Batman: A Cry in the Knight (fan-made mini-series)

[snooch2dnooch]

Okay, this is a mini-series that i wrote and my friend began to pencil. I wrote it before The Dark Knight was even cast, but it is a Batman/Joker/Two-Face story. Go figure, good ideas seem to float around at the same time. Please don't plagiarize this, it is published on palibra.com, so just to let ya guys know. The pencils were reviewed by Matt Idelson of DC Comics at Wondercon. Unfortunately he couldn't even look at the script because of WB's rules regarding copyrights and things. It's written in script form, not prose passage, so bare with it. Anyways, without further ado...

BATMAN
A CRY IN THE KNIGHT
AN EARLY LEGEND OF THE DARK KNIGHT DETECTIVE

JOEY PEROTTI
DANNY RODRIGUEZ

BOOK I



A shot overlooking the lamppost of crime alley, much like DKR. It is dark, deserted, but wrappers and trash show that people were there and it hasn’t always been deserted.
CAPTION – Crime Alley.


Same shot of crime alley with young Bruce Wayne kneeling over murdered parents.
CAPTION –Where I died.

Close up of Bruce’s face, intense eyes.
CAPTION –Where I was born…
I remember that night well…
too well…
I made a promise…
on the blood-stained sidewalk where my parents breathed their last breath…

Over the shoulder of Batman, same stoplight in Crime Alley with a child kneeling over his parents.
CAPTION – NEVER AGAIN.

Close-up of child’s face, tears running down
CAPTION – But now…

Batman standing over child who is kneeling over slain parents under the stoplight in Crime Alley.
CAPTION – I may have failed…

Splash page of Batman. Full figure shot.
BATMAN: It’s going to be alright.

Close-up of Batman’s eyes.
CAPTION – That’s a lie.
Of course it’s not alright.
It will never be alright.

Batman standing with child, slain parents to their side.
CHILD: Mama….Daddy…!

Batman, obviously turning to see the slain parents, with a look of pure shock and horror.
CAPTION – I turn to see the victims, and for the first time since I was eight…

The two bodies are trapped in the most disturbingly possible grins; it looks like they tried to fight the laughter, unsuccessfully.
CAPTION – I am not prepared for what I see…
the bodies...they - -
got to get this boy away from the crime scene…

Batman standing with child, slain parents to their side.
CAPTION – Trembling lips…he’s shaking…the boy is in shock.
Get him to the clinic.
CHILD: Mama!…Dad…!
CAPTION – So much like myself that night…
that night all sanity left my world.
BATMAN: Don’t try to speak. Come with me.

The Batmobile races through Gotham City.
CAPTION – The car’s tires roar against the pavement like an angry singer who has smoked the better portion of his life.
CAPTION – We’ll get to the clinic in no time.
Leslie will take care of him.
Like she did for me.
She’ll locate his family.

Inside the Batmobile. More simplified version of the car since this is year 1. There should be gadgets; the car just shouldn’t be littered with them like it was in HUSH. The child’s tears are streaming, the boy is crying out of control.
BATMAN: Now this is very important. Can you describe him? Anything at all? The smallest detail?
CHILD: Mammmammmaa…..
BATMAN: Breathe deep, breathe slowly. Exhale slowly. Think.
CHILD: Maaamaaa…Daaaddy!
CAPTION –Pointless.

The child then tugs on Batman’s cape in order to get his attention. He hands Batman a Joker card.
CAPTION – What kind of maniac…
As if the smiles on the bodies weren’t enough…

Close-up in on the Joker Card, black background.
CAPTION – A madman leaves a calling card – a Joker card, no less.
His victims – left with hideous smiles etched permanently to their faces.

Closer in on the Joker Card
CAPTION – I believe it’s safe to say that this will be no ordinary criminal I am about to hunt.

Looking down at Wayne Manor as it is in Year One. Night time. Rich society-types (people in tuxes) showing up to the front of the house.
CAPTION – Wayne Manor.

The Cave. See the back of Batman, head tilted down as in deep concentration. The Cave goes on and on forever, but there is a long stairwell leading up to Wayne manor to Batman’s right.
CAPTION – The Cave. My mind begins to wander in the darkness.

FLASHBACK. Young Bruce (8 years old), Thomas and Martha Wayne (still alive) in Wayne Manor. Lights on, very “bright”. Expensive furniture and what-not surrounding the room, but don’t make it gaudy. Bruce is looking annoyed and mad and his parents are looking very tired, indeed. Thomas is sitting behind his desk in the study or his office. He’s looking down, taking off his glasses.
BRUCE: But you promised!
THOMAS: I know, Bruce, but your mother and I are so very tired. I had to put in so many extra hours at the hospital, and - -
next week, ok?

Close-up profile of Bruce’s face shouting at his father who is to the right of him.
BRUCE: Work! Work! Work! What about me?! Am I not important?!
MARTHA: Bruce - -

Close up frontal view of Bruce’s face, filled with anger, sadness, and frustration.
BRUCE: I HATE YOU!
End of FLASHBACK

The Cave, Batman is to the bottom left, eyes closed, still in deep concentration, but we now have a profile view of him. Alfred is at the top of the stairs.
ALFRED: Sir…?

Alfred comes into view, Batman now barely in view, center Alfred.
ALFRED: You have been brooding longer than usual. Is something amiss?
CAPTION – I can never take it back.
BATMAN: Just thinking, Alfred.
ALFRED: Yes, it would appear so, sir. May one inquire what you are thinking about, Master Bruce?

FLASHBACK, Bruce (8 years old again) alone in his room, throwing a temper tantrum. Crying, door is closed. Anger fills the boy’s eyes
KNOCK KNOCK at the door
MARTHA (not seen): Bruce, we’re leaving for the theatre in ten minutes.

Same as the panel before it, only Bruce is different now. Bruce’s head sprouts up, face solemn, tears subsiding. Eyes the door.
MARTHA: Get ready!

Young Bruce and family’s back to the panel. Bruce is in the center. In the center of the panel THE MARK OF ZORRO movie poster above Bruce’s head.

Panel of a magnum gun aiming forward. Movement somehow needs to be shown.
CAPTION – Spoiled.

Panel of Bruce’s mother’s horrified face, pearls being snatched away.
CAPTION – Little.

Panel of famous David Mazzuchelli drawing of young Bruce kneeling over his murdered parents.
CAPTION – Brat.
FLASHBACK ends.

The cave. Batman, draped in shadows, only eyes visible, clearly turning to Alfred.
BATMAN: Nothing. Forget it.

Alfred walking away.
ALFRED: Very well, sir…
but do not forget about your charity gala this evening upstairs.

Close-up on Batman’s eyes.
CAPTION – The heinous murder of that boy’s parents - In Crime Alley no less -

Close-up of the father’s face who was slain in the beginning of the book, complete with a Joker Smile.
CAPTION – Makes this case…

Close-up of the mother’s face who was slain in the beginning of the book, complete with a Joker Smile.
CAPTION – Somewhat…

Close-up of Joker card, black background.
CAPTION – Personal.

