Batman: Black & White

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Batman: Black & White refers both to a 4-issue limited series of comics published in 1996 by DC Comics, and three collections of 8-page black and white Batman stories, comprising the limited series and backup features from the Batman: Gotham Knights comic.

1 Initial limited series
2 Collected editions & statues
- 2.1 Collections
- 2.2 Statues
3 Contents and synopses
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Initial limited series

Volume 1 comprised a 4-issue mini-series published between June and September, 1996. (There was also a free Preview issued in 1996.^[1]) Each of the four issues featured several self-contained short-stories, all written and drawn by a diverse group of comic artists and writers, most of whom had previously worked on Batman comics. Each story varied in theme, setting, and tone (depending on the creative team involved), offering multiple interpretations of Batman - and, in some cases, his supporting characters - usually by exploring their inner pathos and relationships.

As the title implies, all the artwork is rendered without color, in black and white. Due to the lack of cohesion between stories, and the artistic licence taken in how the various characters are portrayed, it can reasonably be assumed that most - if not all - of the stories are not meant to tie into the mainstream continuity of the Batman comics, instead functioning as stand-alone one-shots, pseudo-Elseworlds, parodies and other forms of alternate universe.

[edit] Collected editions & statues

[edit] Collections

Volume 1 was subsequently collected as an oversized hardcover and then reprinted as a trade paperback in 1998. In September, 2007, it was reissued in a "new edition", in normal comics TPB format (ISBN 1401215890).^[2]

Volume 2 was initially published in September, 2002 as a hardcover book (ISBN 6194123175). It collected black and white Batman backup stories from the first sixteen issues of Batman: Gotham Knights, as well as five never-before-published tales. The five new stories were subsequently included in later issues of Batman: Gotham Knights. Volume 2 was released as an oversized softcover in October, 2003 (ISBN 1563899175).

Volume 3 was published as a comics-sized hardcover in May, 2007 (ISBN 1401215319). It collected the black and white Batman backup stories from Batman: Gotham Knights #17-49. A softcover edition may be forthcoming in 2008.

[edit] Statues

Several Batman: Black and White statues have been released by DC Direct. Most of these are based on the Batman designs used by various artists for their contributions to the three volumes of "Black & White" stories. Artists' interpretations currently released include: Brian Bolland, Eduardo Risso, Mike Mignola, Simon Bisley, Kelley Jones, Alex Ross, Steve Rude, Jim Lee, Matt Wagner, Joe Kubert, Andy Kubert, Paul Pope & Tim Sale. In 2008, figures based on the art of Bob Kane, Frank Miller, Neal Adams and George Pérez will also be released.^[3]

[edit] Contents and synopses

[edit] Volume 1

[edit] Issue #1 - June 1996

"Perpetual Mourning" - By Ted McKeever (This story was nominated for an Eisner Award)
- Batman conducts an autopsy on a murder victim to help find her killer.
"Two of a Kind" - By Bruce Timm
- Two-Face has his face reconstructed and is seemingly rehabilitated, but is tempted back to the dark side by a femme fatale.
"The Hunt" - By Joe Kubert
- A surreal take on Batman.
"Petty Crimes" - By Howard Chaykin
- Batman hunts a murderous vigilante who is lethally punishing people for their lack of manners and civil respect.
"The Devil's Trumpet" - Written by Archie Goodwin, art by José Antonio Muñoz
- A jazz musician's search for a legendary trumpet leads him into the path of the Batman.

[edit] Issue #2 - July 1996

"Legend" - By Walter Simonson
- The legend of Batman as interpreted by a mother to her son in a futuristic Gotham.
"Monster Maker" - Written by Jan Strnad, art by Richard Corben
- Batman has a violent run-in with a criminal gang of youths.
"Dead Boys Eyes" - By Kent Williams
- Batman reaches out to the soul of Gotham during a near-death experience.
"The Devil's Children" - Written by Chuck Dixon, art by Jorge Zaffino
- Batman investigates a series of mysterious gangland murders.
"A Black & White World" - Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Simon Bisley
- A behind the scenes look at Batman and the Joker (comics) during the 'production' of a comic book.

