Batwing-David Zavimbi
Created by: Grant Morisson and Chris Burnham
1st appearance: Batman #250, 1973
Batman, Incorporated #5, 2011 (modern version)
Nationality: Tinashan (City in Africa)
Team Affiliations: Batman incorporated, Justice League International
Legal Status: Unknown
Height: 5’11 Weight: 223
Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
Relatives: Unnamed parents
Skills and abilities: Skilled martial artist and detective trained by Batman himself.
Powers: He is a peak human athlete who’s powers come from his batsuit. Jet propelled flight and wings that glide on air currents. His suit is also reinforced and serves as armor enhancing his physical blows while protecting him from injury. His mask also has infra red specs allowing him to see in the dark.His gauntlets also appear able to generate energy blades.
Biography
Life of a Soldier
David was a young boy from Tinasha (A small fictional country in DC comics Africa) who grew up with his brother Issac. When they were young their parents died from HIV/AIDS [Batwing #1]. Homeless and alone they were recruited as boy soldiers to fight in a war that ravaged the country. David was a huge fan of the African Superteam “The Kingdom“ who he found inspirational. Along with Issac he became the main enforcer of general Keita who nicknamed them the “Dragon flies” because of their speed, natural fighting ability and willingness to kill [Batwing #3]. While they killed for Keita they did so more out of the misguided perception that he was a surrogate father and his army their new family. They eventually had a disagreement after they were ordered to kill his rival Okuru, they agreed to kill him stealthy but Keita wanted the entire village razed. Refusing to kill the innocent they warned the village infuriating Keita who reprimands David causing a brutal fight between his brother Issac and Keita. Issac is brutally scarred and tossed off a cliff by Keita while David flees.
That night David sneaks into Keita’s camp, drugs him and takes him into Okuru’s camp bound and defenseless before leaving him to his fate [Batwing #4]. The loss of his brother prompted him to escaped this life by abandoning his old ways and going into a child shelter for orphans of the war. Here he met Matu Ba and Rene Diallo who became his parental figures. This is also where he met Rachel Niamo with whom he shared his first kiss [Batwing #18]. over time he learned martial arts and became a police officer in his country. The death of Rene by Deathjack spurs him into becoming a vigilante since the police force was ineffective and corrupt [Batwing #0]
When Batman was in Africa looking for leads on Leviathan he met David and assisted him in battling guerrilla soldiers in Africa. Batman also trained David to be his representative in Africa and supplied him with the technology of the power suit and advanced AI computers and databases in his own “batcave”. [Batwing #0]
Life as Batwing
David conducted himself well on the test mission and helped batman against Leviathan. Batman then granted him the title of Batman of Africa and entrusted the protection of the nation to him. He later assists Batman in uncovering the location of all of Leviathan’s soldiers globally he then started a one man war on crime all over Africa.
He then began a long running feud with Massacre after the villain began systematically killing members of “The Kingdom“. The villain managed to even run him through with his sword at one point [Batwing #1]. At the end climax of their battle in Egypt he discovered that this killing engine was his long thought dead brother Issac [Batwing #8] but an explosion apparently killed him before they could reconcile. He briefly joined the Justice League international where he fought the villain Lightweaver.[Justice League International #8]. After the JLI disbanded he was pulled into conflict with the Court of Owls [Batwing #9] and it was hinted he had unspecified history with Mari Jiwe/Vixen [Justice League International #8]. Along with Nightwing and the Batman family he ended up globe trotting and saving lives while facing off with Lord Battle and saving Matu Ba [Batwing #10, Batwing #11 and Batwing #12].
David’s next adventure involves a cult lead by a metahuman telepath/magician Father Lost and being reunited with Rachel Niamo who was now the vigilante Dawn. At the end of the conflict Dawn disappears after being injured and Father Lost is jailed [Batwing #13, Batwing #14 and Batwing #15]. Batwing the attempts to jail a billionaire’s serial killer son but was confronted by Dawn, his own corrupt coworkers and a villain which left his father Matu Ba at deaths door and destroyed his power suit. [Batwing #16, Batwing #17 and Batwing #18]. Filled with righteous rage over the escape of this killer Batwing uses all his resources to track him down, beat him into submission carry him back to jail, defeat Dawn while attempting to reform her, badly injure the billionaire before making it back to Matu Ba‘s bedside. David witnessed the death of his last true friend and was left broken. He contacted Batman who met him at Matu‘s grave where David gave up the Batwing mantle as he decided to find his own way in the world. [Batwing #19]
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- Batwing-David Zavimbi
July 26th, 2011 at 12:50 am
[...] Batwing #1 by Judd Winick and Ben Oliver #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } [...]
July 26th, 2011 at 10:38 am
I see Calvin and Hobbs here walking as Zombies here.. Hope the reference was accessable..
September 9th, 2011 at 12:01 am
[...] runs a rescue program in Africa for child soldiers. When Batwing is recruited by Batman he comes under Batwing’s services much like Alfred he is [...]