Batman taking off his mask, attention to a speaker on the wall of Bat cave.
SPEAKER: Master Bruce, the guests are slowly arriving.
Coming out of the darkness may do you some good.
A tan, perhaps?

Wayne Manor Ball Room. Bruce stands on the 2nd floor looking down (his back to the panel). Huge clock in center of wall of dance floor, with stairs on either side of it. Chandelier hangs from ceiling. Huge crowd on dance floor.
CAPTION – The party is a ruse.
I hate parties.
I hate these people.
But they must believe I am one of them.

Bruce shaking hands with Harvey Dent. The two seem happy to be in each other’s company. Party-goers pass by.
BRUCE: Harvey.
HARVEY: Wayne.
CAPTION – Finally, a man I can stand.
Maybe because his thirst for justice may equal my own.
Harvey Dent. District Attorney.

Closer up on their faces, Alfred is centered between them farther back, as Harvey reaches for a wine glass from the tray.
BRUCE: Thanks for coming, I know you and Gilda don’t like coming to these things. I hate them myself, you know?
HARVEY: Sure ya do Bruce, but it was the least I could do.
After all, you are funding my re-election campaign for D.A.
CAPTION – I have been fighting crime as The Batman for over a year now.
I have come to respect and trust Harvey, as well as - -

Lieutenant James Gordon walks into the scene, and the three men are now in the same panel as party goers walk by.
HARVEY: Gordon! Captain Gordon!
GORDON: Harvey. Mr. Wayne.
BRUCE: Please, Captain, call me Bruce.
GORDON: Lovely party, Bruce.
CAPTION – Probably the best man in Gotham City.
Captain James Gordon.
HARVEY: Gordon, what’s the word on that murder earlier this evening?
GORDON: Harvey, please, not here.

The three men standing there, Harvey smiles widely at Bruce like a kid disobeying his parent in order to show off in front of his friend. Bruce smiles warmly back.
HARVEY: We’ll keep it low. And don’t mind Bruce, I’m sure he doesn’t care.
CAPTION – Hopefully they have more evidence than I was able to collect. Doubtful, though.

Gordon is the main focus in this panel. He looks tired and not quite sure what to say.
GORDON: Well, it’s double homicide. Two murders, the bodies were found in Park Row…Crime Alley.
Their kid was found right beside them, untouched. But…there was something about this case that I’ve never seen before…
HARVEY (off panel): Yeah?
GORDON: Their faces…their eyes were wide open and they were…grinning…smiling even. I don’t know what to think…
BRUCE (off panel): What about their child?
GORDON: He’s still in shock, the last time I checked. Identification cleared and the boy will be sent to live with his aunt in Metropolis after questioning.

Back to the shot of the three men.
GORDON: I’m sorry, but I’m on call in two hours. I gotta get home, drop off Barbara, and change before I go out.
BRUCE: I understand. Thank you for coming, Captain.
GORDON: My pleasure, Wayne.
HARVEY: I better be going, as well. Just gotta find Gilda in that sea of people…Have a good one, Bruce!

Shot of Bruce calling for Alfred, Harvey and Gordon are no longer in the scene.
CAPTION – It’s getting late, and I, too, should be making an exit.
BRUCE: Alfred!

Bruce and Alfred over by the stairs, away from the guests.
ALFRED: Yes, Master Bruce?
BRUCE: I’m going out. I’ve got…unfinished business to attend to, if you catch my drift.
ALFRED: The drift, as you say, sir, is caught.
But sir, didn’t you already go out parading in your underwear this evening?
BRUCE: I usually don’t go out that early, Alfred, but…it was Crime Alley.

Same panel as before with Bruce and Alfred at the stairs.
ALFRED: And what shall I produce if anyone inquires about your absence?
BRUCE: I’m upstairs…with a fiery red-head.
ALFRED: Excuse me, Sir, but wouldn’t a blonde be more appropriate? More believable?
BRUCE: Alright, Alfred, we’ll compromise.
ALFRED: Master Bruce…?

Just Bruce, turning around, looking at Alfred over his shoulder, with a mischievous smile on his lips
BRUCE: Tell whoever asks - - I’m with a brunette.

Bruce, in tux, closing the door to his study. The room is dark forest green, brown wooden door. (Almost like a Sherlock Holmes old English type of study. Grandfather clock to the left. There is a fireplace in the center of the room; above it is the portrait of Martha and Thomas Wayne. This is the room that the last scene of the first chapter of Year One takes places where the bat crashes through the window.
CAPTION – My study.
I lock the door.

Back of Bruce’s head, in front of him is the fireplace and portrait of Martha and Thomas Wayne. The chair is to the right, and the grandfather clock is against the wall to the left.
CAPTION – Mother…
Father…

Close-up of portrait of Thomas and Martha Wayne.
CAPTION – I will not fail you…
Again.

Bruce at the grandfather clock, turning the clock’s hands to 10:47.
CAPTION – The Grandfather clock.
I turn the hands to 10:47. The exact time of our murders.

Looking up from the cave, Silhouette of Bruce standing at the open grandfather clock, draped in shadows, light coming from the study.
CAPTION – It doesn’t tell time anymore…
It now serves a much greater purpose…

From the study, the grandfather clock closes. Just a shot of the empty study right after the clock closed.
CLICK
CAPTION – The clock acts as the keeper…
The gate and guard to all my secrets…all my shadows…

Scene changes to the cave. The Batman in full uniform sits in his chair at his database computer, draped in shadows. His look is that of frustration and stress. He is holding the Joker card.
CAPTION – The Cave.
Who would commit crimes leaving his victims in a hideous smile…? And why? I need to meet with Gordon.

Outside the little home of Harvey and Gilda Dent, much like the one drawn in THE LONG HALLOWEEN.
CAPTION – The home of Harvey and Gilda Dent.
HARVEY (from inside home): Sorry we had to leave so early from Wayne’s party.
GILDA (from inside home): I understand. Your job is important.

Inside the home, again, refer to THE LONG HALLOWEEN. Harvey and Gilda are inside, and Harvey is putting on his coat, still in his tux.
HARVEY: Captain Gordon just called; he wants to meet in the East End.
GILDA: Funny, I didn’t hear the phone ring…
And why don’t you change before you go?
HARVEY: No time. Again, I’m sorry for having to leave early, I know you understand. I’ll be home late.

The front door is closed to the home, Gilda alone in the front room, staring at the door.
GILDA: Harvey…

The home of James Gordon. Again, please refer to THE LONG HALLOWEEN for interpretation of the house.
CAPTION – The home of Captain James and Barbara Gordon.
JAMES (from inside home): I’m so sorry, Barb, but I’ll be working late again.
BARBARA (from inside home): But James, don’t go. You said tonight that we could try and –

Inside the home, James Gordon, now in a suit and brown trench coat, looking tired and stressed, and Barbara, still in a cock-tail dress. The two look tired of each other.
GORDON: I know, I know. I’m sorry. And I know – sorry isn’t enough anymore.
But the murder that took place earlier…it’s someone new…the way he murders… we have to get him. And fast.

