Honestly...how do you even talk about an issue that has a cover such as this one or an opening page like this:
Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Alfred...the pallbearers. One grave, a contrast to how we kicked off this adventure. Here's a visual reminder if you don't remember:
There were two graves back in Batman Incorporated #1 (which was tagged as one month earlier), and here there is just the one. So there is still the question of who's body fills in that second grave?
We kick back into the current situation with Bruce being confronted with the monster who killed his son, a monster who (unbeknownst to Bruce) is his son's clone. Just like Damian, the Heretic is arrogant and boasts how he killed "your son" with his sword. Just as he did with Damian (who I believe could have beat him if not for the random bullets & arrows) Heretic seems to underestimate Bruce (his "father") during this fight. He assumes (as most do) that since he beat him before he could do so again, he even calls Bruce "weak and slow" before eating the Batman's fingers into his eyeballs.
Heretic, as Dick "Nightwing" Grayson struggles with Damian's death, even pulls a Bane-moment on Batman and threatens Bruce that he will "break your back". It hearkens back to the fight-montage of not only the previous issue in which Heretic actually did pull Bane's backbreaking maneuver out on Damian (to no success), but also to Batman #497:
Nightwing jumps to the aid of Batman (as he once did waaaaay back in KnightsEnd):
...and the comic begins to meld flash-forwards in with the "NOW" of the book as we see the four pallbearers standing graveside in one panel while the next panel depicts Dick's battle with his "brother".
On one page we have Bruce eulogizing his son while on the next it is juxtaposed with the death of another member of Batman Incorporated, The Knight (Cyril Sheldrake):
There are several intriguing things about the Beryl sequence here. First up, she takes on the identity of The Knight and the fact that she does so in front of Night Ranger further enhances the sequence by playing into the legacy idea behind Batman. Batman first begot the Dick Grayson/Robin creature and eventually Grayson took on the Batman mantle. Theoretically, and if issues like Batman #666 and the recent Son of Batman mini-series are to be accepted as canon, Damian Wayne would have ultimately done the same.
Second, this Night Ranger (Johnny Riley) is another representation of a sidekick (formerly known as Scout) who took on the identity of his mentor.
Third, based on the final two panels of this page...
...there is something out there as far as Lazarus Pits go. Last time we saw a Pit was during Batman & Robin (Vol. 1) #7-9 story arc but, based on this conversation and the fact that we saw some empty grave(s) before, there is a great deal of mileage in this topic.
As we previously saw, Alfred "let" Damian run out into the chaos that let to his death and Bruce, based on this amazing first panel from Burnham as well as his previous page, shows us just how much Bruce is mourning Damian/blaming Alfred. Is it Bruce protecting his life-long ally or is it blame falling on the wrong shoulders? I suppose we will find out down the line...
It certainly comes off like Bruce protecting Alfred and given that the next two pages lay out how Leviathan aims to decimate the Wayne name, it certainly plays out that Bruce is looking to shield his ally. Gotham, WayneCorp, it all comes under fire from Leviathan as they begin to broadcast their version of the "truth" city-wide. It is public knowledge that the Wayne name is affiliated with Batman Incorporated and it is now public perception that Bruce's son has died AND that he has CLOSE connections to the terrorist organization. It doesn't matter what level of truth these rumors hold, all that matters is that the rumors are out there; our 24/7 media cycle will do the damage itself...
The main reason for using this page is because of the 3rd panel and how it further illustrates the FUCKING AWFUL maternal nature of Talia Al Ghul. What kind of parent tells their child, even if it is the clone of their child, to address them by their first name AND essentially says "I'm not your mother"? A seriously damaged terrible human being of a mother...
And as she berates the Heretic for killing Damian, not on her order mind you, he actually stands up for himself and says "I watch. I listen. I learn. I am Batman now." This is what Talia has introduced to the world, a version of Batman that she seems to have even less control over than the real thing...
Bruce is in the process of getting his arse handed to him as Heretic continues to lecture him, in an almost son-to-father fashion, about how he is younger/stronger/faster/bigger than his father/Batman. We are looking at the battle of generations playing out before us. This is the Hulk-Batman decimating Batman-Classic before our eyes...a version of Batman, sans morals and restrictions, aiming to kill his predecessor right in front of we the reader!
