Batman Vol 3 #153 - Daniel Sampere Foil Cover

1st appearance of Commander Star

A family trying to find their way through the streets of Gotham. The father, Raju, is using a GPS that seems to be malfunctioning. As they discuss the route and the cost of living in Gotham, they grow increasingly worried about their surroundings. In an alley, they encounter a mysterious man who warns them that they are a bit lost and points them in the right direction. Meanwhile, Batman watches the scene from the rooftop above, in contact with Jim Gordon. They discuss the apparent calm period in Gotham, with Gordon remarking that he can't remember the last time the city was so quiet. Batman responds that calm usually precedes something bigger and urges Gordon to enjoy the peace while it lasts.

The news highlights Edward Nygma (The Riddler), who is involved with his new tech company, NygmaTech. The company has been drawing attention for its cryptographic security technology and contributions to Gotham's economy. However, Mayor Nakano expresses skepticism and warns about Nygma's past crimes, stating he will do everything in his power to monitor him. In a tense moment at City Hall, Nakano shows frustration with public opinion divided over Nygma. Sandy , Nakano's assistant, steps out to get him coffee. He is confronted by Leonid, who tries to defend the interests of the Court of Owls in Gotham. The conversation intensifies, leading Nakano to a burst of anger and threats. The tension is broken when Nakano's wife, Koyuki, and their son, Leo, enter the office, bringing a momentary pause to the argument.

At NygmaTech, Batman confronts Nygma in his office. He questions Nygma's intentions and investigates his involvement with potentially dangerous technology. Nygma, in turn, tries to justify his actions, claiming that his creations are advancements he built on his own, highlighting his rivalry with Batman. The tension rises as Nygma mentions that he is aware of his limitations and that his company is a way to prove himself superior. Batman warns Nygma to stay on an honest path but leaves a warning: “I'll be waiting in the dark.”

Nakano, with his family, shows the challenges of balancing his public and private life. His wife, Koyuki, confronts him about his absence and lack of support at home. Koyuki reveals her struggle with depression and her intention to leave Gotham with their son, Leo, to stay with her mother in Central City, seeking a healthier environment.

Bruce Wayne is then shown arriving at Wayne Enterprises with his driver Miguel, to deal with his own challenges. He is met with protests outside his building, with people accusing his initiatives of being manipulative and calling him a communist. Bruce ignores the protests and enters his office, where he meets his assistant, Maggie, who informs him that the CFO, Rowan, is waiting. They discuss the financial difficulties Wayne Enterprises is facing due to investments in social and technological initiatives. Rowan suggests considering a merger or acquisition to ease the financial strain. Bruce, however, resists the idea and insists they will solve the situation without drastic measures. Bruce sees a news report of a crime and ends the meeting, after which Rowan makes a secret call to Edward Nygma, suggesting a collaboration to manipulate Bruce.

In the streets of Gotham, during a car chase that is interrupted by Batman and a new masked vigilante called Commander Star, they confront criminals in a public event, and Batman grows irritated by Commander Star's excessive actions as he shoots at one of the fugitives. The situation culminates in a verbal clash with Commissioner Savage and Mayor Nakano, who supports the new hero, further heightening the conflict among Gotham's factions. Savage orders the police to arrest Batman, but he escapes before they can detain him.

Later at the Thomas Wayne Medical Center, Bruce seeks emotional and physical support from Leslie Thompkins, who advises Bruce to see the positive side of his actions and realize the impact he is having on Gotham, even if he needs to be both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Bruce has a moment of reflection as he walks home, determined to continue his mission, when he encounters Rowan, who confronts him and enigmatically reveals: “Do you have a brother?” Simultaneously, Edward Nygma is seen walking through his company, reciting a riddle, symbolizing his mysterious and manipulative intentions. Finally, Nakano walks to his house, where, upon entering, he is suddenly shot twice in the chest, collapsing to the ground.