The first chapter of this series, turned book compilation, focuses on Carmine Falcone and his control of Gotham City. It’s the job of Lieutenant Gordon, D.A. Harvey Dent and Batman to undermine his authority and reduce his power.

There is an underlying tension between the different crime families and this adds to the confusion surrounding the responsibility of a death in the family.

The “good guys” agree that there is a line that they will morally not cross when defending Gotham but this is brought in to question at a couple of points throughout the story, particularly as it draws to it’s conclusion.

The artwork is primitive compared to other books but that does not detract from the story, if anything it adds to the appeal of the gritty nature of the story.

This is by far one of my all time favourite books and makes a great read accompanied by Dark Victory and the Haunted Knight.