[edit] Issue #3 - August 1996

"Good Evening, Midnight" - By Klaus Janson
- Alfred reads a note Bruce's father had written long ago for his son.
"In Dreams" - Written by Andrew Helfer, art by Tanino Liberatore
- A woman seeks help for her reoccurring nightmares involving Batman.
"Heist" - By Matt Wagner
- A gang of thieves are hunted by the Batman during a botched home robbery.
"Bent Twigs" - By Bill Sienkiewicz
- Batman tries to mend the relationship between a single dad and his son.
"A Slaying Song Tonight" - Written by Dennis O'Neil, art by Teddy Kristiansen
- Batman must protect a family from an unknown assassin during the holidays.

[edit] Issue #4 - September 1996

"An Innocent Guy" - By Brian Bolland
- An average Gotham citizen outlines his plan to commit the perfect crime.
"Monsters in the Closet" - Written by Jan Strnad, art by Kevin Nowlan
- Batman uncovers a mad scientist in Gotham and his abominable creations.
"Heroes" - Written by Archie Goodwin, art by Gary Gianni (This story won an Eisner Award)
- A boy in World War 2-era Gotham has a run-in with the Batman and learns something about his own father in the process.
"Leavetaking" - Written by Dennis O'Neil, art by Brian Stelfreeze
- A near-death experience has Batman reliving the night his family was murdered.
"The Third Mask" - By Katsuhiro Otomo
- Batman hunts a killer with several personalities and finds himself questioning his own identity.

[edit] Volume 2

Collects backup stories from Batman: Gotham Knights #1-16^[4] with five new tales.

