Rebirth brought some pretty big changes to the pages of Detective Comics, particularly the launch of Batman’s new team: Red Robin, Batwoman, Orphan, Spoiler, Azrael, Batwing…and its most unlikely member, Clayface. Since then, the team has fought together pretty effectively (for the most part) against foes as diverse and dangerous as the Colony, the Victim Syndicate and the League of Shadows. It’s remained strong throughout the death and return of Tim Drake, the assault by Lady Shiva and the recent visit by a future version of Tim Drake who was determined to kill Batwoman. But now it faces its biggest threat of all, and it comes from one of their own.

Tortured and kept from the device which prevented Basil Karlo from returning to his violent ways, Clayface has reverted to a mindless, destructive, powerful monster, and whether they win or lose in the battle against him, the team will never be the same. If there’s even a team at all!

It would be a tragic end to something that began with all of the best in intentions as we discover in this sneak peek at DETECTIVE COMICS #973. In it, we flashback to a brighter day as a hopeful Batman and Red Robin put the finishing touches on a new Bat-HQ. Enjoy!

First Look: The Origin of Batman's Belfry Pages: 0 Read Preview

DETECTIVE COMICS #973 by James Tynion IV, Jesus Merino, Jason Wright and Sal Cipriano is in stores this Wednesday.