After years on the shelf, Batman returns to the Black Casebook! Throughout his career, Batman has compiled his most disturbing cases into one volume, its every page filled with bizarre horror and crimes he never quite managed to solve. Now a case from the past has re-opened itself in the here and nowÉand Batman will find himself face-to-face again with one of the deadliest villains he fought in his early years: the Reaper!

“CLAY”! Here it is: the shocking, heartbreaking origin of Clayface, including his first conflict with Batman! Actor Basil Karlo was on the cusp of fame and fortune...the kind he had dreamed of through his painful childhood...until an accident robbed him of the good looks that took him to the top. But scars don’t make you a monster—only the darkness in your heart can do that—and in the wake of the accident, Karlo’s darkness is revealed!

Of all the mayhem and madness that “City of Bane” visited upon Batman’s world, the death of Alfred Pennyworth had the greatest impact. As Bruce struggles to pick up the pieces of his life, the absence of the man who had always helped him is felt with devastating consequences. With new storm clouds brewing on the horizon, does Bruce Wayne have what it takes to honor his dearest friend’s memory?

ÒLEATHERWING.Ó The Elseworlds Annuals, the DC UniverseÕs journey into remote realms of possibility, continue on the oceans of the 17th century, where the cowled pirate Leatherwing crosses swords with the evil plunderer The Joker. ItÕs adventure on the high seas with sword fights, cannon fire, stolen treasure...and a beautiful and dangerous pirate captain with particularly feline attributes.

Sibling rivalry takes on a whole new meaning in this one-shot story that tracks BatgirlÕs hunt for a serial killer whose M.O. strikes a familiar chord. Namely, a disturbing similarity to her brother, current convict James Gordon Jr. Family bonds are restored during a visit to his maximum- security surroundings, but BabsÕ doubts linger. Is James Jr. helping to solve this caseÉor pulling her strings in a diabolical power play?

“The Tower” begins! The 12-part weekly Detective Comics event starts here. Arkham Asylum has fallen, and in its place, Arkham Tower has risen in the heart of the city, a pitch made by the mysterious Dr. Wear. Backup: “House of Gotham” begins! For a long time two houses have overlooked Gotham City, beckoning its broken: Wayne Manor and Arkham Asylum.

The boys are back-Red Hood and Arsenal, together again! Sort of. While Jason Todd is recovering after a brutal beatdown from the man who taught him everything he knows about brutal beatdowns, Roy Harper divides his time between being a nursemaid to his bestie and tracking down the source of tainted drugs that have killed thousands. It isnÕt long before the two find themselves in Beijing battling the Sisters of Suzie Su! All this andÉthe inexplicable fate of Artemis and Bizarro!