The door slams shut, and Barbara is alone in the room. She looks angry and tired.
GORDON (from outside, not shown): I love you!

The roof of the Gotham City Police Department. It is dark, and pipes and whatnot are on the roof. Gordon enters the roof from a door, and he walking towards the Bat Signal. He is lighting up a pipe, and is stressed as ever.
CAPTION – The GCPD Rooftop.

Gordon’s hand goes for the “ON” switch to turn on the Bat Signal.
BATMAN (off panel): Don’t bother.

Gordon is turning around, clearly startled by the voice. His hand is still on the button turn on the Bat Signal. We see Batman’s back, playing the shadows.
GORDON: Why do you always have to sneak up on me like that?!

Batman comes out of the shadows; he is now in full view. He could possibly be the only one in this panel.
BATMAN: Let’s talk.
GORDON: Well, husband and wife found dead in Crime Alley, their child a witness to it all. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to complete a sentence since he was turned over to us. He’ll be sent to live with his aunt in Metropolis within the hour.
CAPTION: There goes our description.

Batman and Gordon stand, talking, the night sky around them.
GORDON: But we don’t know how they were murdered. No bullet entries on either of the bodies, and they weren’t stabbed. We suspect poison of some kind.
And their faces…
BATMAN: I know. I saw.

Batman (left) and Gordon (right) stand side by side, not looking at each other, Gordon looks off to the right.
BATMAN: The two victims…any DNA tests? Possibly hair from the murderer?
GORDON: We’re looking into it.
Maybe.

Gordon standing exactly where he was in the last panel. Instead of Batman standing right next to him, we only see his cape fluttering, the scallops almost pointing at Gordon, showing that Batman is moving off panel. Gordon is still looking off to the right.
GORDON: Comb the city. Find out any information you can.

Gordon standing where he was in the previous 2 panels (to the right), Batman is gone, and Gordon is now looking to the left. His face is shocked and startled.
GORDON: …Batman?!
He’s got to stop doing that…

The East End area. As remembered in Year One. It is night, and there are a swarm of degenerates and lowlives, not to mention hookers, pimps. And drug-dealers. In the middle of them, a character in a white tux (Harvey Dent) stands out. This would be similar to a crane-shot in a movie; it is looking down on the street as if the “camera” is perched on one of the rooftops.
CAPTION – The East End.

A shot of a mugger, Batman’s hands wrapped around his neck. Batman’s back is to us, and all you can see are the tips of his cowl, his hand choking the mugger’s neck, and the mugger’s face in sure agony.
CAPTION – Across town.
BATMAN: WHO

Shot of a different low life, hanging upside down in the air (stories above street level), hanging from a Bat-rope, attached to a pipe (or something sticking out from the building). Only the tips of Batman’s cape are visible, as he’s standing on the ledge looking down at the low-life.
BATMAN: IS

Shot of Batman’s face, extremely angry and intimidating, showing all his grinding teeth. He looks poised and ready to take on a hundred men.
BATMAN: HE?!

Shot of Batman grabbing a thug by the collar. The thug reaches for his gun.
THUG: Ugghh…nggg

Shot of Batman karate chopping the thug’s hand, gun goes flying.

Shot of Batman head-butting the thug.

Shot of Batman throwing the thug to the ground.
THUG: Uhhhgg…

Shot of Batman breaking the handgun in two. He simply snaps it like a twig. This should be done in two panels. The thug’s back should be to us.

Shot of thug on the floor obviously hurt and bleeding, bruised and angry, but not willing to get back up and fight The Batman. We see Batman (from the back) walking off.
CAPTION – Nothing.

Shot of Batman looking up into the night sky, he is frustrated and full of thought.
CAPTION – Everyone’s heard of him.
And everyone’s afraid of him.

Batman standing on a roof overlooking the East End streets.
CAPTION – The East End.
CAPTION – I usually don’t patrol this area.
The East End…has its own laws, and I cannot even begin to clean it up.
But tonight…

A wino, obviously high on something fast is running around the streets with a knife threatening many people.
WINO: You don’t know me! You don’t gots my problems! I’ll kill you all!
CAPTION – He’s going to hurt someone. Time to get involved.

Wino is holding the knife in the air, and a hooker stands next to him, obviously afraid.
WINO: I’ll cut you, and real good, too! You thinks you knows me!!
HOOKER: Whoa, big boy, I said nothing like that!
WINO: I’ll hurt you! I’ll kill you!

Shot of Batman jumping onto the wino, his feet colliding with the wino’s shoulders. Batman’s hands are spread out, and so is his cape, magnificently like wings. The wino’s hat falls off, revealing he’s bald, and he starts to fall.

The wino is on the floor, and Batman is crouched over him. The hooker looks at batman at first in awe, and then in horror.

The hooker starts to run away, and so do the other people in the street.
CAPTION – Time to leave this area.
Even if this new murderer were here, there’d be no point in searching for him now. Word spreads quickly here in the East End. He’d be gone within five minutes.

Extreme close-up of an eye, and Batman swinging away is in the cornea.

Selina Kyle is at her window, looking at Batman. She looks in awe of the Batman, and somewhat of envy. She’s in a bra and panties. Make her look beautiful, but tough in her own right. She can obviously hold her own in a fight.
HARVEY (off panel): Selina…
SELINA: Just a sec, Batman’s outside.

Shot of Selina in the room. Only Harvey Dent’s hand is visible, and he’s flipping a coin.
HARVEY: Bats?
SELINA: Yeah. You talk like you know the guy…
HARVEY: I do…

Shot of just Selina’s face, with a mischievous smile.
SELINA: My my my…

Shot of Harvey Dent, the back of Selina’s head visible (she’s looking at him)
SELINA: Who doesn’t Harvey Dent know?

A shot of the two of them in the room together.
SELINA: And what’s with the tux, Harv? You didn’t have to dress up for me.
HARVEY: I didn’t. I was going to miss our appointment if I had changed. I came from Bruce Wayne’s charity ball or whatever the hell it was.
SELINA: Oh.

Harvey looking frustrated with Selina, Selina looking hurt.
HARVEY: What was that “oh” for, Selina?
SELINA: Nothing…

The pair is now yelling at each other.
SELINA: You could have lied! Told me you did dress up for me! I mean, God, you see me more than your wife sees you!
HARVEY: Shut up, Selina! This is strictly business between the two of us! If you’re looking for more from me, well…
You need to look somewhere else.

Shot of Harvey Dent looking at Selina, his hand on her shoulder. He looks pensive but is trying to talk to her.
HARVEY: I’m stressed out! Between running for re-election, problems with Gilda, Falcone, and all the other crazies this city has to offer!
You’re my getaway…my escape.

