Description

Batman: Knightfall Part One – Broken Bat           Trade Paperback
Featuring the first part of epic story of Knightfall, this collection includes Batman 491-497 and Detective Comics 659-663.  Awesome!!
Cover by: Kelley Jones & Les Dorscheid

“Knightfall” is a 1993 – 1994 Batman story arc published by DC Comics. It consists of a trilogy of storylines that ran from 1993 to 1994, consisting of “Knightfall“, “Knightquest”, and “KnightsEnd”. The story takes place over approximately six months. With his city under siege, Batman pushes himself to the breaking point as he takes on the Joker, the Mad Hatter, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, the Riddler and the Scarecrow, one after another. Batman suffers burnout as he is systematically assaulted, but things get worse when a “super steroid”-enhanced genius named Bane, the man behind all of the relentless madness, attacks… and an exhausted Batman is crippled. Bruce Wayne is replaced as Batman by an apprentice named Jean-Paul Valley (a.k.a. Azrael), who becomes increasingly violent and unstable, tarnishing Batman’s reputation. Eventually, Wayne is healed through paranormal means and reclaims his role as Batman. “Knightfall” resulted in long-term ramifications for the Batman continuity, as Batman’s trust from the police, the public, and fellow superheroes had to be rebuilt due to Azrael’s violence. Additionally, Wayne realizes the peril and burden of attempting to work in solitude, leading to the eventual creation of the modern incarnation of the Batman family. The events of Knightfall also led to the resignation of Wayne’s loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth. The entire “Knightfall” storyline took over a year to complete in the comic book serials. In later years, the comics have been reprinted several times.

Batman: Knightfall Part One – Broken Bat (1993) contains:

Batman #491 – April 1993
“Freedom of Madness”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Norm Breyfogle w/ Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings

Bane and his men secure some weaponry from an armory, and prepare for their assault on Arkham Asylum. At Gotham City Police Headquarters, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, and Renée Montoya discuss theories as to what purpose the theft of the armaments has, and who pulled it off. Later, Bane decides that the first inmate he will break out of Arkham will be The Joker. With Bane’s help, the Joker escapes, stealing a weapon from his guard and then releasing the other inmates. Then, Bane fires a stinger missile into the wall of the asylum, providing the inmates with an opportunity to escape. Meanwhile, the Joker seeks out Jeremiah Arkham, the asylum’s administrator, and locks him in a cell at gunpoint. Bane’s men drop the munitions outside the hole they blasted in the wall, and the inmates eagerly help themselves.

Gordon orders his tactical unit to backup the state police at the asylum, while he waits at the Bat-Signal for a response from Batman. Bullock informs him that Mayor Krol wants to see him. Gordon shuts off the signal, hoping that Batman is already on his way to Arkham. Robin happens to see the signal go out, and then receives a call from Batman. Robin offers his help, considering Bruce’s physical and mental state, but Batman refuses and hangs up.
Mayor Krol wants the police to shoot to kill, but Commissioner Gordon refuses to issue this order, despite warnings that most of his men could end up dead if they don’t take the offensive position. Meanwhile, Batman arrives at Arkham and is able to safeguard the asylum staff, including Jeremiah Arkham. Unfortunately, the Joker manages to escape, just as Bane and his men fire missiles at the police blockade, essentially freeing all of the inmates. Gordon wonders if he made the right decision in refusing Krol while Batman howls in frustration at his defeat.
——————————————————————————–

Batman #492 – May 1993
“Crossed Eyes Dotty Teas”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Norm Breyfogle w/ Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings

Following the massive Arkham breakout, the Mad Hatter is the first to make a move. He breaks into a haberdashery, stealing several hats. He is observed by Bird and his falcon Talon. Unnoticed by Bird, the Hatter captures the falcon and places a homing device on it. Batman and Robin hear a police dispatch announcement regarding the crime and try to beat the police to the scene. Batman discovers an invitation to a tea party to be held at Tenniel Estate, and they speed away, just as the police arrive. The Hatter invites several criminals to join his tea party, under the pretense of giving them the opportunity to kill Batman. He forces them to put on his hats, which are fitted with voice-activated mind-control devices. He sends Film Freak out to find out who released them from confinement, because he doesn’t appreciate being used. Film Freak uses the homing device placed on Talon to find Bane’s hideout. Batman instructs Robin to be backup only, remaining out of the fight. However, Batman is obviously unwell, and Robin is filled with concern. The Caped Crusader bursts into the tea party and attacks Hatter and his thralls. He questions the Hatter about Bane’s involvement, but the Hatter doesn’t recognize the name. Bane shouts “I am Bane” into the Film Freak’s transmitter, just before killing him. The Hatter sends his thugs after Batman, and when he trains a gun on the hero’s back, Robin leaps into action, and saves his mentor’s life. The heroes overhear Bane shouting that he plans to kill the Batman over the transmitter. Robin assures Batman that they will find and catch their tormentor, but Batman is visibly shaken and exhausted – with the rest of Arkham’s inmates still on the loose.
——————————————————————————–