Contents

"Case Study" - Written by Paul Dini, art by Alex Ross (New material)
- Arkham Asylum staff discuss the sanity of the Joker.
"Batsman: Swarming Scourge of the Underworld" - Written by Ty Templeton, art by Marie Severin (New material)
- A parody.
"A Matter of Trust" - Written by Chris Claremont, art by Steve Rude & Mark Buckingham (New material)
"Night After Night" - Written by Kelley Puckett, art by Tim Sale (New material)
"Fortunes" - Written by Steven T. Seagle, art by Daniel Torres (New material)
"To Become the Bat" - Written by Warren Ellis, art by Jim Lee (Originally published in Gotham Knights #1)
- A great many experiences prepared Batman for his role as Gotham's protector - he has learnt what sort of wounds different bullets make, he knows the distinctive aroma of every brand of aftershave, he has discovered how every gadget he came in contact with in his youth works. And all of it is essential to some cases, such as tracking down a pregnant prostitute's murderer - a political candidate.
Untitled - By John Byrne (Originally published in Gotham Knights #2)
- Batman and Robin capture Thick and Thin Lyman and their gang, but neither they nor the police can get them to reveal any further information about a major shipment of drugs due in the city. The Lyman's suddenly get bailed surprisingly easily, but find their every move dogged by either Batman or Robin, night and day. When they finally find themselves alone, Thick and Thin get to a meeting place as quickly as possible. However, once there, Thick reveals himself as Batman, but refuses to tell Thin when the switch took place
"Broken Nose" - By Paul Pope (Originally published in Gotham Knights #3)
- Alfred treats Bruce Wayne for the first broken nose he has sustained in his career as a crimefighter. It was given him by Mabuse, a 'geek in a trashcan', a suit of armour he made himself. Batman tracks Mabuse down to the scene of his next crime and fights a more creditable fight against him, finally doling out a broken nose once Mabuse has surrendered.
"Greetings from Gotham City" - Written by John Arcudi, art by Tony Salmons (Originally published in Gotham Knights #4)
- Ivan writes a postcard to his mother from Gotham City, detailing the amazing exploits of the Batman in breaking up a gang of bank robbers. What he doesn't tell her is that he is one of the robbers and is writing from behind bars.
"Hide and Seek" - Written by Paul Levitz, art by Paul Rivoche (Originally published in Gotham Knights #5)
- At the scene of a train wreck which may well be the result of malice rather than an accident, Batman seizes on the smallest of clues to follow someone's trail through the train system and up into the light. Here he finds a small boy and reassures him that he is now safe, telling him that he knows what it's like to be young and lost.
"The Riddle" - Written by Walter Simonson, art by John Paul Leon (Originally published in Gotham Knights #6)
- A wealthy Gothamite with a huge collection of Lewis Carroll memorabilia has died. It is rumoured that in his possession he has Carrolls' answer to the Wonderland riddle 'Why is a raven like a writing desk?' and this is an irresistible target for Edward Nigma, the Riddler. He breaks into the house and negotiates his way through a maze of Wonderland and Looking Glass animatronics, until he finds himself at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, where the answer is in the teapot. However, Batman is waiting for him and captures him. And, as a final blow, tells Nigma that this is not the correct answer to the riddle, but rather one that Batman planted there, making the Dark Knight the only livng person who knows the solution.
Untitled - Written by John Arcudi, art by John Buscema (Originally published in Gotham Knights #7)
- A bunch of low-lives think they witness the death of the Batman, but a derilect claims that he saw Batman climb out of Gotham River and make his way to a warehouse, badly injured. Thet decide to make his death a reality, and find themselves under attack from a very much unhurt Batman. When their leader confronts the derilect, claiming that he deliberately set them up, the derilect admits that this is true - he is Batman in disguise, after all.
Untitled - Written by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso (Originally published in Gotham Knights #8)
- Batman confronts the serial killer Mr. Zsasz at the scene of his latest massacre, and the two exchange their views on power before Batman trusses Zsasz up and leaves him for the police.