Selina, looking angry and hurt. She brushes his hand off of her shoulder.
SELINA: But not your main stay.

Shot of Harvey trying to explain.
HARVEY: Selina…
You’re a prostitute and I’m a client. Your client. That’s it. Please, I can’t have these “strings”. This is your job. It’s strictly business, ok?

Selina looking hurt.
SELINA: Yeah…strictly business.

Shot of docks and the water. The Bat-signal is looming over the water, and there’s reflection on the water.
CAPTION – I got nothing from my trip to the East End. Gordon asked me to check the docks.

Shot of a thug loading FRAGILE boxes onto a truck. His hand is on the box.

CAPTION – There’s always some activity going on here.
THUG: This’ll be a nice little prize.
CAPTION – Tonight – Billy “The Bull” Corio. Robbery.

Shot of a Batarang puncturing Billy’s hand, sticking to the box. Blood starts to drip down.
CAPTION – He won’t be going anywhere.
BILLY: AHHH!

Same shot, Batman’s back is now to us, he is now in the shot, in the shadows. More blood from Billy’s hands.
BATMAN: What do you know about this new murderer on the street?
BILLY: My hand! My hand!!

Close-up of Billy. He looks horrified at his hand.
BILLY: Oh my God! Jesus! I can’t move my hand!

Shot of Batman looking really pissed.

BATMAN: TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW!

Shot of Billy and Batman. Batman’s now to his side.
BILLY: Ok! Ok! Ngg!
Look, I saw the guy once. Only once!

Close-up of Billy’s face.
BILLY: He’s bone white! Got green hair! Completely insane! He’s always smilin’! He - - ENJOYS the killing!

Shot of Billy being shot in the head, as his body droops down.
BILLY: We all need protec --!

Shot of Batman turning around. The back of Joker’s hat is visible.
JOKER: HAHAHA!

Shot of Joker, his face not seen, covered in shadow.
JOKER: Well, well, well.
If it isn’t The Batman!

Batman looking horrified.

Splash page of Joker (Conrad Viedt) with gun pointing, hat now off.
JOKER: Hi. I’m The Joker.

TO BE CONTINUED…

[svengali1337]

Wow. Very impression, i loved it. Cant wait to see what happens next!

[Oswald Cobblepot]

loved it, can't wait for the second one!!!!

[svengali1337]

Yeah.. when is the second coming out?!?!?!?!

[snooch2dnooch]

Thanks for reading it guys! Here's #2..."The plot thickens...!"

BATMAN
A CRY IN THE KNIGHT
AN EARLY LEGEND OF THE DARK KNIGHT DETECTIVE

JOEY PEROTTI
DANNY RODRIGUEZ

BOOK II

Panel of The Joker with gun pointing at Batman. Almost identical to the last panel of issue #1.
CAPTION – Earlier tonight, this man killed a mother and father in front of their child.

Shot of Dead father smiling in a body bag.
CAPTION – They were left in a smile…

Dead mother smiling in a body bag.
CAPTION – Despite their presentation…
they reminded me of the night…

Shot of Bruce’s dead parents in crime alley.
CAPTION - The night that made me.

Shot of Batman, tall and brooding. Splash page.
BATMAN – You’re the one killing people, leaving –

Shot of Joker’s face, close-up on smiling mouth.
JOKER – Grins? Yes! A little trademark of mine!
I love to add a personal touch to all my crimes!

Shot Batman, pissed, fist shaking.
BATMAN – You murdered a boy’s parents in Crime Alley earlier this evening. You orphaned him!

Shot of Joker
JOKER – Relax, Batman! Laugh it up! It was just a joke! HAHAHAHA!!!

Shot of Batman punching the Joker. He falls to the cement sidewalk.

Joker is still on the floor, looking straight ahead up at Batman. Batman is not in this panel.
JOKER – Hahaha! Lighten up, Batman!
CAPTION – Green hair…

Exact same shot, but Joker’s right hand is now on the lapel flower.
JOKER – You never take time to stop and smell the flowers, do you?

Extreme close-up of hand on flower, flower squirting the poison.
JOKER – HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Shows Batman shocked.

The acid hits Batman’s chest.

Joker’s mouth laughing
JOKER – HAHAHA!

Batman with the acid on his chest, leaning over.
CAPTION – The acid…
It’s eating through my double-Kevlar vest.
BATMAN – Ngg!

Joker walks over to Batman, Batman is leaning over in pain. Joker has his hat back on.
CAPTION – Got to get this off…get back to the Cave.
BATMAN – Ngg…
JOKER – Be thankful, Bats! I didn’t squirt your face!

Batman is now lowering, and Joker is standing over him.
CAPTION – The fumes…this isn’t just acid...getting light-headed.
JOKER – We’ll meet again, Bats!
BATMAN – Uhh…
CAPTION – Don’t go black.

Joker punches Batman in the head.
CAPTION – Don’t lose conscience!
BATMAN – Ahh! Hahaha…hehe…
CAPTION – Press the emergency button on the belt.

Batman laying on the floor, his hand close to his belt.
CAPTION – Press the damn button.

Closer-up of the belt, Batman’s finger pressing the button, located on top of one of the vials on the belt.
CAPTION – Don’t lose –
BATMAN – Nnn – Hahaha!

Blackness with block-lettered HAHAHAHOOHOOHEEE in the background
CAPTION - …

Batman laying on the floor, face down, Joker walking away, bird’s eye view.

Blackness


Dream sequence. Bruce’s slain parents, Bruce’s young hand reaches out.

Bruce’s young hand reaches towards father’s head. Blood is flowing from his father’s head, and a big puddle of blood is forming.

Closer-up on the puddle of blood, Bruce’s hand over it, he’s looking into it. Eyes appear in the puddle.

The puddle now resembles the Bat cowl.

Bruce looks into the puddle, and the fully formed bat-cowl and symbol are apparent in the puddle.

Young Bruce looks shocked and scared.
THOMAS – Bruce.

Thomas Wayne looks stern, almost angry
THOMAS – Bruce. Why didn’t you save us?

Shot of young Bruce crying.

Thomas Wayne.
THOMAS – Why did you fail me, son?

Dream sequence ends. Back in the cave, Bruce springs up, shirt is off, looks haggard and tired, sweating.
BRUCE – Father!
CAPTION – Nothing.
BRUCE - …Alfred…?!
CAPTION – Just a dream. A nightmare.
ALFRED (off panel) – Master Bruce, you’re awake?

Bruce looks tired, hand is holding up his head, blocking his face. The cave longs on behind him.
CAPTION – The Cave.
BRUCE – How long have I been out?

Alfred coming to attend to Bruce, his shirt sleeves are rolled up, he looks tired as well, as if he has been working all night.
ALFRED – Not long, sir. Approximately 16 hours. Quite a night, eh?


Bruce and Alfred speak. Bruce sits on edge of operating table; shirt still off.
BRUCE – What happened to me last night?
ALFRED – The fumes from the acid must have knocked you out, along with that blow to the head – from which you suffered a concussion.