Detective Comics featuring Batman #659 – May 1993
“Puppets”
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Norm Breyfogle w/ Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Tim Harkins

While the inmates of Arkham Asylum run wild, after being freed by Bane, Ventriloquist strikes up a friendship with Amygdala in hopes of finding Scarface. The Ventriloquist has temporarily satisfied his need for a puppet by putting a sock on his hand. However, after testing it out in public, he decides that a sock may not be the most intimidating choice. Batman and Robin investigate the scene where Film Freak was murdered by Bane. When the police arrive, they head off in search of the next Arkham inmate they can capture. As they get into the Batmobile, Robin happens to notice a falcon flying overhead. They argue about the motivations of the inmates, and Robin warns, once again, that Batman’s health is cause for concern. They are interrupted by a police dispatch announcement regarding a break-in at a toy store. Ventriloquist struggles to find a replacement for Socko in the toy store but finds little of use. Outside, Batman plans his attack, and tells Robin to remain outside once again. Batman enters, and when he discovers that the culprit is only the Ventriloquist, he is surprised and relieved. Unfortunately, Amygdala sneaks up behind him, and attacks. Robin happens to notice the same falcon he saw earlier flying overhead and decides to follow it. He happens upon Bird, who sends his falcon to attack. When Robin captures the bird in his cape, Bird becomes enraged, and they fight. Bird seems to get the upper hand until he receives a call from Bane commanding him to return to base and leave Robin alone. Robin is bitter, as Bird escapes. After a long struggle, Batman barely manages to knock Amygdala out. Ventriloquist decides that finding Scarface is more important than killing Batman, and escapes. Batman returns to the Batmobile to find that Robin is gone and another police radio announcement that Mr. Zsasz is loose in a school.

Batman #493 – May 1993
“Redslash”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Norm Breyfogle w/ Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Tim Harkins

Batman is aware that his strength and resolve are fading with every escaped Arkham Asylum inmate he encounters. He knows that Bane has orchestrated this situation to wear him down. Victor Zsasz has found his way to a boarding school where he plans to add some of the girls to his tally of kills. Many of the girls escape out the back, but there are still fifteen or so trapped inside with the serial killer. After failing to hear from the officer he sent inside, Stan Kitch sends another officer in. The officer encounters his predecessor, with his throat cut. Unfortunately, Zsasz sneaks up on him, and gives him the same fate. Meanwhile, the girls left unattended plot to bring down their hostage-taker. Bullock and Montoya arrive on the scene, asking the situation. Kitch looks ino the status of his officers on the inside, but Zsasz angrily responds on the police radio, and throws the two dead officers’ bodies out the window onto a police car. He threatens those two girls will have to die in order to pay for the two transgressions the police have made. Batman arrives, telling the police to stand down. Bullock comments to Montoya that Batman isn’t looking well, but she is nowhere to be found. Batman activates his night-vision, and when he hears a sound from a classroom, he opens the door, only to find a pair of hands around his neck. His assailant turns out to be Robin, who has come against his mentor’s wishes. Robin reveals that he’s met Bird, one of Bane’s lackeys. Batman allows him to chase Bird, so long as he doesn’t directly confront Bane. Zsasz returns to his hostages, preparing to select two new victims. The girls attack him, but most are so paralyzed with fear that he easily overpowers them and puts a knife to a girl’s neck. Suddenly, Renée Montoya appears in the doorway with her gun trained on the killer. Zsasz views her appearance as a challenge. Montoya offers herself in exchange for the girl’s life. When Zsasz gets his knife to Montoya’s throat, Batman bursts through the window. Zsasz claims that he and Batman are the same, as Montoya shouts that he should simply take Zsasz out rather than worry about her. Zsasz’s words start to get to Batman, and he falters. However, Zsasz’s confidence makes him careless, and Montoya head butts him. The serial killer escapes into the dark hallway, and Batman is nearly stabbed. Batman retaliates in full force. Zsasz mocks Batman, calling on the Dark Knight to cross the line and kill him. Batman refuses but fails to realize how brutally he is beating Zsasz, and how close to killing him he is. Montoya calls Batman off, and he escapes. Bird reports back to Bane that the Batman is looking especially haggard.
——————————————————————————–

