If you are a fan of DC Comics, you probably know that there have been many versions of Batman over the years. Some of them are alternate reality counterparts, such as the Flashpoint Batman or the Dark Knight Returns Batman. Others are successors or proteges, such as Dick Grayson, Terry McGinnis or Tim Fox. But did you know that there was a Batman who was neither an alternate version nor a successor, but rather a contemporary and ally of the original Batman?
His name was **Blackwing**, and he was the first African-American to take on the Batman mantle, long before Batwing or Tim Fox. He was also one of the heroes of Earth-Two, the parallel world where the Golden Age versions of DC characters lived. Blackwing’s real name was **Charles Bullock**, and he was a lawyer who worked at the same firm as Helena Wayne (the Huntress) and Dick Grayson (Robin). He was also trained by Ted Grant (Wildcat), one of the founding members of the Justice Society of America.
Blackwing made his debut in **Wonder Woman #283** (1981), in a backup story featuring the Huntress. He was created by Joey Cavalieri and Joe Staton, who wanted to introduce a new hero to the Earth-Two setting. Blackwing’s origin story was revealed in **Wonder Woman #298-299** (1982), where he explained how he decided to become a vigilante after witnessing the rise of gang violence in Gotham City. He designed a costume that resembled Batman’s, with a utility belt and artificial glider wings. He also adopted a bat motif, as a tribute to his idol.
Blackwing’s first mission was against a criminal called Boa, who had attacked his boss and a shopkeeper he knew. However, he was captured and tortured by Boa’s men, until he was rescued by the Huntress. The two became partners and friends, often teaming up to fight crime in Gotham. Blackwing also met Robin, who recognized him as his co-worker Charlie Bullock. Robin welcomed him as a fellow member of the “Batman family”, and gave him access to the Batcave.
Blackwing appeared in five issues of Wonder Woman, all in backup stories featuring the Huntress. He also had a cameo in **Infinity Inc. #19** (1985), where he attended the funeral of Bruce Wayne (the Earth-Two Batman). His last appearance was in **Crisis on Infinite Earths #5** (1985), where he was seen among the heroes gathered by Harbinger to fight against the Anti-Monitor’s army. His fate after the Crisis is unknown, as he was erased from existence along with the rest of Earth-Two.
Blackwing is one of the most obscure and forgotten characters in DC history, but he deserves some recognition for being a pioneer and a trailblazer. He was one of the first black superheroes to wear the bat symbol, and one of the few heroes who shared a world with the original Batman. He was also one of the few Earth-Two characters who did not have a Golden Age counterpart or a modern version. He was unique and original, and that makes him special.