Shot of the Bat-shirt on the table. The shirt’s front is torn and destroyed from the acid earlier that night. Bruce and Alfred are far away BEHIND the shirt, staring at it.
ALFRED – It seems the second layer of Kevlar I suggested was a good idea after all. It saved your life.

Bruce stares down, as if not able to say he was wrong.
CAPTION – Earlier last night Alfred pressured me to wear a second layer of Kevlar. I scoffed at the suggestion because it hinders my movement. But…
Alfred said he had a feeling that I would need it. After a short argument, I applied the second layer.
Reluctantly.
A decision I am now quite thankful for.

Bruce looks toward Alfred.
BRUCE – I’m sorry, Alfred.

Alfred looking confused as to how to phrase what he is trying to say.
ALFRED – Bruce, I know I am not your father…

Close-up on Alfred
ALFRED – But you are very much, to me, my son.

Bruce looks annoyed and sad but hurt
BRUCE – Alfred…
ALFRED – Now, Master Bruce, when I make a suggestion, it’s not because I’m some worried old man. I know what I’m talking about. I am worried though…

Alfred, the cave behind him.
ALFRED – I’ve been in war, Master Bruce. I have seen thousands of soldiers – thousands of men, easily cut down at the hands of the enemy. Now you are just one soldier, fighting an army of the most wretched and heinous type of evil there is in this “Holy War” of yours.

Close-up of Bruce.
BRUCE – No, Alfred. I am the army. I will win my war.

Close-up of Alfred
ALFRED – But at what cost, Master Bruce?

Bruce looking stern.

Bruce putting on a fresh Bat-shirt. Alfred behind him.
BRUCE – I’m going back out.
ALFRED – Sir! One more thing!

Bruce in Batsuit, except for cowl. Alfred is behind him.
BRUCE – No time. He’s out there, Alfred. I’ve got to stop him because I don’t know what he’ll do next.
ALFRED – But you only just awoke!

Same shot, cowl is now in Bruce’s hand over his head.
BRUCE – Don’t worry. And Alfred…
ALFRED - …Sir…?

Cow is now on, close-up of Batman.
BATMAN – Don’t wait up.

Shot of Alfred rolling his eyes
ALFRED – HMF! Such a taste for the dramatics!

Shot of Batmobile’s tires screeching away
SCREEEECH!

Outside of Gordon’s home.
CAPTION – The home of Captain James and Barbara Gordon.

James and Barbara in bed. The phone is to the side on a night-stand, ringing.
JAMES – Dammit. I’ll get it.
BARBARA – But Jim, we were going to –
JAMES – It might be work!
BARBARA – Exactly.

Jim at the telephone. He is only in boxers, and he is just getting his glasses on.
JAMES – Gordon. What!? Two more murders? I’ll be right there.

Shot of Jim getting dressed, and Barbara angry in bed.
JAMES – I’m sorry, Barb, but I have to go.
BARBARA – Of course you do. You always do.
JAMES – Barb..!

Close-up of Barbara, looks stern and angry.
BARBARA – Jim, one of my stipulations for coming back was that we try –

Jim putting on his over-coat
JAMES – I know. But this seriously can not wait.

Shot of Jim out of the room, Barbara still in bed.
BARBARA – It never can, can it?
JAMES – I’m sorry, Barb. I love you, you know that. But I have to go.

Shot of Barbara looking sad.

Shot of Jim driving in his car. We are looking in through the windshield, head on.
CAPTION G – Barbara wants to try for another child. I regret bringing little James into this world and I won’t be responsible for another offspring that has no hope in a city like this.
It’s simply not fair – to anyone in the situation. My job puts me at considerable risk and even higher risk for my loved ones.
But bringing another life here isn’t fair.
Not in Gotham.

Gordon opening the door to the GCPD rooftop. The door reads “Entrance to the Roof”.
CAPTION – The GCPD rooftop.

Shot of Gordon’s face looking extremely shocked and caught off guard. Looks afraid as well.

Shot of a silhouette of Batman on the roof’s edge. Maybe just his white eyes are visible, and the black sky ranges on behind him.
BATMAN – Sorry to startle you, Captain.

Close-up of Batman’s head.
BATMAN – First time you’ve ever been the one to be late.

Shot of Gordon looking up at Batman.
GORDON – First time you’ve ever called my home.

Shot of Batman looking stern and a little uneasy.
BATMAN – We’ve got big problems.

Shot of Gordon looking up at Batman, looks very tired and stressed.
GORDON - …Yeah…?

Shot of Batman on the ledge.
BATMAN – He struck again. Two victims. Both locked in those…damn grins.

Shot Batman and Gordon. Batman is still on the ledge, and Gordon is on the floor of the roof, looking angry.
GORDON – How can you know that?! I haven’t even gotten my briefing yet!
BATMAN – Meet me downstairs on the street. South side of the building. We’ll take my car to the scene.

Shot of the silhouette of Batman on the ledge.

Shot of the exact same ledge, same framing, but Batman is no longer standing. All that is seen is the tips of his capes right above the ledge – showing that he jumped of the ledge. Or walked off.

Shot of Gordon heading for the door looking annoyed.
GORDON – Ugh…this will be interesting.

Shot of Batman and Gordon in the Batmobile. Again, this is a standard shot looking at the two of them head on. Gordon is to the left (of course, being the passenger) and Batman is to the right (being the driver). Gordon looks uncomfortable. Batman is as stern as ever.
GORDON – This is a nice car…

Shot of Gordon blowing air out of his mouth in a sigh. He’s still in the passenger seat.

Gordon looking out the window (still in the passenger seat).
CAPTION G – I could get in a lot of trouble for this.

Bird’s eye view of the Batmobile stopping before two bodies sprawled out across the street. The Batmobile’s lights shine on the bodies, and Joker cards are littered around them.
CAPTION – Here.

Close-up of the smiling victim. Cards around him.
CAPTION – Two more murders.

Shot of the second victim trapped in the same smile.
CAPTION – Those smiles.
Those damn smiles.

Gordon looking at the bodies deductively, Batman standing behind him, draped in shadows.
GORDON – What do you think, Batman?
BATMAN – Well, Captain, let me start with what I know.

Shot of Batman.
BATMAN – I know we have a madman on our hands who needs to be caught.

Shot of Gordon and Batman.
GORDON – Agreed. So what do we do about it?
BATMAN – First we need to figure out if the smiles were somehow induced during death or if their faces were…sculpted…post-mortem?

Shot of Batman looking off into the night, and Gordon behind him looking none-too-pleased.
BATMAN – Captain, let me take the bodies to my facilities.
GORDON – Batman!

Shot of Batman, head is bowed as if he is searching for the right words to say.
CAPTION – The smell of death. It overwhelms me, fills my nostrils. I…am getting used to this smell.
BATMAN – Captain…

Batman looks up, looks sincere.
BATMAN – Jim…

Shot again of Batman looking into the night and Gordon looking angry.
BATMAN – Trust me.
GORDON – Trust you!? I don’t even know you!