Detective Comics featuring Batman #660 – May 1993
”Crocodile Tears”
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Jim Balent w/ Scott Hanna & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: John Costanza

In the sewers of Gotham City, Killer Croc waits and searches for Bane, craving vengeance for his broken limbs. Meanwhile, Robin has followed Bird back to the place where Bane and his other minions are discussing their next move. Bird explains that even though Batman has only faced two minor Arkham Asylum escapees, he is clearly so physically exhausted that he can barely function. Bane, however, decides that Batman must continue to run the gauntlet, and test the extremes of his endurance. In this way, he hopes to learn all he can about the man he came to Gotham to destroy. Robin realizes that all of the dangers and threats he and Batman have faced recently were orchestrated by Bane as a test. He tries to contact Batman, but the Dark Knight has collapsed, exhausted at the scene of his recent apprehension of Mister Zsasz. When Bane makes his exit, Robin follows, but he loses his prey in a rail tunnel. Suddenly, Bane appears behind him, and he is captured. Elsewhere, Socko and the Ventriloquist visit their former lawyer, Mr. Detweiler. They question him at gunpoint as to the whereabouts of Scarface. Harvey Bullock happens across Batman in an alley, and comments that the vigilante looks ill, despite having managed to take out Zsasz. Batman mentions that he can’t seem to find Robin, and Bullock assures him that the boy can handle himself, recommending that the Bat go to bed. Robin finds himself blindfolded in the Gotham sewers. Bane demands to know everything he needs to know about Batman, but Robin’s defiance and smart talk only serve to anger his intimidating captor. Bane suggests that Batman may come to save his protégé, but Robin promises that his mentor wouldn’t fall into a trap on his account. As such, Bane decides that perhaps Robin would be worth more dead than alive, as part of the ‘gauntlet.’ Suddenly, Bane senses the presence of someone else. Still blindfolded, Robin fails to realize immediately that Bane is gone. The blindfold is removed, revealing the face of Killer Croc. Croc demands to know where Bane is, and when Bane attacks him from behind, Robin is thrown aside. The two heavies’ brawl on a stone arch while Robin desperately tries to free his hands. When he finally frees himself, it becomes apparent that the weight of the battling villains is going to destroy the arch. The stone gives way, and they all fall into the rushing water below. As Bane and Croc continue to fight in the water, Robin is forced into a drainpipe, hoping he can hold his breath long enough to survive the trip.
——————————————————————————–

Batman #494 – June 1993
“Night Terrors”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Jim Aparo w/ Tom Mandrake & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings

