For 86 years, Batman’s legacy has stood apart from dozens of heroes because he achieves superhero feats without possessing any actual superpowers. However, DC’s latest twist has now given the Dark Knight metahuman abilities. Powers that also come with a new, yet familiar, codename.
WARNING: Contains Spoilers for DC K.O.: Knightfight #2 (2025)!
Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s DC K.O. tie-in, Knightfight #2, sees Batman transported to his second alternate reality. As fans keeping up with the series will remember, the first alternate reality took him to a Gotham where Dick Grayson had taken over the Dark Knight mantle.
Now, in issue #2, Batman finds himself in a world where Jason Todd took over the mantle. It is in this reality that, during a fight with Jason, Bruce claims not only the Clayface mantle but also his powers.
Batman Gains Clayface’s Powers in DC’s Latest Crisis Event
Comic Page Comes From Joshua Williamson’s DC K.O.: Knightfight #2 (2025) – Art by Dan Mora
Knightfight #2 sees Bruce wake up in a straitjacket inside an Arkham cell, where he’s greeted by Jason, who’s fully suited in a Red Hood-themed Batsuit and claims he has taken over the Batman mantle. Bruce tries to explain the situation to him. However, Jason immediately dismisses Bruce’s explanation as delusion, refusing to believe anything he says.
Readers soon learn that Jason doesn’t even believe the man he’s speaking to is actually Bruce, saying, “But here’s the thing, Bruce. You and I both know you’re not really Batman. Isn’t that right… Clayface?” The narrative then reveals that, in this reality, Clayface took on Batman’s form, became stuck in it, and eventually went insane, fully believing he was the real Bruce Wayne.
Bruce and Jason eventually come to blows, and during the fight, Bruce finally accepts the reality that the Heart of Apokolips has constructed. He embraces the Clayface identity, declaring, “Fine. If the Heart wants me to believe… that I’m Clayface… I’ll play!” Bruce then literally shifts into a Batman-shaped Clayface, fully claiming the rogue’s powers as his own during the transformation.
How Long Will Batman’s New Superpowers Last?
Cover C Jorge Molina Variant for DC K.O.: Knightfight #2 (2025)
Knightfight #2 ends with Bruce’s complete Clayface transformation, showing the Dark Knight using the rogue’s unique physiology to launch an offensive attack on Red Hood. This includes Batman transforming his hand into a spiked mace while unleashing a blast of mud directly at Red Hood’s face, demonstrating his newfound metahuman abilities in full force.
It’s undeniably epic to see Batman not only claim metahuman powers but also assume the identity of one of his most notorious rogues. This power-up will likely be well-received by fans, especially since it’s unlikely to be a permanent change. Readers can enjoy this temporary surge in abilities knowing Batman will return to normal once he leaves this alternate reality.
DC K.O.: Knightfight #2 is available now from DC Comics!