BATMAN #452-454
BATMAN - DARK KNIGHT, DARK CITY
In 1765 the Ceremony of the Bat takes place within the cellar of Gothamite Jacob Stockman along with several members plan on a sacrifice to summon the Daemon Barbathos. Twenty years later writer Grant Morrison used this classic scene within the pages of Batman and Robin #16 as well as The Return of Bruce Wayne #5 where the sacrifice takes place to create an in-depth mythology of the Dark Knight as well as endorsement for Peter Milligan’s story. The use of R.I.P is also within the story however it stands for Rest in Peace instead of Morrison’s use of Rot in Purgatory.
In the present the Batman takes on the Riddler as he kidnaps one-week newborns for an unknown purpose, hanged a security guard, and destroyed a blood bank. The undead military Gothamites rises from the grave attacking Batman however they are only Riddler’s cybernetic robots in disguise. The Riddler is slowly behaving like the Joker and doesn’t want to kill Batman however needs him for his end goals. All of Ridder’s clues lead Batman to Stockman’s Square where the Riddler performs the rituals of Jacob Stockman on Batman.
DETECTIVE COMICS #633
IDENTITY CRISIS
Published nearly twenty years ago in 1991, Bruce Wayne wakes up in a world where he is no longer Batman. Writer Peter Milligan (Hard Target) and Tom Mandrake (The Spectre) present Bruce returning home only to find out there is no Batcave, Alfred and Tim thinks he is crazy and Batman is shown live on TV investigating a hostage situation. Bruce disguises himself and ends the hostage situation before going toe-to-toe with Batman. One of the classic Batman stories that stands the test of time.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – 5 OUT OF 5