As Robin is dragged through the sewers of Gotham City by a strong current, he struggles to find a way to avoid drowning. While passing under a narrow archway, he stretches his staff across the gap to keep from being sucked further into Gotham Harbor. However, in order to keep from simply drowning there instead of elsewhere, he uses his Batrope to grip a nearby walkway and pull himself to safety. Meanwhile, both Bane and Killer Croc are swept away into the harbor. Elsewhere, serial killer Cornelius Stirk prepares to eat the heart of a recent victim, hoping to get a taste of the fear induced nor-epinephrine that it would be infused with. He receives a knock at his door from the Joker, bearing an offer to partner in a plan to take control of the whole city. Bruce Wayne cancels his therapy appointment with Dr. Shondra Kinsolving for the fifth time in a row, claiming to be faced with a series of dire emergencies. Dr. Kinsolving is doubtful, and somewhat hurt. She begins to realize that she bears some romantic feelings for her patient. Their call is ended suddenly when Tim arrives home at last, having had to walk home, wet from the sewer. Despite his chill from being in the cold water, Tim is more concerned about Bruce’s health. Bruce ignores the fact that Bane is obviously trying to wear him down, instead remaining obsessed with the need to recapture the remaining Arkham Asylum escapees. Robin offers his help and that of their associate Jean-Paul Valley, but Bruce responds that Bane is only seeking Batman, and that as long as he can stand, it will be his business. Bruce dons his Batsuit and leaves to face his enemies. After having dealt with Mister Zsasz, Batman is reminded of another serial killer: Cornelius Stirk. He performs a computer trace on sightings of anomalous historical figures, knowing that Stirk’s hypnotic abilities often convince people that they are seeing historical figures. The computer returns results indicating that Stirk was last seen in Gotham’s Hub District. Elsewhere, Scarecrow bursts into the 8-Ball bar, and tortures one of the Joker’s former gang members with his fear toxin. The thug spills that the Joker plans to use Stirk’s abilities to kidnap and control Commissioner Gordon into fouling up the Gotham City Police Department and run the city into the ground. Batman discovers bodies of Stirk’s victims in a dumpster, and when he hears the sound of the cart Stirk uses to carry around the bodies, he follows it to the killer’s apartment. When he gets inside, Stirk has already left, but an open notebook indicates that Commissioner Gordon is the target. Batman rushes to Gotham City Police Headquarters, as the Bat-Signal shines in the sky. Commissioner Gordon has been warned by Mayor Krol that unless he gets a handle on things, his career will be destroyed. Now, standing next to the lit Bat-Signal, he is greeted by Batman. Suddenly, Batman punches Gordon, knocking him to the ground. It is revealed that the Batman was actually a hypnotic illusion by Cornelius Stirk, who proceeds to attack the Commissioner with a knife. From above, the Joker watches grumpily, noting that he wanted to kidnap the commissioner, and not kill him. The Joker is further exasperated by the arrival of the real Batman. Batman easily apprehends Stirk, despite his exhaustion related clumsiness. The Joker wonders why he bothered to partner with Stirk, when he is confronted by the Scarecrow, who wonders the same thing. The Scarecrow is jealous and offended that Stirk was chosen to partner with the Joker rather than himself – a master of fear. Joker seems open to cooperation and agrees to the Scarecrow’s new plan to terrorize the mayor in order to gain control over Gotham, rather than kidnapping Gordon. Batman helps the Commissioner to his feet as his wife Sarah Essen-Gordon arrives on the roof and admonishes Batman for once again placing her husband in danger. Jim is still plagued by Stirk’s manipulations as she carries him away. Later, the Joker and Scarecrow arrive at Mayor Krol’s mansion, filling his bedroom with fear toxin, and manipulating him into using his citywide influence for their benefit.
——————————————————————————–

Detective Comics featuring Batman #661 – June 1993
“City on Fire”
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Graham Nolan w/ Scott Hanna & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: John Costanza

The Joker and Scarecrow continue to terrorize the mayor into making various irresponsible phone calls. At a loss for something new to cause chaos in Gotham City with, the pair eventually decides to force Mayor Krol to tell the president of the Firefighter’s Union that he is thinking of cutting the rolls. The irony of choosing the Firefighter’s Union as a target is apparent in the rampage of Firefly, who has set fire to Elmo’s Pier, an amusement park. Batman and Robin arrive on the scene, and Robin tries to persuade his mentor to let him help. Robin is becoming increasingly concerned for Batman’s physical and mental health, having gone days without sleep. Batman tells Robin to stay with the car while he swings up to the top of a roller coaster ride, where Firefly watches his latest work raptly. Before Batman can even engage Firefly in a fight, the arsonist flies away on a glider, carried by the thermals of the fire he set. Batman is left hanging precariously from a burning beam on the ride. Fortunately, Robin sends up a grappling line, and Batman slides down hoping that his partner can’t see his weakness. Of course, it is obvious to Robin, who claims that Batman’s current method of throwing himself at each villain rather than using his mind is not what he taught his protégé. Batman relents and allows Robin to do the detective work required to find Firefly’s next target. Elsewhere, The Ventriloquist holds his former lawyer, Mr. Detweiler at gunpoint, demanding to know the location of Scarface. The lawyer suggests that the dummy would likely be in an evidence locker at the last precinct that the Ventriloquist was arrested. Meanwhile, Tim Drake discovers that Firefly was an orphan, and decides to check out the orphanage as a lead. When he arrives, a mysterious nun reveals that Firefly had a sister named Amanda. Robin decides to follow that lead. In a seedy bar, The Riddler’s thugs are growing impatient with his need to come up with appropriate riddles for his crimes, considering that they’ve already chosen a target and gathered their equipment together. Riddler tries to explain the importance of the riddle to his crimes, as he seals an envelope addressed to Gotham City Police Headquarters. Later, over at Headquarters, the officers are all called away to prevent an attack on Castleland Park, leaving the Riddler’s letter unread. Officers Montoya and Carberry visit Firefly’s sister Amanda Kelso, who explains that her brother became bitterly resentful of the families visiting the orphanage who promised to take them to fun locations in Gotham, and he is now burning those locations down. She makes a list offers a list of potential targets, which an eavesdropping Robin records. He reports the list to Batman, who has just taken down Cavalier. Batman finds Firefly at the former Majestic Theatre. The arsonist claims that he has no interest in fighting with Batman, and attempts escape, but the Dark Knight leaps after him, and they both tumble down into the flames together.
——————————————————————————–

