DC Comics has officially retired Hugo Strange, Batman's first recurring villain, after 86 years in the DC Universe. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, Strange first appeared in Detective Comics #36 in February 1940, making him older than both the Joker and Catwoman. In the latest issue, Batman #10, Hugo Strange's storyline culminates in his death after he declares war on Tozuki Petrochemicals, a major crime organization in Gotham. This marks a significant narrative shift as the ongoing Batman series, led by writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez, aims to modernize the character and his universe. The series reset to issue #1 in 2025, introducing new villains and changing the dynamics of Batman's traditional rogues' gallery. The death of Strange underscores a broader trend of distancing from classic villains, paving the way for a new era in Gotham's criminal landscape.