There is a difference though. Our Batman-Classic has a family and that family saves him from death at the hands of his bastard child. Unfortunately, simultaneously, his alter-ego is being decimated through political means; Leviathan's hands are everywhere:
Batman is illegal...as he was way back in Batman: Year One and again in the aftermath of Batman: War Games...and we see Jim Gordon having to hide his allegiances as a result. Leviathan has turned Gotham against The Bat, at least to save its own skin, and men like Commissioner James Gordon are now having to conceal their connection as warrants are issued for men like Bruce Wayne.
Thankfully we have men & women like the members of Batman Inc who will battle on despite the odds in front of them. We have people like Nightwing, Dark Ranger, the new Knight, and Red Robin who maintain contact with the rest of the organization and keep things under control. Despite Wingman/Red Hood/Jason Todd being captured by the All-Girls School of Death from Leviathan Strikes!, the unit (shown to be consisting of El Gaucho/Man of Bats/Red Raven/Nightrunner/The Batman of Japan) persists on "finishing it" as Dick Grayson says.
The final pages, looking at them with no words, carried completely by the powerful images presented by Chris Burnham, the angst/anger/rage/sadness is carried across in totality by what is on the page. While that final page may not have any sort of screaming sound effect, it doesn't even need one. It is a page that demands the reader put the scream in there, it demands that Bruce Wayne be screaming loud enough to wake every damn bat in the cave. After all, he just erased his son from existence and had a bit of release via Bat-Cow...
BATTLE FOR THE COWL PT. 2 (originally written in late 2008/early 2009)
PAGE 1
1 – Gotham City rooftop, close on the
faces of ROBIN and NIGHTWING. Robin’s is bloody from the batarang
just flung into his face; Nightwing’s is a look of shock…
NIGHTWING
…Damian…
2 – ¾ page; DAMIAN standing at the
side of JASON TODD. Todd has a gun in each hand; Damian is bearing a
staff in his hand.
DAMIAN
Robin, Grayson. My name is Robin.
PAGE 2
1 – Back to Nightwing and Robin on the
opposite side of the roof. Robin has wiped the blood from his face,
but it still trickles from his nose. Nightwing has drawn out two
small escrima while Robin is reaching into his utility belt for a
batarang.
ROBIN
That damn brat. What the hell is wrong with
him?
NIGHTWING
I don’t know Tim, but Damian’s not my
primary concern. Damian doesn’t have the guns.
ROBIN
I hate to say it, but that little psycho
doesn’t exactly need guns.
2 – Close on Damian’s face…
DAMIAN
I can you hear over here Drake. You can call me
psycho if it makes you feel better but this is simply me taking my
rightful place as Bruce Wayne’s only true son.
3 – Wider shot of Jason and Damian. Damian
is now crouched down, waiting to pounce at the first sign of attack.
Jason, having holstered one gun, places a hand on the shoulder of
Damian.
JASON TODD
Let’s take our leave Damian. Let this sink
in for our “brothers” while you and I go save Gotham from itself.
After all we are the only dynamic duo that is willing to do what
must be done.
4 – Wider shot of all four men, a Mexican
standoff more or less.
5 – Shot of Jason extending his arm firing a
line into a nearby building.
JASON TODD Time to go.
PAGE 3
1 – Robin flinging a batarang at Jason and
Damian’s escape line…
ROBIN
NO!
2 – Jason fires off a shot with the one gun
still in hand.
JASON TODD
Another time Tim.
3 – Close on the bullet shattering the
batarang to pieces.
4 – Nightwing charges at Jason & Damian…
NIGHTWING
Damian!
5 – An explosion in the distance…
6 – …allows Jason & Damian to escape.
JASON TODD
Looks like a job for you.
7 – A shot of Robin & Nightwing standing
helplessly as Jason & Damian disappear into the night and the
fire from the explosion burns in the distance.
NIGHTWING
Damn it!
PAGE 4
1 – Cut to the interior of the Batcave where
an exhausted ORACLE sits at the Bat computer, Alfred over one
shoulder and BATGIRL (Cassandra Cain) over the other.