"Blackout" - Written by Howard Chaykin, art by Jordi Bernet ("An Elseworlds tale, occurring in 1943"^[5]) (Originally published in Gotham Knights #9)
- Batman encounters Catwoman stealing from Albion Price, who, she claims, is a Nazi spy. Disbelievingly, Batman stakes Price out and discovers that she was telling the truth. They take him down together, but Batman still doesn't allow her to get away with the Nazi's stash of diamonds
"Guardian" - Written by Alan Brennert, art by José Luis García López (Originally published in Gotham Knights #10)
- While pursuing some arsonists, Batman encounters Green Lantern, who protected Gotham City during the 1940's and 50's. He expresses concern at Batman's violent methods, warning him that he could go the way of the Reaper, but recognises the good he's doing. Batman is angry with Green Lantern for not doing any protecting now, but Lantern explains it is because he is afraid of the seemingly limitless potential of his power ring. The two of them come to a semi-understanding, and Lantern leaves Gotham in Batman's care.
"Snow Job" - Written by Bob Kanigher, art by Kyle Baker (Originally published in Gotham Knights #11)
- Batman dreams of going skiing with his son and rescuing a rich girl from her evil twin sister and assorted hired assassins.
"The Black and White Bandit" - By Dave Gibbons (Originally published in Gotham Knights #12)
- A painter who has lost his sense of colour due to toxic paint fumes exacts his revenge in a series of black-and-white themed crimes. However, he is soon fooled by Batman and the police who set up the possibility of stealing the Milan Shroud. Despite disguising himself as a nun, he is apprehended and taken away in a panda car, a concept which reduces him to helpless laughter.
"Funny Money" - Written by Harlan Ellison, art by Gene Ha (Originally published in Gotham Knights #13)
- Batman is asked by Commissioner Gordon to have a few words in his office. Here he meets US treasury agents who inform him that not only has a consignment of "the paper from Dalton" (used to manufacture US currency) been stolen, but a master engraver from Switzerland has just been arrested at Gotham airport. Batman pays the engraver, Kaes Poppinger, a visit in his cell, and persuades him to tell all. Some time later, Batman, disguised as engraver's assistant Dirks Baekert, accompanies Poppinger and the plates necessary to create money to the arranged meeting point, and from here watches the progress of the plates until they have been used to print the money. He, the police and the treasury crash the scene, but it looks like the money printers are going to get away with what they've done. However, Batman directs them to a specific spot on the plates, and in one of the windows depicted on the notes, they discover a miniature Batman waving at them...they've printed 'funny money' and the law has them.
"The Bet" - Written by Paul Dini, art by Ronnie Del Carmen (Originally published in Gotham Knights #14)
- Incarcerated in adjoining cells at Arkham, Poison Ivy and Harley have a gamble - Ivy bets she can get a kiss from every man in the asylum. As her pheremones spread through the building, it looks like Ivy will win the bet. However, when the Joker finally appears on the scene, he murmurs about how much he loves Harley - Ivy has lost the bet as Joker thought he was kissing someone else. Later, Harley pays off the Ventriloquist, who was the real power behind Joker's sweet nothings.
"Stormy Weather" - Written by Tom Peyer, art by Gene Colan & Tom Palmer (Originally published in Gotham Knights #15)
- Batman and Prave (a child-snatcher) battle atop the Gotham rooftops. After falling, Prave finds himself relentlessly pursued by supernaturally invulnerable Batmen everywhere he goes. Elsewhere, Batman and a policeman contemplate Prave's dead body and wonder whether he got what he deserved.
"The Bat no More...?" - Written by Alan Grant, art by Enrique Breccia (Originally published in Gotham Knights #16)
- A derilect tells a tale of the Batman in a Gotham City bar. He saw the vigilante confront the Scarecrow and then become increasingly paranoid at the sight of any of his equipment, somehow having developed a fear of bats. Scarecrow then talks to this man, wanting to know all the details, but is himself sprayed with a gas that gives him a fear of his own books - it is Batman. The two of them then face each other, to see who will give in first in revealing their own anti-toxin - will Batman cave in to a fear of the dark, or Scarecrow to a fear of words?