September 9th, 2011 at 12:01 am
[...] is that of an agricultural Attache. After leaving heroics he was found butchered and mutilated by Batwing. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; [...]
September 9th, 2011 at 12:02 am
[...] Africa Batwing battles Massacre who says something that jogs a recent memory. He remembers an outing with Batman [...]
October 14th, 2011 at 12:01 am
[...] hand. Lucky for him officer Kia isn’t dead and she fires at the villain once backup arrives, Batwing falls into a coma. When he awakens in his base thanks to Matu Ba two weeks later he is ready for [...]
October 14th, 2011 at 12:04 am
[...] he became a school teacher. It was here that he battled Massacre who was trying to kill him and met Batwing. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; [...]
October 14th, 2011 at 2:35 am
[...] ruthless and cunning killing machine and Batwing‘s first villain. He was responsible for the deaths and mutilations of many including the [...]
November 6th, 2011 at 12:03 am
[...] the past David and his brother Isaac were the greatest boy soldiers ever seen in the [...]
November 6th, 2011 at 1:10 am
[...] who discovered their secret and has been systematically hunting and killing them, clashing with Batwing in the process. GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); GA_googleAddAttr("Origin", "other"); [...]
November 9th, 2011 at 12:16 am
So far the Story has me wanting to read more. David seem like he can be a interesting character if they continue on that path, but after reading Batwing 1 Massacre just comes out of no where killin cats with no lead up to story.
December 12th, 2011 at 12:03 am
[...] Batwing has recovered from his previous fights with Massacre (See Batwing #1, Batwing #2 and Batwing #3 for details) but arrives too late to save Dawnfire, the latest member of “The Kingdom” to die by Massacre’s hands. He retrieves her body from the burning apartment before heading back to his HQ. [...]
December 12th, 2011 at 12:03 am
[...] She was tracked down by the villain Massacre and killed after a long fight. Her body was found by Batwing, who turned over her dead body to the police. GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); [...]
December 30th, 2011 at 6:01 am
[...] Batwing [...]
January 6th, 2012 at 2:00 am
[...] in attendance. Chaos breaks out when men wearing masks like Massacre scares the crowd. Batman and Batwing tackle them but they radio massacre who detonates a series of bombs which levels the building. [...]
January 30th, 2012 at 1:42 am
[...] in from Newsarama is an interview with Batwing writer and longtime bat scribe Judd Winick. Here are the [...]
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:36 am
[...] A former member of the Kingdom Africa’s first superhero team along with Earthstrike, Dawnfire, Thunderfall etc. After retirement he was almost killed by Massacre but was saved by Batwing. [...]
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:39 am
[...] the past a frustrated David Zavimbe complains to Matu Ba of the corruption in the police force and what can be done about it. He [...]
March 9th, 2012 at 12:44 am
[...] comes to Gotham City! Batwing and Batman race back to the city hoping to stop the killer Massacre from assassinating the last two [...]
April 6th, 2012 at 3:08 am
[...] tech necessary to hunt down his former teammates and enact revenge. He almost succeeded but when Batwing traced his remote control signal back to his location in Gotham. He confessed everything to [...]
April 6th, 2012 at 3:35 am
[...] Gotham city Batwing, Robin, Nightwing and Batman take on the Razorback Armour and Massacre. With help from the original [...]
April 15th, 2012 at 12:58 am
[...] David Zavimbe is in America due to his adventures (see Batwing #7 and Batwing #8 for details) he visits the injured Vixen who’s laying unconscious in a hospital after an explosion which left a teammate dead and others seriously injured. While there he assists Booster Gold in battle with Lightweaver who proves too much for the duo. [...]
May 4th, 2012 at 1:10 am
[...] the present Lucius Fox is helping Matu Ba ND Batwing upgrade his armor. He also invites them to a party. Elsewhere the Talons and sent to kill the power [...]
May 8th, 2012 at 12:59 am
[...] on Batman; I won’t even go into how much I liked that except we should all be thankful he gave us Batwing. To say I’m a fan is a huge understatement and to say he’s much more suited to the larger than [...]
June 12th, 2012 at 12:13 am
[...] in the batch, along with Captain Atom, Resurrection Man and Justice League International.With this Batwing is the only black lead book still on from DC Comics. Static and Mr. Terrific bit the bullet early [...]
June 14th, 2012 at 1:32 am
[...] locates some African pirates and finds their “cargo” right before the ship explodes. Batwing contacts batman in Gotham to identify the “cargo”, a Chinese scientist. At the estate of the [...]
July 13th, 2012 at 2:16 am
[...] When Ba discovered his nation had discovered oil he shot him and this lead to a conflict with Batwing and the JLI. #gallery-18103-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-18103-2 .gallery-item { float: left; [...]
July 13th, 2012 at 2:26 am
[...] China Batwing and Nightwing face off with Long, they flee after getting the data they need. Matu Ba then tells [...]
