Batman #452: Dark Knight, Dark City

Quick answer

Batman #452: Dark Knight, Dark City stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1990-08-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman (Bruce Wayne), The Riddler (Edward Nygma) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Batman is led through a labyrinthine urban maze by his old nemesis the Riddler, who seems to have changed into an abominable monster with one purpose: to drive Batman insane. Beneath the brick and mortar of modern Gotham, a centuries old secret stirs. Batman is led through a labyrinthine urban maze by his old nemesis the Riddler, who seems to have changed into an abominable monster with one purpose: to drive Batman insane. Why the elaborate ruses and constructs? What is the Riddler really trying to achieve? Find out in Dark Knight, Dark City. The story is split into two parts, past and present. In the past writer Peter Milligan is exploring the occult connection in The Batman universe. In the present, Bruce Wayne is taken on a gauntlet of trials set up by The Riddler. The Riddler would become obsessed with the Tarot card of The Hangman, which is used as a symbol for the need of Sacrifice. The Hangman is also The Riddler's codeword for The Barman.

Characters listed for this issue

Batman (Bruce Wayne)The Dark Knight of Gotham. Billionaire by day, vigilante by night. No superpowers, just iron…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

The Riddler (Edward Nygma)Edward Nygma can't help himself — he has to leave clues. Obsessed with proving he's smarter …VIEW APPEARANCES ›