Batman #495 – June 1993
“Strange Deadfellows”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Jim Aparo w/ Bob Wiacek & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings

Batman allows Firefly to escape in order to save both their lives, wrapping his Batrope around the villain’s leg, and letting Firefly’s glider pull him out of the fire. Firefly realizes that he’s towing his enemy, and cuts the wire, sending Batman hurtling toward the ground. Batman survives by gripping onto a fire escape as he falls. At the same time, Jean-Paul Valley decides to go out on the streets in costume, hoping to have a trial-by-fire after training for weeks since he was humiliated by his encounter with Killer Croc. He doesn’t tell Batman or Robin. Back at Wayne Manor, Alfred reminds Bruce Wayne that he ought to attend a Wayne Foundation dinner, lest people realize that he is Batman. Bruce agrees, knowing that the dinner will likely be a target for mayhem, and he will need to be there in one mask or another. That night, Poison Ivy prepares her plan to disrupt the dinner while Bane and his men stakeout the dinner’s location, hoping to see what happens with Ivy’s plan. Meanwhile, Joker and Scarecrow force Mayor Krol to send the Gotham City Police Department on a wild goose-chase. At the dinner, Bruce realizes that the police guards are nowhere to be found and grows suspicious. Bane, watching from above, realizes that Batman and Bruce Wayne are one and the same, after witnessing him in public. Suddenly, Bruce senses that some kind of plant toxin is being pumped into the room, and he struggles to get a nose-filter in to protect himself. Poison Ivy appears and instructs all the men in the room to leave for Neo Eden. Bruce pretends to be in her thrall, in order not to give himself away, and files into the back of a truck. Bane instructs his man Bird to follow it. Once the truck arrives at its destination, Ivy instructs the men to form a line so she can relieve them of their valuables and money. Bruce takes the opportunity to sneak off and get into his costume. As Ivy prepares to kiss (and thereby infect) her victims, Batman tosses a Batarang into her face. In response, she summons some previously infected goons to attack him. Batman becomes increasingly exhausted with each foe that he takes down, much to Bane’s pleasure. Even so, he manages to subdue Poison Ivy, and call ambulances for her victims. Meanwhile, much of the Gotham Police Department is at an amusement park, believing that Mayor Krol is being held captive by the Joker and Scarecrow there (though he is actually being held captive in his own home). The mayor’s voice leads them to a bomb, which goes off moments later, killing many officers. Back at his hideout, Bane hopes that Batman can withstand the threat of the Joker, in order that he can face Bane, finally.
——————————————————————————–

Detective Comics featuring Batman #662 – June 1993
“Burning Questions”
Writer: by Chuck Dixon
Artist: Graham Nolan w/ Scott Hanna & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: John Costanza.