August 4th, 2012 at 12:42 am
[...] mysterious figure that has been waiting in the wings while Massacre killed the Kingdom and Batwing took out Lord Battle. Share this:FacebookTwitterDiggShareMoreRedditStumbleUponLike this:LikeBe the [...]
August 4th, 2012 at 12:43 am
[...] member of the honor guard who serve Lord Battle of Tundi. Along with her team she fought with Batwing and the Justice League International. After her lord’s defeat it’s unknown what became of [...]
August 4th, 2012 at 12:44 am
[...] appearance: Batwing #11, [...]
August 4th, 2012 at 12:49 am
[...] is the sharp shooter of his team who served on the honor guard of Lord Battle and fought with Batwing and the Justice League International. After his lord’s defeat its unknown what became of her. [...]
August 5th, 2012 at 2:22 am
[...] Justice League International and Batwing are facing off with Lord Battle and his honor guard: Striker, Neith, Sniper and the alien Fallen. [...]
August 26th, 2012 at 1:01 am
[...] with a heavy heart that I announce that I’ll be leaving the DC monthly Batwing. I’ve had a terrific time on the title and have loved crafting this adventure with some [...]
September 11th, 2012 at 1:17 am
[...] Years ago in Africa David Zavimbe is a Teen haunted by the things he did as a boy soldier. Rene Diallo and Matu Ba are the only [...]
September 16th, 2012 at 12:36 am
[...] #8. Batman manages to talk down Malik after they defeat him. They allow him to leave and Batman and Batwing leave the team. Everyone else stays together in hopes of making the world a better place despite no [...]
October 5th, 2012 at 2:25 am
[...] jail Batwing tries to interrogate the only cultist left alive, he makes mind contact with them but is saved by [...]
December 24th, 2012 at 1:13 am
[...] Batwing will need all the help he can get to take down a death cult led by Father Lost! [...]
January 10th, 2013 at 1:41 am
[...] as blood pours out of the wound created by Father Lost’s dagger. The villain takes control of Batwing who almost kills a police officer. Matu manages to take control of the armor and bring him to his [...]
February 19th, 2013 at 2:01 am
[...] a great guy and really helped us out there. But Jimmy and Justin really pitched a new direction for Batwing that was very intriguing. And when I say new direction, I mean [...]
February 25th, 2013 at 11:24 pm
[...] writer. Equally as impressive is the quality of these “filler” issues written by Fabian. Batwing is the story of a African man who is an idealist at heart who literally is at war with all the [...]
March 3rd, 2013 at 3:33 am
[...] Fabian Nicieza has raised the stakes in this tale! Both David’s civilian and superhero identities are in way over their heads and are outgunned, out-manned and [...]
March 26th, 2013 at 12:53 am
[...] Batwing’s armor is destroyed! [...]
April 4th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
[...] all across the globe. His most noteworthy creations were the Batwing mk1 suite of armor worn by David Zavimbe and the Batwing mk2 worn by his son Luke as the second [...]
April 5th, 2013 at 12:18 am
[...] David Zavimbe- Our departing hero gets a very cool sendoff this issue, his badassness was turned to maximum as he kicked guys in the nuts, electrocuted others, knocked out teeth etc. I’m gonna miss you David, it was an awesome thrill ride of an experience watching you try and clean up your home in Africa from both behind the cape and as a policeman. [...]
April 5th, 2013 at 12:18 am
[...] Born into the prestigious home of the brilliant Lucius Fox who has supplied Batman and the Batfamily with a variety of ground breaking technology from their inception Luke was what you would classify as the black sheep. He has been tournament fighting since age sixteen despite his father’s disapproval and while studying at MIT has had one thing on his mind for the past four years, joining Batman incorporated. Unknown to him he was apparently Batman’s first choice for the Batwing mantle which was granted to David Zavimbe. [...]
April 12th, 2013 at 9:23 pm
[...] I’m honestly expecting it the announcement of its cancellation sometime this very year. Still David Zavimbe is a wonderful character full of history that ties into real world Africa and an indomitable spirit [...]
April 15th, 2013 at 1:55 am
[...] personal investment I once had, went in the crossover and I’m struggling to get it back. Unlike David Zavimbe/Batwing who I fell in love with over the course of his series Miles recently seems like a kid neighbor or [...]
April 16th, 2013 at 11:49 pm
[...] lead the Army of the Dawn which recruited David and Isaac Zavimbe into their ranks after their parents died of Aids. As their new father figure he [...]
April 21st, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Reblogged this on This College Dropout.
April 25th, 2013 at 12:41 am
[...] he title entered the ultimate line’s crossover and everything since has been a prelude to this. David Zavimbe had me from the beginning because of the constant tragedies of his hero career. Miles has had the [...]
May 4th, 2013 at 1:26 am
[...] Fox- Luke is definitely no David Zavimbe. David was inspired to stop crime because of a tragic past Luke is a glory hound and adrenaline junkie. [...]