Batman: Family – DC Comics – (2002–2003) – Volume 1 – Limited Series – #1–8

Batman: Family – DC Comics – (2002–2003) – Volume 1 – Limited Series – #1–8

📘 Series Summary

Batman: Family is an eight‑issue weekly limited series that spotlights the extended Bat‑Family facing a coordinated assault from a new crime syndicate led by the mysterious Athena. With Bruce Wayne absent, Wayne Enterprises faces takeover threats while Batman contends with a wave of bizarre new villains terrorizing Gotham and targeting his allies.

Written primarily by John Francis Moore with rotating art teams, the series follows individual Bat‑Family members—Spoiler, Black Canary, Huntress, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, and others—as they confront Athena's lieutenants like Bugg, Dr. Excess, Suicide King, Freeway, The Technician, and Mr. Fun. Batman works undercover and coordinates defenses while uncovering Athena's personal vendetta against him.

⭐ Why This Series Stands Out

  • Unique **weekly eight‑issue format** that feels like a rapid-fire event, giving each Bat‑Family member a spotlight issue against a themed villain.
  • Introduces **Athena** as a crime lord with deep personal grudge against Batman, commanding a roster of colorful new foes tailored to challenge specific heroes.
  • Features prominent roles for supporting cast like **Spoiler, Orpheus, Cameron Chase**, and GCPD's Montoya and Allen, expanding the "family" beyond core Robins and Nightwing.
  • Builds to a climactic family‑versus‑family showdown in the oversized finale, resolving both the crime wave and Wayne Enterprises power struggle.
  • Showcases **rotating artists** like Stefano Gaudiano, Rick Hoberg, and Steve Leiber, giving each chapter a distinct visual flavor.

📦 Inventory Notice

This eight‑issue weekly series is collected as a complete run by fans wanting Bat‑Family ensemble stories from the early 2000s era.

Issues #1 and #8 are the 48‑page bookends, with #2–7 forming the core seven 32‑page chapters focusing on individual family members.