ORACLE
Location update Nightwing?
2 – Back to Nightwing as he and Robin repel
down the side of the building.
NIGHTWING
In the city. Guesstimating 2 miles from the
explosion we just witnessed.
3 – Back to Oracle and company in the cave.
ORACLE
Any luck with the prodigal son?
BATGIRL What is the prodigal son?
4 – Back to Nightwing as he and Robin mount
their respective motorcycles.
NIGHTWING
Luck isn’t the word for it. And there’s two
to speak of now. Damian paid us a little visit, but…
ROBIN
Go on; tell her what that little bastard did.
NIGHTWING
It looks like Damian may have jumped ship.
5 – Back to Oracle and company….
ALFRED
Jumped ship? Master Richard do you mean that he
and Jason…
NIGHTWING
(on screen image)
Yeah Alf. He left with Jason, who by the way
has a bat suit that is way too familiar. Remember what Bruce said
the 3rd man looked like? Looks like Jason raided his
wardrobe.
6 – To Robin and Nightwing as the speed off
on their motorcycles towards this latest explosion…
NIGHTWING
I’ll give you the rest of the details in
person. Just give me a location on this big boom…
ORACLE
(Via headset)
Head towards the river. It looks like it’s a
Wayne Corp. owned shipyard.
PAGE 5
1 – Close on Nightwing, helmet on but visor
up so you can see the disbelief in his eyes.
NIGHTWING
That’s two Wayne owned businesses blown up
today. That is not coincidence people.
ROBIN
Great, now Wayne Corp. is a target? How much
worse…
2 – Back to the Batcave…
ORACLE
Don’t even finish that sentence Robin.
You’ll jinx the wonderful luck we’ve had already today.
ROBIN
(on screen)
I am lolling on the inside.
ORACLE
I’m sending Batgirl to meet you at the docks.
3 – Close on Alfred’s concerned face.
ALFRED
It appears Miss Cain has already flown the coop
Miss Gordon.
4 – Back to a two shot of Oracle and Alfred.
ORACLE
Saves me the time of giving orders then. Dick
,what’s your ETA?
5 – Back to Nightwing as he pulls a tight
turn around a corner, Robin close behind.
NIGHTWING
Looks like it just got a little longer.
PAGE 6
FULL PAGE
Cut to a wider shot behind from behind both
Nightwing and Robin who have come to a stop. The scene playing out
in the streets before them looks like something from the LA riots.
People smashing windows, running out of storefronts with appliances,
a car getting flipped over, and standing in the middle of the
chaos…ANARKY.
PAGE 7
1 – Close on Robin’s face…
ROBIN
Of course it’s one of mine.
2 – Close on Anarky’s face, he is oblivious
to the arrival of Nightwing and Robin
ANARKY
Just a little push and the wonderful citizens
of Gotham unleash hell on themselves. This is what happens when you
tear down your walls people! This is what happens when you stop
pretending you’re civilized!
3 – Close on Nightwing’s angry face sans
motorcycle helmet. He just looks like he wants to blow off steam…
NIGHTWING
Go on ahead Tim. I’ve got this.
4 – Back to a two shot of Robin &
Nightwing…
ROBIN
You sure? Anarky’s…well, he’s kind of my
problem.
NIGHTWING
I’ll take it from here. Need to blow off
some steam and his face looks like a perfect way to do that.
ROBIN
He’s all yours. Buzz me when you’re done.
5 – Robin takes off in the background as
Nightwing steps off his motorcycle.
NIGHTWING
Hey Anarky! If it's attention you want, you’ve
got it kid.
6 – Close on Anarky’s face as his gaze
finally turns to Nightwing.
ANARKY
Nightwing? And here I was hoping for Batman. Or
at least Robin. Instead I get the middle of the road, lucky me.
7 – Close on Nightwing’s increasingly
angered countenance.
NIGHTWING
Yeah...lucky you.
PAGE 8
1 – Cut to the interior of an office
building, the same one that kicked off Part 1, only this time we find
it empty save for the figure of BLACK MASK staring out over the city.
The shot we see is of the back of his head, without mask, as he looks
out over the burning city.
BLACK MASK
This is perfection my friend. The destruction
of the city, the Batman, and the Wayne name all in one fell swoop.
