Batman isn’t the only masked crusader in town-and Arkham Asylum has many, many cells beyond those detaining the Penguin, the Joker, and Poison Ivy. But this is not the dark, dismal Arkham Asylum of old-this modern Arkham is run by the son of the original founder, Jeremiah Arkham. He is determined to improve on his father’s methods, and in doing so walks perilously close to the abyss of madness himself. Can Jeremiah cure the Dark Knight when Batman is committed to Arkham for killing a cop? Writer ALAN GRANT (DETECTIVE COMICS) joins artists TIM SALE (BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN), NORM BREYFOGLE (BATMAN), and more in these stories about the men and women in shadow-the shadow of the Bat! Collects BATMAN: THE SHADOW OF THE BAT #1-12!

A ZERO HOUR tie-in, continued from BATMAN #0. While surveying the aftermath of his decisive showdown with Azrael, Bruce Wayne looks back on his solitary youth, recalling years spent honing his body and mind for the day he would take his grief and rage to the streets of Gotham City. Continued in DETECTIVE COMICS #0.

"Originally published in single magazine form as Batman: shadow of the bat 32-42"--Copyright page.

Illusions' part 1! Something strange is going on in Gotham City, and Batman has no idea what it is. A murder is committed on live television; the president of the banking association kills himself; gunfire erupts at the Penguin's birthday party; and Commissioner Gordon is arrested for embezzlement!

The Ugly American is a brutal chauvinist who thinks everyone who disagrees with his twisted brand of Americanism deserves death. He's on a rampage in Gotham City, and Batman doesn't know how to stop him!

In 'Leaves of Grass' part 3, as Tim's friend suffers from the effects of drug abuse, Batman battles the Floronic Man while Poison Ivy plans her escape.

Gotham Freaks' part 2! While in disguise and undercover, the Dark Knight discovers which of the carnival performers is responsible for the crime wave that's been plaguing Gotham City.

Batman and Fate journey to an eerie place not of this Earth to battle with the Spirits of 2000, who have seized Malochia's soul. At stake is nothing less than the fate of humanity itself! "The Spirit of 2000!" part 2.