DC Data: Who is Duke Thomas, AKA The Signal?

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The Batman Family, often referred to as the Bat-Family, is an unofficial name for Batman and his allies. They aren’t just any allies, though. Bat-Family designation belongs only to those closest to Batman, including his significant other, his relatives, his children — both blood-related and adopted — and his butler. Not even the Justice League, or even just Trinity members Superman and Wonder Woman, get a seat at this table! Well, alright. Maybe they’re invited to dinners on the weekends. (Readers of the webtoon Batman: Wayne Family Adventures get it.)

Currently, the DC Bat-Family consists of 13 characters including Bruce. Note that there is some crossover between the Bat-Family and other vigilante groups, such as the Outlaws, Teen Titans, Outsiders, and Birds of Prey. Also, some fans would argue Harley Quinn makes up the fourteenth member.

Ultimately, though, the official Bat-Family members are Kate Kane/Batwoman, Jason Todd/Red Hood, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson/Nightwing, Bruce Wayne/Batman, Damian Wayne/Robin, Tim Drake/Red Robin, Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Helena Bertinelli/Huntress, Stephanie Brown/Spoiler, Cassandra Cain/Orphan, and Duke Thomas/The Signal.

Who is the yellow Batman?

Among the members listed above, one stands out in his brightly colored super suit. But that’s kind of the point! Duke Thomas first emerged as Batman’s nameless protege, wearing a yellow uniform that caused readers to nickname him the “Yellow Batman.” But there’s way more to Duke Thomas than that. Below, learn all about The Signal.

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The “Yellow Batman” Is Duke Thomas

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced Duke Thomas in Batman: Zero Year. This teenage metahuman vigilante was the son of the immortal super-villain Gnomon. However, Duke’s mother kept his heritage a secret. She raised him alongside her mortal husband Doug Thomas. Duke and Bruce Wayne met during Riddler’s reign of terror upon Gotham City, when the young, brilliant Duke Thomas attempted to create an unsolvable riddle. Years later, Duke ran into another one of Batman’s Rogues Gallery — though with far more disastrous consequences.

Duke Thomas was almost orphaned when The Joker staged a recreation of the Wayne parents’ double homicide at the hands of Joe Chill. Although Batman saved the three citizens, Joker toxin had been unleashed and spread to Elaine and Doug Thomas. This resulted in their complete loss of sanity and eventual disappearance. Naturally, Duke was placed into foster care. Distraught and seeking justice, Duke joined a teen rebel group called the Robins.

Not another Robin

Things went kind of sour with the young Robins. But Batman eventually recognized Duke’s potential as a hero and asked him to train as his new protege. Duke accepted upon a single condition — that he would not be another Robin. Batman agreed. He handed Duke a yellow Batsuit and said they’d try something different this time.

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Duke Thomas’ Hero Alias Is The Signal

Let’s fast forward to current canon. Duke is called The Signal, after shooting down “Lark,” a codename from Batman’s vision. In addition, Duke finally knows he’s a metahuman. His primary ability is photokinesis, or the manipulation of light. He can also alter how he and others process light. This means he can essentially go invisible to others. Duke can also process and absorb light faster than humans. Most interestingly, Duke has what’s called “Ghost Vision” in the comics. He can use his abilities to to perceive where light used to be or will be, which means he can see into the past and future. Pretty neat!

Of course, Duke’s powers have only grown. The Signal has cosmic perception, X-ray vision, telescopic vision, microscopic vision, and umbrakinesis — shadow manipulation. His metahuman powers also grant him accelerated healing and super strength. Plus, Duke is a kind and caring individual. He’s super intelligent. Notably, he’s also demonstrated indomitable will by being able to wield a Power Ring loaned to him by Green Lantern.

Given that the Bat-Signal is an essential part of Batman’s protection of Gotham, it’s only fitting that Duke would adopt a similar name in light of his unique power set.

What can’t Duke do?

Honestly, not much! Duke Thomas is incredibly important to the Bat-Family. While most of the heroes protect Gotham City at night, Duke is most active during the day. It makes school a little challenging, but Duke still manages to keep those grades up.

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Other Bat-Family Members Have Used the Batman Title!

It’s important to distinguish that Duke never actually went by “Batman.” However, the following Bat-Family characters have used the Batman mantle/moniker at some point in time:

Alfred Pennyworth

Batman’s faithful butler/father figure finally wore the cowl in Batman: Rebirth. When Batman needed a distraction in the form of a decoy, he asked Alfred Pennyworth to do the honors. Everyone cheered.

Dick Grayson

Once, Batman was broken, beaten, and nearly killed by Bane in Batman #497. Unable to defend Gotham, Bruce passed the Batman mantle onto Dick Grayson.

Damian Wayne

Grant Morrison’s Batman #666 depicted a future in which Damian Wayne became Batman. It would make sense for Damian to be his father’s successor — though Terry McGinnis/Batman Beyond might disagree.

Jason Todd

Battle for the Cowl pitted Bruce and Jason Todd against each other in a bid to become the true Batman. Unfortunately, Jason wanted to use lethal tactics and break his guardian’s “no kill” rule. Ultimately, peace and justice won out.

Tim Drake

In an alternate future reality from Teen Titans/Legion Special #1, Tim Drake took on the Batman mantle in his adulthood. This was very shocking at the time, because Tim had once sworn he would never become Batman.

Thomas Wayne

Although Thomas isn’t part of the current Bat-Family lineup, we think it’s prudent to mention him. Bruce Wayne’s dad, Thomas Wayne, became Batman in an alternate timeline. After the main timeline was altered during Flashpoint, Thomas and Martha Wayne lost their son to brutal violence. The event turned Thomas into a hero — and Martha into a version of The Joker. Maybe it’s not always the best thing when super hero antics run in the family…

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