And we have one of Bruce’s own to thank for a large portion of that
don’t we?
2 – Cut to LA BOSSU walking into the
boardroom with a knife in his hand, blood dripping onto the carpet.
LA BOSSU
Don’t be modest Simon. We have you to thank
for this beautiful example of how one man can orchestrate the fall of
so many others.
3 – Back to Black Mask as he turns to face
his ally, revealing the face of one Dr. Simon Hurt…
BLACK MASK
I merely knocked over the first domino Monsieur
Bossu. Gotham City and Jason Todd have done the rest all by
themselves. Please do wipe the blood from your blade before you
completely ruin the carpet.
LA BOSSU
(Off Panel)
My apologies Doctor Hurt. I was very eager to
see if the city still stood. I did not think to wipe off my tool of
the trade.
4- Dr. Hurt sits down at the table in the
center of the room as La Bossu looks out the window behind him at the
two large fires raging in the distance and the numerous police lights
shining throughout Gotham.
LA BOSSU
It seems as if the plan is coming together
quite well Simon. I see that the second explosion has only just
taken place.
BLACK MASK
At the docks yes. I imagine one of Bruce
Wayne’s children will be en route to the location as we speak. If
orders are followed as given, whichever of his foolish followers
takes the call will be greeted quite…severely by one of the more
pyro-inclined members of Batman’s rogue gallery.
5- Shot of La Bossu licking the blood off his
knife…
6 –Dr. Hurt pulls a phone from his pocket
BLACK MASK
But we must insure that our players are all in
their proper location. After all, the only one you can truly trust to
follow direction is yourself.
PAGE 9
1 – Jason Todd and Damian as they come to a
halt on the roof of a random building in Gotham. The flames from the
last explosion appear farther away in the distance than they were
during the Bat family confrontation.
DAMIAN
Why aren’t we going towards the
explosion…Batman?
JASON TODD
I have to take this call Damian. Be patient.
2 – Close on Jason as he touches a hidden
button on the side of his cowl.
JASON TODD
Simon, is that you?
3 – Cut to Black Mask/Dr. Hurt inside his
office building, drumming his fingers on the Black Mask mask.
BLACK MASK
Yes Jason. I call bearing information
regarding today’s onslaught of explosions in Gotham City. I
imagine you’ve noticed a pattern in them?
4 – Back to Jason, an impatient Damian
shadowboxing in the background.
JASON TODD
To be frank Simon, I’ve been ignoring these
little fires. Sources have pointed me in the direction of
something…bigger.
5 – A smiling Dr. Hurt as he holds up the
mask a la Macbeth talking to Horatio’s skull.
BLACK MASK
And just what is this bigger fish you are
looking to fry? Is it bigger than someone targeting Wayne Corp.
holdings?
6 – The red lights in Jason’s eyes flicker
as something catches his attention off panel.
JASON TODD
Black Mask. I think it’s safe to say the
bombings are connected. I’ve gotta go, there’s someone out here.
PAGE 10
1 – Cut back to Nightwing as he catches a
random looter with a shot to the jaw. Anarky is visible in the shot,
standing on top of a car, directing the human traffic.
2 – Medium close on Anarky as he directs the
flock at Nightwing
ANARKY
That is the man trying to stop you from making
your dreams come true! He is part of the control system, part of the
fear state Gotham City has enforced on his inhabitants! Stop him and
truly start living people!
3 – Shot of a dozen or so looters, various
weapons in hands, approaching Nightwing.
4 – Nightwing standing, escrima in each hand,
his face screams exhaustion but his body is defiant.
NIGHTWING
(Caption)
This is nuts, even for Gotham.
5 – First of a series of panels of Nightwing
fighting his way through the crowd.
NIGHTWING (Caption)
Bruce dies…
6 – Another panel of Nightwing fighting…
NIGHTWING
(Caption)
Batman disappears…
7- 3rd panel of Nightwing fighting
the crowd en route to Anarky…
NIGHTWING
(Caption)
Gotham goes nuts…
8 – Final panel of Nightwing standing amidst
a pile of the unconscious citizens Anarky had whipped into frenzy.
