After last issue's shocking turn of events, is it ever going to be possible to discover the true identity of the Hang Man? And how does Dick Grayson fit into all this?

A prelude story leading into the DARK VICTORY main title! Batman recounts the capture of the Holiday killer, now safely behind bars. But even with Holiday over, new villains begin emerging in Gotham City ready to make a name for themselves.

Collecting BATMAN: DARK VICTORY #0-13, this epic continues the story of THE LONG HALLOWEEN. It is early in Batman's crimefighting career, when James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the vigilante himself were all just beginning their roles as Gotham's protectors. Once a town controlled by organized crime, Gotham City suddenly finds itself being run by lawless freaks, such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker. Witnessing his city's dark evolution, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city's greatest defender. He faces multiple threats, including the seeming return of a serial killer called Holiday. Batman's previous investigation of Holiday's killings revealed that more than one person was responsible for the murders. So the question remains: who is committing Holiday's crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth?

As Batman hunts the cop killer known as Hangman, he requires the help of newly-appointed Commissioner Gordon and a young orphan named Dick Gray to wade through an array of suspects including Two-Face, Joker, and Catwoman.

It may be April Fools' Month, but things are getting very serious in Gotham City! The Calendar Man sets out to prove that he's nobody's fool. Where has he been since breaking out of Arkham, and why is the answer bad news for Batman?

Gotham City is caught in the middle of a battle between what's left of the Falcone mob and freakish villains such as the Joker, Mr. Freeze and Catwoman. Plus, the serial killer named Holiday seems to have returned to a life of crime, but who is committing Holiday's murders this time?

In a city divided by Freaks and Gangsters can there be justice for anyone? As Batman searches for Harvey Dent, Mr. Freeze unexpectedly enters the picture. Plus, while the Hang Man's noose tightens around Gotham City, Dick Grayson makes a startling discovery!