Shot of Batman draped in shadows, only eyes are visible.
BATMAN – You know my hunger and thirst for justice. It’s the same determination that runs through your veins. It drives you the same way it drives me.

Shot of Gordon obviously contemplating Batman’s words.

Gordon and Batman
GORDON – Not exactly the same.
BATMAN – Give me forty-eight hours. I will have results.
CAPTION – He must trust me.
He already has.
And he will continue to do so.
And…I will have to trust him as well.

Shot of the cave. Batman is in the center. In front of him are two tables with the bodies on them. Batman is performing an autopsy. Batman and the bodies appear small because we can see a lot of the cave behind them.
CAPTION – The Cave.
I have been examining the corpses for the last 19 hours.

Shot of Batman looking up in frustration.
BATMAN – Nothing.

Batman takes off his mask, and stares, beginning to think.

Panel of young Bruce witnessing the murder of his parents.

Batman pulls his mask back on.
CAPTION – Back to work.

Shot of the East End. The houses look dilapidated and falling apart.
CAPTION – The East End.
Shot of Selina Kyle’s door opening. Selina looks shocked and happy to see Harvey.
HARVEY – Hi, Selina.
SELINA – Hi, baby, what’s up? I didn’t think you had an appointment today, but I’m sure I could pencil you in.

Shot of Harvey and Selina.
SELINA – I could always pencil you in.
HARVEY – I can’t stay long. I just wanted to come by and tell you not to even think about coming to my speech on the 22nd.

Harvey looking smug, and Selina looking angry.
HARVEY – Gilda will be there and I don’t want you around.
SELINA – Harvey…

Shot of Selina’s door slamming, and Selina looks ready to cry.

Next, the door opens and Stan the Pimp is standing in the doorway, Selina’s sadness turns to anger. Stan is carrying a newspaper – The Gotham Globe
STAN - Selina!
SELINA - What do you want, Stan?

Shot of Selina and Stan looking at each other from across the room
STAN - You know what I want. Where’s my money?
SELINA - You didn’t earn it, you sorry excuse for a human being!

Close-up of Stan. He is disgusting, a degenerate.
STAN - Careful, Selina. I give you this room and board. You got no place else.

Close-up of Selina.
SELINA - <I’ll scratch your eyes out…>

Shot of Stan and Selina.
STAN - What was that, Selina?
SELINA - I said…

Close-up of Selina, looking contemplative and angry.

Selina holding out cash.
SELINA - Here’s the money.
STAN - Now that’s a good girl.

Stan walks out, leaving his paper behind.
STAN - They sure love you, Selina. Yep, sure do.

Selina picks up the paper.

Selina is reading the paper, looking annoyed.
SELINA - UGH!

Shot of the paper from Selina’s view, her hands are holding the paper. The paper reads: “THE BAT-MAN”
SELINA - Bat-man. Man. Man. Man!

Simple shot of Selina.
SELINA - I think I’m tired of men making the headlines in my life. It’s time I took control.

Shot of Batman looking curious, still working on the bodies. Batman is sporting whiskers now.
CAPTION – The Cave.

Shot of Batman looking up to the intercom.
BATMAN – Alfred, come down to the cave.
INTERCOM – At once, Sir.

Alfred and Batman.
BATMAN – Alfred, what was my condition the other night when you picked me up?
Anything…unusual?
ALFRED – Why…yes, Master Bruce, there was indeed.

Shot of Alfred holding an insanely-laughing Batman sitting on the floor.
ALFRED – “When I picked you up, you were quite mad, indeed.”

Close-up of Batman laughing uncontrollably.
ALFRED – “I thought you had finally…cracked.”
“Laughing…uncontrollably…”

Shot of Batman on the operating table, still laughing.
ALFRED – “When I got you back to the cave, I could see that you were trying to…fight the laughter…”

Shot of Alfred looking terrified.
ALFRED – “That’s when I could see it was no laughing matter.”
ALFRED – My word…
ALFRED – “…No pun intended.”

Shot of Batman’s face being slapped by Alfred’s hand.
SLAP!
ALFRED – “I couldn’t get through to you…”
“To use a famous expression…”

Shot of Bruce still in costume sans mask, sporting a hideous smile.
ALFRED – “The lights were on but no one was home, sir.”

Shot of Batman and Alfred talking in the Cave, Batman looks extremely angry.
ALFRED – I gave you every anti-agent I could find until you finally calmed down.
BATMAN – And you’re telling me all of this now…?!
CAPTION – I could have been the Joker’s next victim…

Close-up of Alfred looking pissed.
ALFRED – If I may be so bold, Sir. You woke up, went right out, came back, and have asked to be left alone until this moment – even denying food – Master Bruce!

Batman looks contemplative, as if realizing he has no right to be angry with Alfred.

Batman looks stern.
BATMAN – Fair enough. What anti-agents finally proved effective?
ALFRED – It was a combination of the Neurolizer M83 and the Negative Relapser L30.

Batman looks stern and like he’s trying to solve a riddle.
BATMAN – Oh God… That means…
The substance is a gas…it’s inhaled…

Batman looks shocked, almost scared.
BATMAN – These people…died laughing!

The outside of Harvey Dent’s home.
CAPTION – The home of Harvey and Gilda Dent.

Harvey and Gilda in a fight, they are yelling at each other, but Harvey looks really mad.
HARVEY – I KNOW!
GILDA – Harvey!
HARVEY – I know, Gil. I’m never home, right?! I’m always at work, right?!

Close-up of Harvey screaming.
HARVEY – I’m overwhelmed here! There’s some new thug in town, there’s the Roman, and all the other bastards I have to worry about!
On top of it all – I’m running for re-election, and you wanna start some damn family! Here! In Gotham!

Harvey on his way out the door, we see the back of Gilda’s head.
HARVEY – I’m due in court. We’ll discuss this when I get back.

Harvey walking outside. Parked in front of his house is an old gangster-style black limo.

We see the back of Falcone’s head, his window is rolled down, and we can see Harvey through the rolled-down window. Harvey looks shocked upon realizing who’s in the limo.
HARVEY – Can I help you - Falcone?!

Shot of Carmine Falcone.
FALCONE – Get in.
HARVEY (off panel) – I’m due in court.
FALCONE – This will only take a moment of your time. We’ll drop you at the courthouse.

Shot of Harvey and Carmine Falcone in the limo sitting next to each other. Falcone would be on the right I presume. Neither is driving since Falcone has a hired driver and they are in the back of the limo.
HARVEY – What do you want?
FALCONE – Just to show you some of the lovely pictures my photographer takes.

Shot of Falcone’s hand handing pictures to Harvey’s. They’re Polaroid’s.
FALCONE – I’ve got eyes everywhere, Dent. I know what you do. I know who you see.