NIGHTWING
Damn it.
PAGE 11
1 – Medium close of Anarky pointing his staff
at Nightwing…
ANARKY
It’s so easy to stir the citizens of Gotham
into a frenzy. I can almost understand why Scarecrow loves to play
with fear. These poor, unfortunate souls are just ripe with it.
2 – Back to Nightwing as he steadies himself
on a fire hydrant that’s spewing water from the other end.
NIGHTWING
And you decide to play with them? Stir them up
and let ‘em run wild? For what?
3 – Two shot with Nightwing as Anarky lowers
his staff, extending his arms like he’s reveling in the chaos
around him.
ANARKY
For this! For…
4 – Close on Anarky’s face as a baton
smashes into it, shattering his nose, knocking him senseless…
5 – Back to Nightwing as he stands tall,
resolute…
NIGHTWING
You know what, I don’t care.
PAGE 12
1 – Back to Jason Todd and Damian as they
make their way through the night sky of Gotham City. Damian is
talking, Jason doesn’t seem to be listening.
DAMIAN
Again, are you going to tell me why we are
heading in the opposite direction of an explosion?
2 – Close on Damian’s perturbed face at the
lack of response.
DAMIAN
I said…
3 – Close on Jason’s face and those glowing
red eyes.
JASON TODD Silence…Robin. We are
being…hunted.
4 – Two shot as they come to a pause on a
billboard.
DAMIAN
Oh her? I spotted her while you were taking
your phone call.
JASON TODD And you chose to stay silent?
DAMIAN
You are the Batman here. I was just following
your lead.
5 – You can almost see the amused smirk under
Jason’s cowl.
JASON TODD
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Between
Bruce and the League, your training is pretty much unrivaled. Some
time under my wing, and this city may have two Batmen before we know
it.
6 – Close on Damian, trying to hide his
giddiness at the prospect…
DAMIAN
Just be grateful I’m allowing you to train
me. I could take the mantle if I chose.
7 – Jason, ignoring Damian’s taunt, slides
a gun from its holster.
JASON TODD She’s here…
8 – Shot of a shadowy figure as it lands on
the billboard platform to the side of Jason & Damian.
PAGE 13
1 - Batgirl rises from the ground like a
wraith.
2 – A two shot of Damian and Jason as they
stare, somewhat in awe, of Batgirl’s presence
PAGE 14
1 – Silently Batgirl springs into action.
2 – Damian extends his staff…
DAMIAN
Magnificent…
3 – Batgirl kicks it from his hand…
4 – Lands between Damian and Jason as she
elbows Damian across the jaw…
5 – Glancing kick to the face of Jason…
6 – Sweeps Damian’s legs while grabbing his
fallen staff…
7 – Slams the butt of the staff into Jason’s
jaw…
8 – Swings it into the back of Damian’s
head while disarming Jason with her other hand…
9 - Palm strike to Jason’s face…
1 0 – Knee to Damian’s face knocks him off
the billboard…
11 – The blade of Jason’s keris knife
slides out of Batgirl's left shoulder from behind.
PAGE 15
1 – Batgirl grabs at the shoulder as Jason
pulls the knife out.
JASON TODD
I know it’s not your fault Cassandra.
2 – Batgirl stands up, attempting to stem the
flow of blood from her shoulder with her hand.
BATGIRL
What…isn’t my fault?
3 – Jason wipes the blade clean on his chest,
straight across the bat logo…
JASON TODD
Any of this Batgirl. Bruce took you in, made
you promises, and then abandoned you just like he did all of us. It’s
his MO girl.
4 – Batgirl takes a fighting stance as she
prepares to reengage Jason.
BATGIRL
You…are wrong.
5 – Jason quietly slides the chamber on his
gun behind his back.
JASON TODD
Sorry to hear you feel that way.
6 – Close on Batgirl’s head as a staff
smashes into the back of it, snapping in half across her skull
7 – Damian stands there with staff shattered
in his hand…
DAMIAN
She will not be a problem anytime soon.
PAGE 16
1 – Jason reholsters his gun out of Damian’s
view.
JASON TODD
Are you in one piece?
DAMIAN
I snagged the ladder as I fell. My shoulder
may be dislocated but I have fought with worse…and won mind you.
