, Wonder Woman, Joker, and Lex Luthor already comprising the tournament's current Final Four, Bruce’s inclusion will likely give them a major advantage against the Absolute Universe’s Trinity and a Darkseid-corrupted Booster Gold in the upcoming DC K.O. #4.

Confirming that Heart of Apokolips has effectively trained him to be the ultimate champion after these trials, it's going to be very exciting to see just how far Batman gets in the final rounds of DC K.O. that are still to come.

DC K.O.: Knightfight #4 is available now from DC Comics.