Close-up of Harvey looking shocked and extremely pissed.
FALCONE – I suppose in this case, it’s more of “I know who you do”. Yes?

Picture of Harvey and Selina embracing each other.
HARVEY – This is blackmail.
FALCONE – And that’s an empty threat.

Shot of Falcone. Falcone is smiling.
HARVEY – Isn’t that a little low, even for you, Falcone?
FALCONE – I’m just showing you, Dent, NONE of us are clean. Don’t try to bring me down.

Extreme close-up of Falcone’s eyes.
FALCONE – You’ll fail.

Shot of Harvey being tossed out of the still-driving limo onto the street in front of the courthouse.

Shot of Harvey looking pissed and dirty. Suite jacket’s torn.
HARVEY – Didn’t think he would literally drop me at the courthouse.

Harvey with a cue card, preparing for his speech. Selina is behind him a good distance away.
CAPTION – The day of the election speeches for the office of District Attorney.
HARVEY - <…And as D.A., I will continue to ->
SELINA – Harvey.

Shot of Harvey turning around startled looking angry.
HARVEY – Selina! I told you not to come today!

Selina looking affirmative.
SELINA – I really don’t care what you say, Harvey. You don’t control me.

Harvey looks around and sees Gilda far off.

Harvey thinks for a second and then smiles.

He then grabs Selina’s hand.
HARVEY – Come with me. I want you to meet a friend of mine.

Shot of the back of Bruce Wayne. He is looking like a socialite. Harvey’s hand is coming into view about to tap Bruce’s shoulder.
HARVEY – Bruce!

Bruce and Harvey shaking hands. Selina is present behind Harvey.
BRUCE – Harvey! How are you, buddy? And…Who’s your lovely friend?
HARVEY – This is –
SELINA – Selina Kyle.

Harvey running off, looking back to Bruce and shouting, Bruce and Selina shake hands.
BRUCE – Pleasure to meet you, Miss Kyle.
SELINA – The pleasure’s all mine, Bruce.
HARVEY – Hey, I gotta run and prepare for my speech! But you two get to know each other!

Shot of Bruce and Selina.
BRUCE – So how do you know Harvey?
SELINA - …Business.
BRUCE – I see. What type of business?
SELINA – Oh God – I … forgot about that meeting today! I better run!
BRUCE – Wait a second. Can I see you sometime? Dinner, perhaps?

Selina looks genuinely surprised and happy.
SELINA – I’d like that…

Shot of Harvey at the podium. People below podium are clapping wildly.
HARVEY – And I pledge my soul to fighting for justice as your District Attorney – here - in our fair city of Gotham!
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Shot of Jim and Barbara Gordon driving head on. Jim is driving and Barb is to the left of him in the passenger seat. Both look angry and irritated.
CAPTION G – Barbara told me before I had a chance to protest.
She had been planning this for over a year now.
Just in case.

Shot of Jim getting out of the car looking annoyed and distraught.
CAPTION G – She wanted another child. And my refusal to help the situation wasn’t going to change her mind.
When I got home today she scooted me right back out the door and into the car. We drove to the adoption agency.

Shot of Jim and Barb from the back, holding the hands of a little girl.
CAPTION G – There was no escaping it. She had already set up everything. It was perfect planning on her part.

Shot of Little Barbara Gordon (Dakota Fanning – younger) smiling wide.
CAPTION G – We now have a new little girl.
Ten-year-old Barbara Gordon.

Shot from above of the Joker. He is sitting in a chair and laughing. The chair is wobbling and off balance because he is rocking in it. He is reading the Gotham Gazette and the headline reads – “Batman Attacks the East End”.
JOKER – HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Shot of the Joker (Conrad Viedt Child molester picture) holding a cigarette. He is finally calm, looking straight ahead. The paper lies on a table, as do his elbows.
JOKER – Oh, this gives me an idea…

TO BE CONTINUED…

[Oswald Cobblepot]

wow, u really got some talent there

[snooch2dnooch]

thanks!

[svengali1337]

yeah, cant wait for the other one

[snooch2dnooch]

Number three of four...it's about to get a bit darker...

BATMAN
A CRY IN THE KNIGHT
AN EARLY LEGEND OF THE DARK KNIGHT DETECTIVE

JOEY PEROTTI
DANNY RODRIGUEZ

BOOK III

Opening shot of classic Batman and Catwoman chase on rooftops.
CAPTION – I have been trying to locate a new murderer calling himself The Joker.
My investigations have proved unsuccessful.
Tonight, a cat burglar has my attention.
A cat burglar taking the “cat” part literally.

Catwoman running, Batman behind her.
BATMAN – Who are you!?
CATWOMAN – Haha! Having fun?
CAPTION – That voice…can’t quite place it. I know I’ve heard it somewhere before.
She’s disguising her voice. Just as I do.
Smart.

Batman throws out a batarang attached to a rope.

As it wraps around Catwoman, her nails slice it.

Batman looks shocked.

Catwoman immediately jumps off the rooftop, disappearing into the darkness.

Batman looking down from the rooftop, he looks tired.
BATMAN – Damn.
CAPTION – She gave me a chase. Not many people can do that. I must give her credit.

Shot of a dark doorway opening. The room is dark, and the only light is coming from outside the cracked door. It is the room of Selina Kyle.
STAN – Selina! Selina! I want my money…

Stan walks into the room, he is drunk. Catwoman is not in this panel, we want an air of mystery.
STAN – Selina…is that you?
CATWOMAN – No, Stan, it’s not.
STAN – What the hell…

Stan turns on the light. We get a close-up of his face, he looks terrified.
STAN – Selina?!

Same shot of Stan’s face, but this time Catwoman’s claws are scratching down his forehead.
STAN – AHHH!

Shot of Catwoman standing over Stan, smiling, enjoying this.
CATWOMAN – I told you I’d scratch your eyes out.

Utterly disturbing shot of Stan, eyes missing and scratches across his face.

Shot of an up-scale restaurant. Bruce and Selina are enjoying a meal.
CAPTION – I recently met Ms. Kyle at the D.A. Campaign for Harvey Dent.
She seems lovely and beautiful. Yet…
BRUCE – So where do you live, Ms. Kyle?
SELINA – First of all, Bruce, you’d better start calling me Selina. And I live in Gotham.

Bruce smiling – frustrated by the fact that he knows he will not get any more information out of Selina.
CAPTION – I have a feeling that I am not the only one hiding a dark side.

Shot of the Gordon’s home.
CAPTION – The home of Captain James and Barbara Gordon.

Shot of Barbara walking out the door, Jim and Babs sitting on the couch watching the TV in front of them, keeping their distance from one another. Jim looks shocked and angry.
BARBARA – Jim, I’m going shopping with Gilda! I need you to take Babs to her doctor’s appointment in forty-five minutes! Love ya, bye!
JAMES – What?! Why can’t you take her? I’m on call tonight and I’ve got to rest!
BARBARA – I haven’t spent time with Gilda in so long, and it’ll be good bonding time for you and Babs.

