WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman: Off-World #6!

It almost feels like I’m betraying Talia al Ghul and Batman’s new love interest has earned my respect and iration in a way they never have. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not hating on Talia or Selina—in fact, I'm an al Ghul die-hard, but Bruce’s latest romantic interest just made me realize she loves Batman in a way Talia and Selina never have.

.... it wouldn't be out of character for Batman to have a child he’s unaware of.

Jason Aaron, Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, and David Baron’s Batman: Off-World mini-series has reached its epic conclusion with issue #6. While the series is defined by its action-packed narrative, it also delivered a fresh and exceptionally well-executed romance arc, introducing a brand-new love interest for the Dark Knight.

I didn’t expect this romantic subplot to capture my attention as much as it did, but after reading the series in its entirety, I can confidently say it’s one of my all-time favorite Batman romances. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly ship Batman and Stormchaser Ione.

Batman: Off-World takes place in the early years of Bruce’s crime-fighting career, following a still inexperienced Batman as he embarks on his first mission beyond Earth.

Meet Stormchaser Ione: Batman’s Tamaranean Girlfriend

Comes From Batman: Off-World #6 (2025) – Art by Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, & David Baron

Ione was introduced early in the series alongside Batman as a captive aboard Captain Syyn’s battleship, The War Storm, and as a former Stormchaser—which is essentially a bounty hunter. Right away, I was intrigued by her, especially since her character design made it clear she was a Tamaranean. Naturally, my first connection was seeing her as a more hardened version of Starfire—one of my favorite DC characters. Though rough around the edges, Ione quickly grew on me with her inherent badassery and the soft spot she steadily developed for Batman.

Throughout the series, Ione served as both a romantic interest and a crucial ally to Batman, helping him in numerous ways—from teaching him how to fight against extraterrestrials and saving his life multiple times to standing by his side against the bloodthirsty, orphan-enslaving despots known as the Blakksun Twins. The dynamic between Ione and Batman felt grounded and layered, as they shared just as many heated moments of bickering as they did ionate kisses. And while, in the end, they go their separate ways—Bruce returning home to Earth—Ione ensures his legacy endures in the Slag Galaxy, fighting under his insignia alongside his other companions, Bat-Bot and Wolf.

Ione Proved Her Love for Batman in a Way Catwoman & Talia Never Could

Comes From Batman: Off-World #6 (2025) – Art by Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, & David Baron

Ione undoubtedly fit Bruce’s type—morally gray, deadly, highly competent, and undeniably beautiful. However, what set her apart from Selina and Talia al Ghul was her willingness to choose Batman over her own ambitions and way of life. Like Catwoman and Talia, Ione had a history of operating outside the law, and like Talia, she was an accomplished killer. Yet, after working alongside Batman, she willingly chose to align herself with his morals and values rather than cling to her past ways.

To me, this was a true display of love. At the start of the series, Ione and Batman frequently clashed over their differing beliefs, yet by issue #6, she isn’t just refraining from killing—she fully embraces his No-Kill rule, even going so far as to remind their more ruthless allies, like the deadly Wolf, to abide by Batman’s code. But Ione doesn’t stop there. She takes it even further by adopting Batman’s mission and symbol as her own, carrying on his legacy in the Slag Galaxy. This willingness to compromise her values in favor of his proves just how deep her love and respect for Bruce truly ran.

Does Batman Have a Half-Tamaranean Child Somewhere in the Galaxy?

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Lesley 'Leirix' Li for Batman: Off-World #4 (2024)

The end of Batman: Off-World was bittersweet for Batman and Ione’s romance, with the two sharing one final kiss before Bruce returned to Earth. While this seemed to mark the end for the couple, I couldn’t help but wonder if this story from the past might resurface in future storylines. This line of thinking led me to wonder if Bruce might have a half-Tamaranean child somewhere in the galaxy. While that idea may seem far-fetched at first, it’s important to that in comics, anything is possible. Especially when considering that it wouldn't be out of character for Batman to have a child he’s unaware of.

Batman: Off-World #6 is available now from DC Comics!