Batman: Battle for the Cowl # 3 2009 NM-

Batman: Battle for the Cowl # 3 is the 2009 finale to the three-issue miniseries that determines who will succeed Bruce Wayne as Batman following his apparent death. 

The issue centers on a brutal showdown between the leading candidates for the mantle: 

• Nightwing vs. Jason Todd: Dick Grayson (Nightwing) confronts Jason Todd, who has been operating as a lethal, gun-toting Batman. Their battle moves from Jason's makeshift Batcave to the top of a speeding Gotham sky train.
• The Rejection of Help: At the end of their fight, Jason falls from the train. Dick tries to save him by offering his hand, but Jason refuses, telling Dick they will meet again before plunging into the Gotham River.
• Tim Drake’s Survival: Tim Drake, who was severely injured by Jason in the previous issue, is rescued by Damian Wayne and Squire just as Jason's lair is demolished by explosions. 

A New Batman and Robin 

The issue concludes with a major status quo shift for the DC Universe: 

• First Appearance of Dick Grayson as Batman: Realizing that Gotham needs a Batman to prevent further chaos, Dick Grayson finally accepts the mantle and officially becomes the new Dark Knight.
• Damian Wayne as Robin: This issue features the first official appearance of Damian Wayne in the role of Robin, serving as the partner to the new Batman. 

Other Major Developments 

• The Black Mask Mystery: The issue reveals that a new Black Mask (later revealed as Jeremiah Arkham) has successfully taken control of Gotham's criminal underworld by implanting lethal chips in Arkham inmates to force their loyalty.
• The US Military Arrival: Due to the extreme level of violence and gang warfare in Batman's absence, the US Army begins arriving in Gotham to help the GCPD maintain order.
• Writer & Artist: Tony Daniel.
• Release Date: May 20, 2009.
• Significance: It leads directly into the "Batman: Reborn" era, which includes the launch of the Batman and Robin series by Grant Morrison.