The Riddler’s goons decide they’ve had enough of waiting for him to concoct riddles relating to their next big score. They decide to take on the job themselves without him and chase him out onto the streets in a rain of bullets. Dejected and disappointed, the Riddler wonders why his riddles haven’t received any response from the GCPD. After passing an electronics store, he comes up with a new way to give his riddles to a much wider audience. In the Batcave, Robin works off some of his frustrations regarding the fact that Batman allowed him to do all of the footwork for the Firefly case but has made him sit out on the bust. The last place on Robin’s list of potential targets for Firefly is Gotham City Zoo. Bored, Robin begins channel surfing on the Batcomputer’s TV monitor, much to Alfred’s disgust. He happens upon the Cassie Josie Rudolpho show, where a former Arkham Asylum employee, Dr. Simpson Flander, is hawking his new pop-psychology book. When Cassie takes questions from the audience, one audience member steps up, and begins asking riddles. It is the Riddler in disguise, and he has rigged himself with dynamite. Robin heads for the studio where the show is filmed as fast as he can. At the Zoo, Batman seeks out Firefly, following the arsonist’s peals of mad laughter. Fortunately, Batman has outfitted himself with a flame resistant Batsuit and a re-breather, to withstand Firefly’s attacks. Still the heat drains him of his energy, and the weight of the suit drags him down. As a result of his exhaustion, Batman clumsily falls into a cage with some leopards, who angrily attack. Firefly takes the opportunity to make his escape while Batman is forced to use flame-retardant Halon on the cats to daze them and give chase. He manages to catch up with Firefly enough to wrap his Batrope around the villain and leave him dangling over an alligator pit. While the police struggle to come up with a way to handle the Riddler’s commandeering of a live talk-show, Robin sneaks in through a vent, and leaps down onto the stage, spraying Riddler’s hand with a fast-acting epoxy to keep him from being able to activate the detonator to the dynamite around his chest. Harvey Bullock and the bomb squad rush in, and arrest the Riddler, and Bullock warns Robin that he could have killed everyone by being so brash and acting alone. Meanwhile, the Riddler’s former gang has broken into the post office, and stolen a fortune in stamps, and cash. As they make their getaway, however, they come face to face with Huntress, who apprehends them all without much effort. With Firefly captured, Batman keeps count of the eight minor Arkham escapees that he’s recaptured but worries that he won’t have the stamina to face Riddler, Scarecrow and Joker – not to mention Bane.
——————————————————————————–

 Batman #496 – July 1993
“Die Laughing”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Jim Aparo w/ Josef Rubinstein & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings.

After seeing a news report following Batman’s apprehension of Firefly, claiming that the Batman is looking particularly haggard, Joker suggests that he and Scarecrow take the opportunity to kill their enemy. Scarecrow is against the plan, though. Meanwhile, Batman speeds to Mayor Krol’s mansion to search for clues to his abduction by the Joker and Scarecrow. Detectives Bullock and Montoya are already on the scene, and despite the fact that twenty officers were killed by an explosion in their last attempt to find Krol, Bullock decides to go in without the bomb squad’s go-ahead. As he opens the front door, he discovers that he has tripped a wire, and Batman swoops down to save him moments before the building explodes, leaving no clues behind. Joker and Scarecrow have already left, dragging Krol with them to the Gotham River Tunnel. They use an ice cream truck rigged with explosives to destroy the toll booth and restrict traffic, as they head into the tunnel on foot. Once inside, Joker forces the mayor to call Commissioner Gordon, and request that the National Guard be sent to the tunnel. Meanwhile, Bullock and most of the Gotham City Police Department are already on the way, given the explosions at the tunnel’s entrance. Elsewhere, Bane admits that with more discipline, the team of the Joker and Scarecrow could easily take over Gotham City. However, he still believes that Batman could stop them, and once he does, he will be forced to run Bane’s gauntlet. Bullock and the Commissioner argue over how to proceed into the tunnel, but Batman states that he will find Krol alone. Despite the fact that it is obviously a trap, he realizes that it’s more important to save the mayor’s life than to avoid the trap. Inside, Batman encounters the Scarecrow, but he is too late to prevent himself from being affected by Scarecrow’s Fear Toxin. He has horrific visions of the Joker savagely beating his former partner Jason Todd with a crowbar. He forces himself to ignore the effects long enough to knock out the Scarecrow, but his anger over Jason’s death makes him lose control, and he violently beats the Joker, all while screaming Jason’s name. Scarecrow uses a missile launcher to fire at Batman, which compromises the structural integrity of the tunnel. Batman is forced to choose between rescuing the mayor and capturing his insane opponents. With little real choice, Batman drags the mayor from the tunnel with a wave of water rushing after them.
——————————————————————————–

Detective Comics featuring Batman #663 – July 1993
“No Rest for the Wicked”
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Graham Nolan w/ Scott Hanna & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: John Costanza.