2 – Jason ties Batgirl’s hands behind her
back…
JASON TODD Then let’s be off Robin. We
have a Black Mask to find.
3 – Jason & Damian rappel off into the
night leaving Batgirl tied to the billboard.
ORACLE
(Via headset)
Batgirl, do you copy? Batgirl, are you there?
Cassandra?
4- Cut to the interior of the Batcave where a
visibly exhausted Oracle sits in front of the computer rubbing her
eyes.
ORACLE
Robin, I’ve lost contact with Batgirl.
Assume the worst. I’ll get Nightwing on the line, send him your
way, and try to get Huntress to Batgirl’s last location. Any luck
at the docks?
5- Cut to Robin on scene at the dock
explosion.
ROBIN
Gotham Fire’s on scene, along with whatever
police aren’t already dealing with the other explosion, the
craziness in the streets, and Jason’s dead bodies.
6 – Close on Robin’s sweat-covered face…
ROBIN
It feels like we’re fighting a losing battle
O.
PAGE 17
1 – Back to Oracle in the cave as she stares
at a monitor full of fires, riots, police lights, fire trucks, and
only a handful of people attempting to turn the tides.
ORACLE
That’s the sleep deprivation talking Robin.
You know how it goes, this isn’t over until none of us are left
standing.
2 – Back to Robin as he drinks from a bottle
of water.
ROBIN
In this heat, I won’t be standing long. If
Dick would just listen to…
ORACLE
(Via Headset)
Drop it Tim, this isn’t the time. Get to work
on the clean-up, get your head in the game.
3 - Shot from over Robin’s shoulder as he
looks out over the docks.
ROBIN
I’m on it O, just needed to breath. Robin
out.
4 – A familiar shadow, that of FIREFLY, falls
across Robin’s back.
FIREFLY
Hope you enjoyed those last breaths.
5 – Cut to Nightwing across town as he mounts
his motorcycle.
NIGHTWING
O, you read me?
ORACLE
(Via Headset)
I’ve got you, what’s your ETA to Robin?
6 – Closer on Nightwing’s face…
NIGHTWING
Sidetracked dealing with Anarky, and yes I do
mean the guy in the gold face plate. Should be to the docks in less
than five minutes.
7 – Back to Oracle in the cave which somehow
seems darker with each passing moment…
ORACLE
Please hurry, radio reports already label it as
a suspicious fire and Tim’s on his own there. And I’ve lost
contact with Batgirl on top of things. She was supposed to meet you
at the docks. I’ve got Huntress en route to her last known
location.
PAGE 18
1 – Nightwing revs the engine on the bike,
preparing to take off…
NIGHTWING
Cassie can take care of herself, probably
better than the rest of us if I’m honest.
ORACLE (Via Headset)
Doesn’t mean she can’t get caught Dick.
All of us have our bad moments.
2 – CAPTION: AT THAT MOMENT… Cut back to
Robin as he leaps out of the way of a blast of flame from the
gauntlets of Firefly.
ROBIN
Lynns? What the hell?
3 – The flames dance off the protective
lenses covering Firefly’s eyes…
FIREFLY
Always gloating that you know us, but we don’t
know you. That won’t be for long Robin. A promise has been made
if other promises are kept.
4- Robin, a look of confusion, as he rolls out
of another flame blast…
ROBIN
What’re you talking about Garfield? What
promise?
5 – Firefly pauses his onslaught to gloat…
FIREFLY
No more secrets Robin. Soon we will all know
the real you, soon we will know the real face of Batman. All I have
to do is what I love best…
6 – Firefly begins spraying flames wildly
into the air…
FIREFLY
…BURN!!!
PAGE 19
CAPTION – MEANWHILE…
1 – Cut to the billboard where Batgirl was
left tied up, Huntress has arrived on the scene.
HUNTRESS
Who the hell did this to you? Who the hell
could do this to you?
2 – Batgirl lifts her head slightly in
acknowledgment of Huntress’ presence.
BATGIRL
Dam…ian…
3 – Close on the shocked look on Huntress’
face...
HUNTRESS
The Bat-brat? What the hell kind of kid is he?
