WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN #154!Fans of the Dark Knight—and even those outside his fanbase—know ‘Dynamic Duo’ typically refers to Robin. But Gotham City’s streets are in for a shake-up as Batman’s ORIGINAL partner steps back into the spotlight, forcing the Boy Wonder out of his role as half of this iconic team.

...this might surprise some who assumed Batman’s earliest allies were Alfred Pennyworth or Dick Grayson.

With a release date of November 6, 2024, Batman #154 by Chip Zdarsky, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles launches part two of The Dying City arc, centering on the murder mystery of Gotham’s mayor. This time, it’s not the Dark Knight and Robin arriving on the scene but former Commissioner James Gordon—now a private investigator—at Batman’s side.

Issue #153 marked Gordon’s return to the spotlight, but issue #154 solidifies his partnership with Batman even further, especially when Detective Harvey Bullock calls the pair the ‘Dynamic Duo.’

James Gordon Returns as Batman’s Partner & Claims the Dynamic Duo Title

Commissioner Gordon First Appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)

Despite Bullock's heavy sarcasm, his use of “Dynamic Duo” for Batman and Gordon implies the two have been frequently teaming up lately. This is especially noteworthy, as Gordon has been mostly absent from DC's ongoing mainstream stories, with the exception of issue #153. It’s a welcome return for the beloved character, even without his former title as Gotham City Commissioner. While only the first five pages of this issue have been previewed, fans can anticipate a story focused on Batman and Gordon ing forces to piece together clues and uncover the truth behind the mayor's murder.

This new team-up between Batman and Gordon is also significant as it returns them to their roots. Gordon first debuted in Detective Comics #27 (1939) by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, alongside Batman, establishing him as the Dark Knight’s very first ally. This might surprise some who assumed Batman’s earliest allies were Alfred Pennyworth or Dick Grayson. However, Robin didn't appear until Detective Comics #38 (1940), with Alfred ing even later in Batman #16 (1943). With this history in mind, Bullock’s remark almost feels fitting, calling Gordon and Batman the "Dynamic Duo," given they were the original crime-fighting duo.

Zdarsky’s New Batman Arc Is Putting More Emphasis on the Dark Knight’s Partnership With Gordon

Batman #154 Fully Releases on November 6, 2024

Issue #153 marked the revival of Batman and Gordon’s partnership. Still, this latest issue cements the story arc’s shift from the Dark Knight and Boy Wonder to focusing on Batman and Private Investigator Gordon working together. This return to their original partnership is thrilling for many fans, and it will be fascinating to see how long Zdarsky keeps Gordon in the spotlight and what new dynamics he brings to this reimagined "Dynamic Duo." One thing’s certain: Batman and Gordon together make an unstoppable force–something that Gotham will be in dire need of with the impending return of the Court of Owls.

Batman #154 is available November 6, 2025, from DC Comics!