Batman #636: Under the Hood, Part 2: First Strike

Quick answer

Batman #636: Under the Hood, Part 2: First Strike stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 2005-03-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman (Bruce Wayne), Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Mr. Freeze (Victor Fries), Black Mask (Roman Sionis) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Overview Part 2 of the 4-part "Under the Hood," featuring the new Batman team of writer Judd Winick, artists Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen and cover artist Matt Wagner. The Black Mask and the new Red Hood carve up the Gotham underworld -- and Batman continues to reel from a startling revelation as "Under the Hood" continues! Is Gotham headed toward another Gang War? Spoilers Nightwing joins Batman in Gotham while he recovers from his leg injury. The Black Mask has a suit made for Mr. Freeze and finds out about a new guy in town: the Red Hood. Batman and Nightwing intercept a shipment of super villain weaponry, only to find the ship its on rigged with explosives. They chase the saboteur, the Red Hood, but lose him when they run into Amazo.

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 ›

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)The first Robin, all grown up. Acrobat, detective, leader. The best of Batman without the da…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Mr. Freeze (Victor Fries)Victor Fries just wanted to save his wife. Now trapped in a subzero suit, unable to feel hum…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Black Mask (Roman Sionis)Roman Sionis. Crime boss who wears a black skull mask carved from his father's coffin. Bruta…VIEW APPEARANCES ›