4 – Batgirl attempts to hold her own head up.
BATGIRL
League of Assassins training. He’s not
alone.
5 – Huntress starts to untie the ropes
binding Batgirl as a red dot falls across the back of her leg.
BATGIRL
Huntress, mo…
6 – A shot rings out from the rooftop across
the street…
7 – A bullet tears through Huntress’
hamstring before she can react…
PAGE 20
1 – A second shot fires, creasing Huntress’
forehead.
2 – Cut to the rooftop where the sniper picks
up his secondary weapon. The streetlight falls across his face to
reveal GUNHAWK.
GUNHAWK
Huntress is down, two shots, no kill. Happy?
VOICE
(Headset)
Yes Gunhawk. I don’t want any death, not yet
at least.
3 – Over the shoulder of Gunhawk as he looks
back down at the billboards to find Batgirl gone.
GUNHAWK
Batgirl on the move. Huntress has been left
behind.
VOICE
(Headset)
Make sure she doesn’t go anywhere. Batgirl
might be in the area still, trying to sucker you in.
4 – Gunhawk hops over the ledge down to the
fire escape.
GUNHAWK
I read the bio. Cain, Shiva, League of
Assassins, Batman, blah blah blah.
VOICE
(Headset)
Don’t underestimate Batman’s associates.
You should’ve learned that lesson by now Hawk.
5 – Gunhawk looks annoyed as he tosses a line
to the billboard.
GUNHAWK
This little Bat family better learn not to
underestimate…
6 – A black blur tackles Gunhawk from the
fire escape.
VOICE
(Headset)
What’s going on Hawk?
PAGE 21
1 – Gunhawk and Batgirl tumble to the rooftop
below the billboard in a lump…
2 – Batgirl is on her feet first, quickly
tossing a batarang into Gunhawk’s hand as he attempts to pull his
gun…
GUNHAWK
Son of a b...!
3 – Batgirl cuts that off with a jumping kick
across Gunhawk’s face, causing him to spit teeth.
VOICE
(Headset)
Gunhawk are you still alive?
4 – Gunhawk attempts to slide a knife from
his boot.
5 – Batgirl drives a heel into Gunhawk’s
wrist, snapping it into two.
6 – Batgirl pulls back for one last blow as a
knife flies into her already damaged shoulder.
7 – Close as another flies into her left
knee…
8 – Another flies into her right knee…
9 – One last knife slides into Batgirl’s
rib cage area…
PAGE 22
1 – Reveal as BRUTALE emerges from the
shadows with a knife in hand.
VOICE
(Headset)
Leave her alive Brutale. Like I told Gunhawk,
no one dies yet.
BRUTALE
You pay, you make the rules. And what you’re
offering is more than worth it Mask.
2 – Cut to the interior of a limousine where
Black Mask/Dr. Hurt (mask less) and La Bossu are traveling through
the city.
BLACK MASK
Make sure Gunhawk gets cleaned up. I really
don’t care if evidence gets left behind. I want the Bats to know
who did this to ‘em. Just make sure neither of the women can keep
fighting the good fight.
BRUTALE
(Via Speaker)
As you wish Mask, as you wish.
3 – Cut to La Bossu as he pours himself a
whiskey from the limo bar…
LA BOSSU
How kind of Mr. Todd to let you know where he
left Batgirl.
BLACK MASK
(Off Panel)
And the Bats are entirely too predictable
Monsieur Bossu. It was only a matter of time before they sent
someone to the rescue. Bruce Wayne’s methods, the ones he passed on
to his children, are as certain as the rising sun.
4 – Shot of Dr. Hurt as he lights a
cigarette.
BLACK MASK
The promise I made has seeped throughout the
underworld in record time Bossu. Their eagerness to know the truth
makes them pliable; it makes them come to me begging to know how to
be let in on the greatest secret of Gotham.
PAGE 23
1 – Back to Nightwing as he dons his helmet
once again, preparing to depart…
NIGHTWING
Let me know if you get anything from Batgirl O,
I’m off to the docks.