[edit] Volume 3

Collects backup stories from Batman: Gotham Knights #17-49. (Mostly edited by Mark Chiarello, Bob Schreck & Michael Wright)

Contents

"A Moment in the Light" - Written by Joe Kelly, art by Aaron Wiesenfeld (Originally published in Gotham Knights #17)
- Bruce Wayne practices meditation and concentration techniques in order to better be able to focus on the tasks at hand.
"Fat City" - Plot & script by Mick McMahon and Dave Gibbons, art by Mick McMahon (Originally published in Gotham Knights #18)
- The Wayne Foundation's generosity and one woman's selfless sacrifice allow Batman to triumph even against the most ethereal and untouchable foe.
"The Call" - Written by Mark Schultz, art by Claudio Castellini (Originally published in Gotham Knights #19)
- Even when nothing is left to chance, accidents can happen. When the situation is desperate, Batman knows he can rely on someone even better equipped to deal with impossible situations than he is. Highlighting the differences between - and need for both - Batman and Superman in the DCU, while maintaining an implausibly high success rate, Bruce ultimately acknowledges that even one mistake is one too many.
"The Lesson" - Plot & script by Julius Schwartz and Dan Raspler, art by Christian Alamy (Originally published in Gotham Knights #20)
- Cleverly juxtaposing the stories of Dick Grayson and young Bruce Wayne, the youthful central figure is reassured by the theory of the Batman and led to conquer his fears, mask his pain and project a face for the rest of the world to see for the first - but never the last - time.
"Day & Night in Black & White" - Written by Mike Carlin, art by Dan DeCarlo & Terry Austin (Originally published in Gotham Knights #21)
- Day contrasts starkly with night in Gotham City as Barbara Gordon and Pamela Isley's daytime routine is mirrored in twisted fashion by their respective nighttime pursuits as Batgirl defeating Poison Ivy. A light-hearted and clever demonstration of the duality of the roles of the city's foremost librarian. NOTE: Listed on the contents page of B&W: Volume 2 as "Day and Nite in Black & White".
The Bottom Line" - Written by Michael Golden, art by Jason Pearson (Originally published in Gotham Knights #22)
- In almost-silence, Batman attempts to take a bag from a number of the Joker's clown-faced henchmen, succeeding against impossible-odds to save as many lives as possible from the Joker's insane vendetta against the Dark Knight.
"Here Be Monsters" - Written by Paul Grist, art by Darwyn Cooke (Originally published in Gotham Knights #23)
- Madame X, attempting to poison Gotham's water supply doses Batman with the toxin, causing him to hallucinate and doubt that he isn't just as monstrous as the villains he persues. In overcoming the accusation that he himself created the menaces which plague his city, Batman refuses to let the villainy which surrounds him, corrupt him.
"Urban Legend" - Written by Todd Dezago, art by Mike Wieringo (Originally published in Gotham Knights #24)
- A reporter attempts to purchase definite photographic proof of the rumoured vigilante and shed some light on the creature of the night. The Batman explains that the mystery is far more powerful than the truth, and convinces the reporter that he is merely an urban legend - and functions better for being in that mysterious grey area. For the opposite suggestion on Batman's status as an urban legend, read Brian Azzarello's "Cornered". For a less scrupulous journalist's attempts to photograph the Batman, see John Ostrander's "Snap".
"Last Call at McSurley's" - Written by Mike W. Barr, art by Alan Davis & Mark Farmer (Originally published in Gotham Knights #25)
- Matches Malone's local bar is threatened with closure, even as Bruce's multiple guises and roles within McSurley's establishment allow him to solve a crime a night thanks to eavesdropping on the low-lifes who frequent it. The wealth of Bruce Wayne is put to good use to maintain a "safe" haven for criminals to discuss their crimes. This story highlights excellently how information gathering and disguises are as integral to the role of the Batman as the cape and cowl, and that simply being in the right place works as well as terrorising criminals for extracting information.
"Bruce Wayne is Batman!" - Written by Cyrus Voris, art by Chris Bachalo (Originally published in Gotham Knights #26)
- An Arkham Aslyum inmate conjures a demon and discovers that Batman is Bruce Wayne. Two cleaners discuss her story, and conclude that this "fact" is not worthy of further thought, coming from such a deranged and damaged mind. The more compassionate of the cleaners does a disappearing act, secure in the knowledge that his secret remains safe.
"Never Say Die" - Written by Dwayne McDuffie, art by Denys Cowan (Originally published in Gotham Knights #27)
- A small-time crook in the employ of the Penguin is determined to prove his worth by standing up to the Batman or die trying. While "just a man," Batman proves he can thwart all manner of plans - even last ditch, desperate attempts at criminal glory.
"Thin Edge of a Dime" - Written by Don McGregor, art by Dick Giordano (Originally published in Gotham Knights #28)
