Overcrowded, overbuilt, and overshadowed by a continuous air of menace, this gothic nightmare is a breeding ground for the depraved, the indifferent, and the criminally insane. It's also the object of one man's obsession. Witness to the brutal murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne has dedicated his life to protecting this city, taking a form to inspire hope in the innocent...and fear in the guilty. He is the masked vigilante known as the Batman. Now the battlefield has changed. Leveled by a massive earthquake that left thousands dead and millions more wounded, Gotham City has been transformed into a lawless wilderness -- a No Man's Land -- where the survivors are turning against one another, and where the city's protectors are torn by a crisis that may consume them all.

    Members of Batman's supporting cast enact roles analogous to those from A Christmas Carol, with Robin, Catwoman, Superman, The Joker and more playing roles that will be familiar to anyone who knows Dickens' original holiday tale.

    The Court of Owls have shown their hand, and it's up to the collective effort of these heroes, some more unlikely than others, in this sprawling tale of corruption and violence.This epic springs from the pen of Scott Snyder, New York Times bestselling author of Batman, Volume 1: Court of Owls, Batman: The Black Mirror, & American Vampire, as well as creators Judd Winick, David Finch, Peter J. Tomasi, Pat Gleason, Tony Daniel, Scott Lobdell, Duane Swierczynski, JH Williams III, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray!Collecting: Batman Annual 1, Detective Comics 9, Batman: The Dark Knight 9, Batwing 9, Batman and Robin 9, Red Hood and the Outlaws 9, Birds of Prey 9, Batgirl 9, & All-Star Western 9

    With Black Mask controlling the Gotham underworld, what role will Red Hood have when all is said and done?Collects BATMAN #635-641

    Her powers were unremarkable compared to the amazing abilities of the costumed icons that populate the Marvel Universe. In a city of Marvels, Jessica Jones never found her niche. Now a chain-smoking, self-destructive alcoholic with a mean inferiority complex, Jones is the owner and sole employee of Alias Investigations - a small, private-investigative firm specializing in super-human cases. In her inaugural arc, Jessica's life immediately becomes expendable when she uncovers the potentially explosive secret of one hero's true identity. But her wit, charm and intelligence just may help her survive through another day. Thrust into the midst of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels, has Jessica burned too many bridges to turn to old friends for help? Plus: Jessica travels to upstate New York to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl rumored to be a mutant in a prejudiced small town, goes on a date with the Astonishing Ant-Man, teams up with Jessica Drew, the original Spider-Woman; and confronts the demons of her past. Collects Alias #1-28, What If? Jessica Jones had Joined the Avengers.

    But how did team leader Rick Flag Jr. survive a ground-zero nuclear blast and return from the dead?Suicide Squad: From the Ashes Originally published in single magazine form as Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag #1-8.

    Rash and prone to ignore Batman's instructions, Jason was always quick to act without regard to consequences. In this fatal instance, Robin ignores his mentor's warnings when he attempts to take on the Joker by himself and pays the ultimate price. Driven by anger with Superman by his side, Batman seeks his vengeance as he looks to end the Joker's threat forever.

    In this new collection, Kyle decides to seek the guidance of the greatest heroes alive -- the Flash, Batman, and Wonder Woman -- only to find that he is already worthy of the name "hero."

    But the Red Hood’s violent ways pit him against the Dark Knight in his hunt for the very person responsible for his death: The Joker.This volume collects Batman #635-641, #645-50 and Batman Annual #25.

    But before those comics appeared, DC issued a "miniseries" that bordered on the craptacular, with six issues published separately from March to August of the same year, and now collected in this trade paperback. Beginning as a nearly verbatim rehash of the TV pilot, the series never seems to find its footing, something writer Hilary J. Bader remedies in the "real" series later. A couple of these stories approach almost acceptable status--the third, Blight-fightin' issue ("Never Mix, Never Worry") and the sixth story on the normally sexy Inque ("Permanent Inque Stains")--but unless you've gotta have it, leave this one to the kiddies. --Paul Hughes

    Batman's greatest enemy-his deadliest threat-is done toying with Gotham City. Now he means to end the game and destroy them for good.The Joker's bloody-minded madness is exceeded only by his twisted genius. He is the Clown Prince, the Pale Man, and his crimes turn the world into one big sick joke. For him, evil is eternal. And when he unleashes his masterstroke, no one-not Batman, not the Justice League, not all of Gotham's guardians-will be able to make the laughter stop.As the Joker plays his endgame with the Batman, citizens, villains and heroes alike must survive his deadly antics and come to terms with who the Joker is and what he means to them.Collects: Batman #35-40, Arkham Manor: Endgame #1, Batgirl: Endgame #1, Batman Annual #3, Detective Comics: Endgame #1 and Gotham Academy: Endgame #1.

    Bruce must keep those he loves safe for five days in order to save Gotham Girl once and for all. But Bane will stop at nothing, no one is safe, and by the end of this fight, the Dark Knight will never be the same.This epic hardcover collection includes the cataclysmic events of THE BUTTON, in which Batman and the Flash unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood stained smiley button. Armed with the terrifying knowledge of a coming storm, Batman makes a proposition to one of his enemies--one that will change everything for the Dark Knight and his allies! This collection ends on a note that everyone will be talking about for years to come.Tom King continues his critically acclaimed run on BATMAN! Collects BATMAN REBIRTH #16-32 and BATMAN ANNUAL #1.

    The orphaned Barbara Gordon becomes Gotham's near-dictatorial protector, and Kara Zor-El as the Girl of Steel teams with Lex Luthor and the Justice Society.

    But the sudden lack of sunlight is driving her mad, since she can no longer grow the plants that are an important part of her therapy. And when a series of attempted murders of the building's developers and financial elite takes place, Batman immediately thinks Ivy is involved. But he's running out of time and he's been infected with the same toxin as the developers! Is Ivy to blame and will she help him?

    Will Barbara be able to survive her explosive confrontation with this new villain, as well as facing dark secrets from her past? A new chapter in the riveting adventures of Batgirl continue in stunning fashion, with script by fan-favorite Gail Simone and stellar art by superstar Ardian Syaf!This volume collects issues 1-6 of Batgirl, part of the DC Comics—The New 52 event.