The Bat-Family has been growing recently, with the return of characters like Jason Todd and the formal introduction of previously malevolent figures like Harley Quinn. Ghost-Maker, a charming vigilante who can equal Batman in most ways — and is always eager to get under the Dark Knight’s skin for a laugh — has been one of the most interesting new additions. Ghost-origins Maker’s and purpose are solidified in Batman Annual #1 by James Tynion IV, Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, Romulo Fajardo Jr, and Clayton Cowles, as well as Batman: Fear State Omega #1 by James Tynion IV, Ricardo Federici, Christian Duce, Ryan Benjamin, Guillem March, Trevor Hairsine, Chris Sotomayor, and Clayton Cowles. It also confirms why the Bat-newest Family’s ally should continue to exist in the present DC Universe.
Ghost-Maker has proven to be a compellingly distinctive personality within the extended Bat-Family since his introduction in Batman #100 by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez.
Ghost-Maker, a former competitor of a young Bruce Wayne, has silently evolved into one of the world’s most ruthless anti-heroes. Before migrating to Gotham City, he spent his career battling threats all around the world, and his friendly competition with Batman has earned him a unique role within the Gotham ecology. He can also bring out a surprisingly playful and competitive side of the normally stoic Dark Knight, which is a welcome change of pace.
Ghost-Maker occupies a unique place in the DC Universe.
Rather than being a reluctant ally or friendly foe, he is an adversary to Batman. He may play the Vegeta to Batman’s Goku, a dark reflection of the hero’s drive and talent who, despite his flaws, can develop and transform into a better man. With Fear State: Omega stating that he’ll be taking Clownhunter under his wing as a prospective partner — providing him with his own Robin analogue to train — Ghost-Maker will be able to continue to flourish as a hero in his own right. Ghost-Maker and his new sidekick may continue to cast a fascinating new light on the Bat-Family as a dark but not necessarily evil counterweight to the classic Batman/Robin pair.
Ghost-Maker has also been seen with both male and female sexual partners, indicating that he is an openly bisexual individual. It’s always fantastic to see additional characters bring added diversity to the pantheon of DC superheroes, especially as the Bat-Family accepts more openly LGBT characters (such as confirming Tim Drake’s orientation). Even if he were to leave Gotham City, his global rouges gallery and global breadth imply he could — and should — remain a major player inside DC Comics’ current Batman area.