- The Batman's work is never done, and trying to talk a non-descript Gothamite out of his suicidal tendancies is every bit as important as his regular duties. This story also highlights the care that goes into the planning and thought-processes of Bruce Wayne.
"No Escape" - Written by Paul Kupperberg, art by John Watkiss (Originally published in Gotham Knights #29)
- In the past, a youthful Bruce Wayne learns escapology from the master - Max Dodge - while in the present the Riddler offers a washed-up Dodge one last shot at glory: producing an un-escapable deathtrap for the Batman. Faced with the threat of death if Batman escapes, Dodge has to decide whether some things are more important than life, and make good one last escape.
"Punchline" - Written by Doug Alexander, art by Rob Haynes (Originally published in Gotham Knights #30)
- Told silently, Harley Quinn attempts to trick another criminal out of their ill-gotten gains by inspiring the fear of Batman in them. Her attempts to mimic the Caped Crusader, however, cannot match up to the man himself.
"Hands" - Written by Scott Peterson, art by Danijel Zezelj (Originally published in Gotham Knights #31)
- Highlights two under-explored sides of Batman, those of foresic investigator and granter of absolution. Batman discovers an old death, and has to decide the path of least heartache when conveying the results of his investigation into the death of a young child to her surviving family.
"Toyride" - Written by Mark Askwith, art by Michael William Kaluta (Originally published in Gotham Knights #32)
- Three young girls become involved in a young criminal genius' plot to destroy Batman with a giant mechanised dinosaur. The framing device is a "Thank You" letter written to Bruce Wayne, whose philanthropic donation of a local park allows the children space to play after danger has passed.
"The Monument" - Written by Darwyn Cooke, art by Bill Wray (Originally published in Gotham Knights #33)
- A wealthy philanthropist erects a tribute statue of Gotham's Guardian in Robinson Park. Mixed reactions see the silent statue act as a shrine, a deterrent a homeless shelter and a graffiti-wall. Acting as a focal point for the pro-/anti-Batman camps, Professor Hugo Strange decides to destroy in a symbolic gesture that emphasises his belief that Batman represents the worst of humanity. While Batman must apprehend Strange, he has more mixed feelings about saving the statue, declaring his aversion to a fan-club.
"The Delusions of Alfred Pennyworth" - Written by Danielle Dwyer, art by Scott Morse (Originally published in Gotham Knights #34)
- Alfred becomes convinced that the benevolent ghost of an old friend is haunting Wayne Manor, but decides not to tell Bruce Wayne, thinking that his master has enough delusions of his own. But Batman knows all.
"Cornered" - Written by Brian Azzarello, art by Jim Mahfood (Originally published in Gotham Knights #35)
- A world-weary Gothamite living in a crime-riddled area of the city witnesses Batman's just-too-late attempts to stop street hoods engaging in a gunfight, and questions the Batman's methods. Would not a real threat be more likely to inspire the younger generation to be law-abiding than an urban legend? For the opposite suggestion, read Todd Dezago's "Urban Legend".
"Fear is the Key" - Written by Mike Carey, art by Steve Mannion & Hilary Barta (Originally published in Gotham Knights #37)
- An medieval sorcerer conjures a Bat-demon, but is revealed to be the Scarecrow, who has inadvertantly absorded a high dosage of an experimental hallucinogen and his own fear gas. Triumphing over impossible odds, the Batman returns Crane to Arkham Asylum, where he ponders the incredible resiliance of Batman, who must similarly have been hallucinating wildly, and yet managed to maintain a grip on reality.
'Untitled' - Written by Ann Nocenti, art by John Bolton (Originally published in Gotham Knights #38)
- The seedy underbelly of the Gotham underworld includes a large number of criminals who need the vicarious thrill of seeing Batman - and Catwoman - trussed, tortured and killed. One man runs a small 'business' to provide just such a thrill.
"Sunrise" - Written by Alex Garland, art by Sean Phillips (Originally published in Gotham Knights #39)
- An elderly Gothamite encounters a recovering Batman, and muses on the importance of memories, momentos and the privileges and responsibilities of old age.
"Neighbourhood" - Written by Robert Rodi, art by Jon Proctor (Originally published in Gotham Knights #40)
- Petty criminal Rico Tagliani lives in perpetual fear of the Batman for decades, getting increasingly more paranoid as time passes. Ultimately his paranoiaic delusions lead him to larger crimes, even as it is revealed that there is always truth behind fears of the Dark Night Detective. See also Ed Brubaker's "I'll Be Watching," for a similar story with different actions and results.
"I'll Be Watching" - Written by Ed Brubaker, art by Ryan Sook (Originally published in Gotham Knights #41)
- The janitor at Sprang Hall, Gotham's juvenile correctional facility, recalls the event that set him on his path to redepemption and sees the guiding presence of Batman as a perpetual and comforting reminder of his new life. Meanwhile, Batman's inspirational second-chance offer is shown to be neither unique nor forgotten in this evocative and poignant tale of crime prevention in it's ultimate sense - turning criminals 'straight' before they commit worse offences.
