Henri Ducard is a fictional character in the Batman comic book universe. Created by Sam Hamm, Ducard's first appearance was in Detective Comics #599 (April 1989), part of the "Blind Justice" story arc. Sam Hamm was the screenwriter of the 1989Batman film and was asked by Batman comic editor Denny O'Neill to guest write a story arc in Detective Comics, within the arc he created the character of Henri Ducard. The character was later amalgamated with Ra's al Ghul as the main villain in the film Batman Begins, a reboot of the Batman franchise Hamm had helped originate.
Publication information
Publisher: DC Comics
First appearance: Detective Comics #599 (April 1989)
Created by: Sam Hamm (script), Denys Cowan (art)
In-story information
Alter ego: Henri Ducard
Phonetic: hɛ́nri ducard
Translation:
Notable aliases:
Relatives: Morgan Ducard (son, deceased), Felicity Strode (wife, deceased)
Affiliations: Ra's al Ghul, Red Robin
Team affiliations: Interpol
Enemies: Batman, Ra's al Ghul
Abilities: Skilled martial artist and detective
Base Of Operations: Mobile; France
Status
Alignment: Neutral
Identity Secret: Public
Race: Human
Citizenship: French
Marital Status: Widowed
Occupation: Mercenary
Origin: History
Henri Ducard was a skilled assassin wanted in many countries. Upon meeting Felicity Strode (an assassin hired to kill him), the two fell in love and married, having a child named Morgan. Though he was away often, he tried to teach his son as much as he could about the family trade.
Upon returning home, he discovered his son had killed his wife. He was informed of her true identity, choosing to take Morgan with him and train him formally in the ways of assassination.
Ducard met Bruce Wayne in Paris, France and taught him "manhunting" skills after he proved his worth by defeating his son. Upon Wayne's departure, he tasked his son with the job of killing him to prevent any unwanted attention. After Morgan's defeat, he seemed to have lost any respect or affection for his son.Later in the series, it is revealed that Ducard is largely amoral, working for criminals as often as he does the law. He deduces Batman's secret identity, but keeps it to himself, thinking as he leaves that Batman continues to exist because true criminals realize that he distracts the people from the greater crimes by his public battle against lesser crimes.
Ducard was hired to assassinate King Snake. He notified Tim Drake of laundered money sent into Gotham.
Strength level