ORACLE
(Via headset)
Copy that Nightwing. I’ll let Robin know…
2 – Close on a gold staff as it swings thru
the air…
3 – The staff connects with the back of
Nightwing’s helmet…
4 – Wider frame to reveal Anarky with the
staff in hand, Nightwing on the ground…
ANARKY
I’ve been untying knots like that since I was
a child Nightwing. Obviously you’re not firing on all cylinders.
5 – Nightwing throws aside the cracked helmet
as he rises to his feet.
NIGHTWING
I don’t have time for this Ulysses.
ANARKY
Make time.
PAGE 24
1 – Nightwing catches Anarky with a leaping
knee to the jaw
NIGHTWING
What don’t you get Armstrong? You don’t
matter tonight!
2 – Anarky swings his staff wildly, Nightwing
ducks under.
NIGHTWING
You want chaos and craziness?
3 – Nightwing slams an elbow into Anarky’s
ribs as he ducks another wild swing.
NIGHTWING
This is Gotham City, there’s nothing but
chaos!
4 – Anarky catches Nightwing in the knee with
an errant swing of the staff…
ANARKY
I don’t want chaos. I want war.
5 – Anarky slams the butt of the staff into
Nightwing’s head again.
ANARKY
I want to stand on the bodies of fallen
soldiers and plant my flag in their hearts.
6 – Nightwing rolls away, putting distance
between them, firing a bat-line around his opponents’ waists.
NIGHTWING
Still a little general at heart Ulysses.
PAGE 25
1 – Anarky wraps the line around his forearm
before it tenses up.
2 – An electric charge shoots from Anarky’s
glove up the line and straight into Nightwing’s body, stunning him.
3 – Anarky launches his staff at Nightwing
while he’s stunned…
4 – Nightwing is again struck in the head by
the metal staff…
5 – Anarky quickly pounces on his opponent,
grips him around the temples…
ANARKY
Black Mask sends his regards.
6 – Close on Nightwing’s face as Anarky
unleashes an electric burst into Nightwing’s skull
7 – Anarky on his feet with cell phone in
use…
ANARKY
Nightwing is down for the count. What do you
want me to do with him?
PAGE 26
1 –A shot of the interior of the limo as the
vehicle makes its way to its destination with La Bossu and Black Mask
on the speaker phone.
BLACK MASK
Leave him alive, and leave the body where it’s
at. We just need him off the board for a bit Ulysses if you want to
get the information.
ANARKY
(On speaker)
If you come through for us, it will be worth it
Mask. If not, well it’s not like you can escape all of us.
BLACK MASK
I wouldn’t dream of it Ulysses.
2 – Close on Black Mask’s gloved hand as he
switches off the speaker.
3 – Bossu cracks a window…
LA BOSSU
Will you tell them what you know Simon? Or is
this just another game?
4 – Two shot as Black Mask/Dr. Hurt picks up
the black mask and tosses it to La Bossu
BLACK MASK
(clears his throat)
I grow tired of these vocal gymnastics Bossu,
but that identity is crucial to making this all work. The face of
Simon Hurt is not known to these men, but Black Mask has long been a
force for control and fear. That facade allows manipulation that
this face does not.
5 – Medium close on Black Mask, his eyes full
of hellfire.
BLACK MASK
Everyone has offered these men the truth behind
Batman’s identity. They have heard it a million times over my
friend. Offering these people that secret is nothing new and nothing
they would be willing to fight for yet again.
6 – Shot of Nightwing, unconscious in an
alleyway as Anarky stands over him…
BLACK MASK
(Caption)
But offering them a secret that would destroy
Gotham City? A secret that would tear apart the foundation on which
this city was built and lead to their free reign over Gotham?
7 – Shot of Robin as he battles Firefly…
BLACK MASK
(Caption)
That is a secret these maniacs, criminals, and
murderers would kill for. The truth behind the Wayne family is
something the entire world will want to know Monsieur Bossu.
8 – Shot of Jason Todd & Damian on a
rooftop…
BLACK MASK
(Caption)
Batman must be destroyed in the eyes of the
public, his image desecrated beyond all recognition, and then…only
then…
PAGE 27
FULL PAGE
Shot of Black Mask with a smile on his face,
his two black gloved hands resting under his chin…
BLACK MASK
…will I reveal MY family secret to the world
and bring ruin to Wayne name.