"Gargoyles of Gotham" - By Dean Motter (Originally published in Gotham Knights #42)
- An art exhibition featuring photographs of some of Gotham's gargoyles allows art patron Bruce Wayne to recall his own memories of such omnipresent parts of the city's landscape, including their structural integrity and the secrets some of them hide, including one nick-named "Clark," who secretly guards the garb of one Bruce Wayne when his alter-ego is on patrol.
"Snap" - Written by John Ostrander, art by Philip Bond (Originally published in Gotham Knights #43)
- A down-on-his-luck photo-journalist attempts to get photographic proof of Gotham's vigilante urban legend. Attempts to bribe Commissioner Gordon fail, and a staged crime scene makes the photographer into a criminal himself. Both Gordon - and Batman himself - reiterate the importance of the unreality of the urban legend. For a more understanding photographers take on the rights and wrongs of photographing the Batman, see Todd Dezago's "Urban Legend". For the opposite suggestion on Batman's status as an urban legend, read Brian Azzarello's "Cornered".
"The Best of Gotham" - By Jill Thompson (Originally published in Gotham Knights #44)
- A newspaper-style text and 'photos' guide to some of Gotham's "must see" highlights, including mentions of the philanthropy of Gotham's most famous son, as well as the inspirational activities of the city's protector, which can be seen in the theaters, stand-up clubs, clothes shops, night clubs and a tailored museum: "Hideout" showcasing some of the items confiscated from Batman's rogues gallery, and funded by the Martha Wayne Outreach program.
"Sidekick" - Written by Kimo Temperance, art by Nathan Fox (Originally published in Gotham Knights #45)
- Batman has to carry out his patrol while babysitting a child which is abandoned on the Batmobile by someone eager for fame.
"Urban Renewal" - Written by Will Pfeifer, art by Brent Anderson (Originally published in Gotham Knights #46)
- Writer/photographer Daniel McKinley notes the changing face of Gotham - and the world - from the kitsch architecture of "buildings shaped like cash registers" to the faceless conformity of the modern. Turned down by publisher after publisher, he has almost resigned himself to writing a book about "gargoyle-covered skyscrapers," when his proposal is accepted by Signal Publishing, a division of Wayne Enterprises. Bruce Wayne, like McKinley, has a keen sense of nostalgia and the old. See also Dean Motter's "Gargoyles of Gotham" for more on those iconic structures.
"Riddle Me This" - Written by Judd Winick, art by Whilce Portacio (Originally published in Gotham Knights #47)
- The Riddler, in a series of highlights from across his career runs through a series of riddles before settling on one which descibes his nemesis, as well as indulging in a spot of soul-searching, concluding - as usual - that he wants to be caught.
"The Mob is Dead, Long Live the Mob" - By Eric Cherry (Originally published in Gotham Knights #48)
- A former snitch tries to set himself up as a new mob boss, using Batman as a cover by feeding him information about minor drug deals while the major ones are carried out with impunity. The new "Boss" is ultimately brought low by another snitch who fears that Batman is now in the employ of the gangs.
"Fear is the Key" - Written by Geoff Johns, art by Tommy Castillo & Rodney Ramos (Originally published in Gotham Knights #49)
- Scarecrow runs through a litany of phobias, and regrets that his own addiction to fear has been compromised by an increasing immunity to his toxins. There is always something to fear however, and for the Scarecrow, Batman is both the ultimate fear and the ultimate thrill.
"The Gasworks" - Written by Mike Mignola, art by Troy Nixey (Originally published in Gotham Knights #36)
- Two villains attempt to use a powerful hallucinogenic compound to incapacitate Batman and kill him. In an ironic twist of events, they manage to disable him enough that he cannot subsequently come to their rescue.

NOTE: "The Gasworks" is the only "Black & White" story to include color - red permeates the story, the color of both the hallucinogen and the blood. This is likely the reason this story was moved to the end of the volume.

DC Direct Gallery - Showcasing the first dozen DC Direct-produced statues in the "Batman: Black & White" series.
- Eduardo Risso's statue. (Sculpted by Tony Cipriano.)/Simon Bisley's statue. (Sculpted by William Paquet.)
- Sketches by Alex Ross.
- Sketches by Paul Pope. (Designs for his Batman: Year 100 Batman.)
- Brian Bolland's statue. (Sculpted by Jack Mathews. (sic))
- Small rough sketches and statue by Tim Sale. (Statue sculpted by Jonathan Matthews.)
- Steve Rude's statue. (Sculpted by Jonathan Matthews.)
- Sketches by Steve Rude.
- Rough sketches by Jim Lee.
- Sketch and statue by Jim Lee. (Statue sculpted by Erick Sosa.)
- Individual cowl and close-up sketches by Kelly Jones.
- Kelly Jones' statue. (Sculpted by Ray Villafane.)
- Matt Wagner's statue and sketches. (Statue sculpted by Paul Harding.)