Batwing # 1 Cover A First Printing 2011 NM-

Batwing #1 (released on September 7, 2011) is the premiere issue of the first ongoing solo series centering on the "Batman of Africa". Published as part of DC Comics' New 52 company-wide relaunch, the comic marks a significant milestone as the first time a Black character wearing a variant of the Batman mantle headlined his own ongoing monthly title. The series was written by Judd Winick with stark, realistic artwork by Ben Oliver. 

The Protagonist & Setup

The comic stars David Zavimbe, a Congolese police officer operating in the fictional, highly corrupt city of Tinasha, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Haunted by his dark past as a forced child soldier under a brutal warlord, David dedicated his adult life to fighting systemic local corruption from within the police force.

Impressed by his indomitable will, Bruce Wayne recruited David into Batman Incorporated, a global network of Batman-aligned operatives. Backed by an older father figure and tactical advisor named Matu Ba (who helps run David's high-tech underground base, "The Haven"), David protects the region using an advanced, armored exoskeleton suit capable of flight, tactical adaptation, and thermal vision. 

The Plot of Issue #1

The debut issue drops the reader straight into media res with a gritty, violent confrontation: 

• The Investigation: Batwing and a visiting Batman team up to inspect a horrific crime scene involving the dismembered bodies of former members of The Kingdom—a legendary, retired team of premier African superheroes. One of the victims is identified as Dede Yeboah, also known as the hero Earth Strike. 
• The Threat of Massacre: The murders are the work of a menacing, machete-wielding serial killer known as Massacre, who is specifically hunting down and executing former members of The Kingdom for mysterious reasons. 
• The Cliffhanger: After the investigation, David strips out of his armor and returns to his day job at the police precinct. To his horror, he walks into a complete bloodbath; Massacre has successfully infiltrated the station and slaughtered his fellow police officers. Before David can react, Massacre blindsides him, stabbing him directly through the back with a machete and leaving him for dead.