"Waynes never stay down..."

Greetings, my name is Jordan. Last time, we talked about Flash 21: The Button Part Two. This time, Batman 22: The Button Part Three. This post shall provide a synopsis with some key points of the issue, and some speculation on the next issue.

The issue begins with Thomas Wayne as Batman, narrating the aftermath of Flashpoint. He is about to kill himself, along with Wonder Woman and Aquaman's armies, to escape the alternate history that should have ended. However, two men appear in his cave: Barry Allen, the Flash, and Bruce Wayne, the Batman. We see the end of the previous issue from Thomas' perspective. Thomas doubts that his son is real, attacking Flash until Barry provides some information about what is going on. Flash states that there is some power keeping Flashpoint going, even after it should have ended. The audience already understands that this is most likely the doing of the Watchmen, so the dramatic irony continues.

Flash begins fixing the cosmic treadmill, and both Bruce and Thomas fight against the oncoming armies. The scene is impressive: Batman from Flashpoint, and from the true timeline, fighting together. Once Flash fixes the treadmill, the two Waynes talk about the time Bruce fell into the cave as a child. The city begins crumbling as this happens, and Flash says they must depart, stating that whatever had held Flashpoint together decided to quit. I do wonder about this as of reading the issue: Why would the Watchmen want the two heroes to meet Thomas Wayne in Flashpoint? What purpose could it serve later on?

Thomas pushes Bruce onto the treadmill, parting with one piece of advice: Quit being Batman. With that, we see the two disappear into time, and Thomas runs into light. Bruce wishes to run back, but Flash says it is impossible, as there is no longer a Flashpoint. We do know that it had been held together before, so maybe it will be seen later on; perhaps Flash is wrong. Though there is little time to ponder this, as Reverse Flash runs past the two, still holding the Button. Batman and Flash tell him he shall die if he continues running, yet he does not heed the warning, running instead to face the Watchmen.

I really enjoyed this issue. It was nice to see the two Batmen fighting together, for however brief a time. I cannot wait to see how the Reverse Flash dies, as I'm sure it shall be shown, since the two superheroes are following him through time. My guess is that in the next issue, we shall see the Watchmen for the first time...or I hope so, at least. It shall be interesting to learn the motivation behind what they do. Would it follow their original story in some way? Are they all working together to carry out some plan? Is this after their main story? Since we only have confirmation of Adrian and Dr. Manhattan as of yet, there is a possibility that this is set after the graphic novel's story.

Anyway, thank you for reading! Tune in next time for a look at Flash 22: The Button Part Four, and its impact on the DC Universe.