Batman drags Mayor Krol through the flooded Gotham River Tunnel, hoping they can survive. He dives underwater and discovers a possible exit through the tunnel walkway, 30 feet below the surface. Krol is exhausted and afraid, so Batman knocks him unconscious and wraps his cape around him to keep the water out of his airways. He carries Krol underwater, holding his breath until he comes to an exit. Unfortunately, the hatch is rusted shut, and only his anger at Bane’s manipulations gives him the extra burst of strength he needs to open the hatch before drowning. On the shores of Gotham River, Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD wait for any sign that the mayor survived the flood. Renée Montoya spots the mayor wandering in tears on the beach. When asked how he survived, the mayor describes the Batman’s unwillingness to give up or surrender in bewildered awe. Meanwhile, Ventriloquist breaks into a police evidence room, kills the guard on duty, and steals back Scarface, his boss. Batman rests on a roof, exhausted. Suddenly, he is startled by a falcon’s cry. Remembering that Robin had mentioned that one of Bane’s men is a falconer, Batman becomes wary that he may be being watched. Suddenly, he is attacked by Trogg. Finding himself too weak to break out of Trogg’s iron grip, Batman releases a capsule of nauseating gas into his assailant’s face and knocks him to the ground below. He recalls that Bane has three henchmen, and wonders if he’s being made to run a gauntlet. Unfortunately, he has little time to think, because he is attacked seconds later by Zombie. Zombie uses throwing knifes to disorient and threaten the Bat, warning that he fights with his mind, rather than brute strength. Taking that in mind, Batman tricks Zombie by throwing his cape and cowl at his opponent, and then knocking his legs out from under him from behind. Moments later, Talon the falcon swoops down and attacks. The bird herds Batman to his next enemy – Bird. Batman’s exhaustion makes him clumsy and less able to defend against Bird’s attacks. However, when Bird begins taunting him, claiming that he no longer believes – as Bane does – that Batman runs Gotham City, the Dark Knight finds new energy, and batters Bird into giving up Bane’s location. Unfortunately, Bird simply falls unconscious. Batman drives home to the Batcave, puts on his robe, and trudges upstairs to Wayne Manor. However, upon entering the manor, he discovers Alfred’s unconscious body on the floor, and Bane waiting for him.
——————————————————————————–

Batman #497 – July 1993
“The Broken Bat”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Jim Aparo w/ Dick Giordano & Adrienne Roy
Letterer: Richard Starkings.

Bruce Wayne enters his study at Wayne Manor and finds Bane waiting for him. He is shocked to find that Bane knows his secret identity. Bane states that he has always known who the Batman was, but that Bruce Wayne is merely a façade, and the Batman is the true persona. Bane pumps himself full of Venom, in preparation for his final step in taking control of Gotham City. Bruce is disgusted that Bane would kill so many just to gain control of the city, and he sheds his bathrobe, dons his cape and cowl, and leaps into action. Batman is exhausted from fighting Gotham’s criminal underworld non-stop for nearly three nights. Alfred regains consciousness, and Bruce only has time to tell him to escape before Bane wraps his hands around his throat. Unlike Batman, Bane is in top form, and he easily smashes him through the grandfather clock that hides the access hatch into the Batcave. Batman stumbles down the steps and Bane trails after him. Alfred, severely injured, manages to crawl to the front door of the manor and gets to his feet while Bane batters his master around the cave. He begins limping across the yard towards Drake Manor. Tim Drake answers the door and Alfred tells him that they may need an ambulance. Tim gets into his costume. Shondra Kinsolving tries to reach Bruce on the phone, but gets no reply, as Bane pummels him, determined to break the Batman’s spirit. Broken and bleeding, wanting to die, Batman tells Bane to go to hell. Not satisfied with merely killing the Bat, Bane wants to prolong his adversary’s agony. Bane picks Batman up with both hands and then drives him down across his knee, shattering his spine. Satisfied, he lets Batman’s crumpled body fall to the floor.
——————————————————————————–

Trade Paperback reprints/collects: Batman (1993) #491-497 & Detective Comics (1993) #659-663.  DC Comics

Trade Paperback is bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

First Printing
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: 1993
Format per comic: FC, 296 pages, TPB, 10.25″ x 6.5″
ISBN-10: 1563891425
ISBN-13: 9781563891427

Collectible Entertainment note: Trade Paperback is in Very Fine condition.  Beautiful!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Batman collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Very Highly Recommended.

Please read return policy.