Batman # 43 Cover A First Printing 2015 NM-

Batman #43, published on August 12, 2015, is a pivotal issue in the New 52 era of DC Comics. Written by Scott Snyder with pencils by Greg Capullo, this issue serves as Part 3 of the "Superheavy" story arc. It is best known for providing the definitive explanation of how Bruce Wayne survived his supposed death and for introducing a terrifying new threat to Gotham.

Key Plot Points

• The Truth About Bruce Wayne: Clark Kent (Superman) visits Gotham City seeking answers about Bruce Wayne's sudden reappearance. Alfred Pennyworth reveals the staggering truth: Bruce technically died during his climactic underground battle with the Joker in the "Endgame" storyline. He was resurrected by a natural pooling of Dionesium, which fully healed his body and brain but completely erased his memories. The "Batman" persona is gone, leaving Bruce completely happy, at peace, and working at a youth center alongside Julie Madison.
• The "Powers" Batsuit: Clark goes to check on Bruce but chooses not to disrupt his newfound peace after seeing how genuinely happy he is. Meanwhile, Jim Gordon continues his tenure as the officially sanctioned, mech-suit-wielding Batman under the corporate oversight of Powers International.
• First Appearance of Mr. Bloom: The issue is highly sought after by collectors as a key issue marking the first full appearance of Mr. Bloom. Mr. Bloom is a surreal, slender, horror-themed villain who distributes power-granting, radioactive "seeds" to Gotham's street criminals.
• The Penguin’s Warning: Jim Gordon investigates these seeds and confronts Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin). Penguin refuses to touch the seeds, warning Gordon that Mr. Bloom is an entirely different, uncontrollable breed of monster shifting the power dynamic of Gotham's underworld.