Batman: Earth One

In this version, Bruce Wayne sees his parents killed in a mugging and is raised by Alfred Pennyworth, an ex-soldier and friend of his father. As an adult, he learns Mayor Oswald Cobblepot may be behind the murders and goes after him in a bat costume, but he makes plenty of mistakes: his gear fails and his first target gets away. Meanwhile, Detective Jim Gordon, tired of the corruption, is partnered with Harvey Bullock, newly arrived from Los Angeles. When one of the mayor's thugs kidnaps Gordon's daughter Barbara, the three team up to save her and catch a serial killer. Cobblepot admits he wanted Thomas Wayne dead and Alfred kills him. Bruce resolves to keep going as Batman, and a mystery figure starts studying him.

1. Behind the scenesAfter Superman: Earth One

   It was Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's first Batman story together, after their Superman work.

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2. Behind the scenesTimed to Nolan's film

   Planned for 2010, it was held back to come out in July 2012 alongside The Dark Knight Rises. It peaked at #9 on the New York Times bestseller list.

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3. ReferenceAlfred the Marine

   This Alfred, an ex-soldier who trains Bruce to fight, influenced The Batman (2022)'s Alfred, a former Royal Marine.

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4. SetupSomeone is watching

   The last page shows a mystery figure poring over Batman files. It's the Riddler, setting up the next volume.

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