Detective Comics #962 is an issue of the series Detective Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 2017. It was published on August 9, 2017.
Synopsis for "Intelligence, Finale: Judgment Day"
In the Heavenscape, the argument between Jean-Paul and Ascalon intensifies. As Jean-Paul begins to drown in despair, a massive, bat-shaped figure appears in the sky and urges him to wake up. He regains consciousness in the real world, now wearing a newly designed Batsuit created by Batwing. This suit incorporates a moral AI based on Batman's best traits, helping to guide Jean-Paul's actions. With his mind restored and his purpose renewed, Jean-Paul is ready to rejoin the fight against Ascalon.
Back at the Belfry, Clayface tries to protect Nomoz from Ascalon but is swiftly defeated. Outside, Batman and Zatanna take down the possessed Batwing suits while Batwoman and Orphan work to help Nomoz escape. Inside, Jean-Paul, clad in his new suit, confronts Ascalon.
As the battle begins, Azrael pleads with Ascalon to see the world through a different lens, but the effort is in vain. Ascalon gains the upper hand and prepares to strike a killing blow when Nomoz intervenes, attempting to explain why he returned. Before he can finish, Ascalon kills him—enraging Azrael, who rises and knocks Ascalon down. With his dying breath, Nomoz reveals a shocking truth: it was Jean-Paul Valley Sr.—Azrael's father—who activated the Ascalon program.
Infuriated, Azrael launches a renewed assault on Ascalon and manages to break open the robot's chestplate. The Batsuit attempts to upload its AI into Ascalon's system, but the attempt fails. Ascalon reveals that he has already spread himself across all electronic devices in Gotham, silently watching and absorbing the city's pain and fear. Convinced that the people yearn for salvation, he declares his intent to deliver it.
Before he can act, Zatanna confronts Ascalon with the Gnosis Sphere. Through it, Ascalon finally experiences the world's capacity for love. Moved by this revelation, he halts his attack and apologizes to Jean-Paul. Just before vanishing, Ascalon shares one final message with Batman: Timothy Drake is still alive.
Two days later, Bruce pushes Jean-Paul in a wheelchair as they discuss the aftermath of the recent events. Zatanna has left Gotham, and Jean-Paul has asked Batwing to create a new version of the Azrael suit—one that reflects his true self, not the legacy of the Order or the Bat. They visit Nomoz's grave and share concerns about the immense power it must have taken to hide Tim Drake from Batman all this time.
Elsewhere in the Swiss Alps, Ra's al Ghul meets with Jean-Paul Valley Sr. and welcomes him to a seat at the table. Ra's invites him to meet their mysterious benefactor and begin to understand the broader plans now unfolding.
Appearing in "Intelligence, Finale: Judgment Day"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Nomoz (Dies)
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- John Zatara (Mentioned only)
- Tim Drake (Mentioned only)
Locations:
Items:
- Batsuit
- Batwing Suit (Possessed)
- Gnosis Sphere
- Rookie
See Also