Gordon and Babs sit on the couch together, keeping their distance. They are eyeing one another, trying to figure the other out. They look awkward, like they don’t know what to say. Gordon looks annoyed.
CAPTION G – Barbara adopted young ‘Babs’ without my knowing – forging my signature when necessary.
I did not want another child. I did not want more responsibility.
But now I have it. I’m responsible for a ten-year-old girl.
I’m not happy about this in the least.

Batman is driving the Batmobile. This shot is from inside the Batmobile, looking up and to the side of Batman. Batman looks surprised but mostly angry, ready to kick butt. His police monitor has just gone off.
RADIO SPEAKER - *SHKKK* Calling all units! *SHKKK* We’ve got a hostage situation at the Cat’s Meow at 527 Kane Way! *SHKKK* Repeat –
Killer aerial shot of the Batmobile making a U-turn. Sparks are flying, the car is in mid-swing, using all of its force. It’s dark out, around 1 am. Focus on showing lots of motion, that the car was going really fast and now it’s turned around. The streets are pretty empty; it may be fun to put some cameos as passer-bys or homeless people on the sidewalk.
CAPTION – The Cat’s Meow. A well-known whorehouse. That’s in the East End. All the way across town. It’s a 15 minute drive from here. I’ll make it in 5.

Shot of the batmobile pulling up to the Cat’s Meow and Batman getting out of the car.
CAPTION – 3 minutes later.

Batman enters the whorehouse. The door is slightly open, and it is very dark. The only light in the room is coming in from the open door, and it’s not much.
CAPTION – Something slippery on the floor…something…squishy…

Head on shot of Batman with his little mag-light. He’s holding up the light close to the temple of his forehead. The same look of shock and disgust appear on his face as from when Bats first saw the little boy’s parents in Book #1.
CAPTION – Dear God…

A nice wide-shot would be good here, we need lots of room. Batman should be standing in the center, and should be the smallest figure in the shot. To his feet are 7 bodies of dead hookers. Draw the bodies sporadically placed on the floor. But they keep getting closer and closer to the edge of the panel. Some of them are face up and they have those signature Joker grins. But the girls that are on their backs have smiley faces carved into their backs.
CAPTION – He’s here.
These girls did not lead the most ideal lives…but they did not deserve this…

Shot of Batman looking very upset, and he’s screaming. A set of stairs are behind him.
BATMAN – Joker!!!
JOKER (off panel) – Up heeeere!

Shot of Batman dashing up the stairs.

Batman has just opened the door to one of the rooms. The shot is from behind Batman, we can see the back of his shoulders. In front of him is the Joker. To the Joker’s left is a bed, and Selina Kyle, in bra and panties, is tied to the bed. The Joker has a carving knife in his hand, and blood is dripping from it. He looks at Batman with evil lust, wanting to carve the Dark Knight himself, but wanting even more to have Batman watch him carve up Selina.
JOKER – I told you we’d meet again. But honestly, Bats, should we really keep meeting like this?
SELINA - *Mph!*
CAPTION – My God, Selina! What is she doing here?

Batman looking the angriest and darkest you’ve ever drawn him. He’s giving Joker the murder-eye.
BATMAN – Why are you doing this, Joker? And don’t tell me to lighten up, this isn’t a game.
JOKER – It isn’t a joke this time, Batman, although I did have a few laughs with the girls downstairs! HAHAHAHA! No, this is an experiment.
BATMAN – What are you talking about?

Shot of the Joker, in full explanation mode. He’s smiling. Selina is next to him, looking horrified.
JOKER – You see, I want to measure just how selfless you really are. I was reading in the papers not too long ago about ‘big ol’ Batman’ beating up a poor defenseless drunk in the East End. And it got me thinkin’!
BATMAN – He was about to hurt someone. And what are you doing with this poor woman?
JOKER – I’m getting to that!

Shot of the Joker talking to Batman.
JOKER – I wanted to see if you’d actually help the people whose lives you don’t necessarily agree with! And a whorehouse just seemed like the perfect spot to try my little theory out! And this woman, you ask? Well, she was the prettiest one here, and I figured she’d make the best hostage if ya came, and the best sex if ya didn’t! HAHAHAHA!
CAPTION – So, Selina…that’s your secret. Strangely enough, I could care less about that. If anything it may make me care for you more.

Shot of Batman. Looking angry and defeated.
BATMAN – So that’s what this is about. A test! Seven lives! For nothing! For your sick entertainment. That’s what this is about?!
JOKER – And it’s a Thank-You.
BATMAN – A what?

Joker looking at Batman with all of the confidence in the world.
JOKER – A Thank-You. For creating me.

Batman looking as shocked as ever.
JOKER (off panel) – You don’t remember?

Shot of Batman chasing the Red Hood (Throwback to the Killing Joke).
JOKER – “About six months ago, you were chasing a villain known as The Red Hood…”
“or so you thought.”
CAPTION – No.

Shot of the Red Hood jumping into the vat of chemicals. This shot is from below, we see the Red Hood like almost right on top of us, and Batman is behind him looking down, stern. You can play with his cape and make him look really spooky.
JOKER – “Or so I think, for that matter! I don’t really know to be honest. Then again, maybe I do…”

Shot of Joker before the acid with his wife.
JOKER – “Maybe some time ago I was a married, failed comedian.”
“A real loser, eh!”
“HAHAHA!”

Shot of a young Joker sitting on the floor, knees to his chin, hands on knees. He’s smiling, and enjoying what he’s hearing. To his left is an open door, and down the hall we can see two silhouettes, obviously a man and a woman indicating his mother and father, and they are fighting, the father could possibly be slapping the mother. SMAK!
JOKER – “Or maybe I’m this way by nature.”
“Maybe I enjoyed the sound of Dad’s palm colliding with Ma’s cheek.”
“Hell, did I even have a Ma or Dad?! Who Knows! HAHAHA!”

We’re back in the whorehouse now, Batman and Joker stand talking.
JOKER – But it all comes down to one simple fact – you made me.
BATMAN – You’re crazy. Insane.

Shot of Joker. It’s just him for one panel and A LOT of dialogue. Make him look so so creepy and scary; we need him to look the scariest for this one shot. He’s just staring at Batman.
JOKER – That’s fine. You can think that. You can think whatever you want – that I’m crazy, insane – whatever helps you sleep at night. My looks only help support your little theory.
But looks are only skin deep.
You’re just afraid of coming to grips with the harder truth – that I’m well aware of my actions. I know what I’m doing. I do it because I enjoy it, Batman. I enjoy the screams, the howls, and the smell of death…of rotten corpses. I assure you, I’m not crazy. I just know what I want.

Batman at this point lunges toward the Joker, and Joker tries to stab Batman with the butcher knife.

Batman dodges the knife, and it goes through his cape.

Batman grabs Joker by the throat with one hand.
JOKER – Goodnight.

Shot of Batman’s fist coming at you, and his head is smaller, behind the fist, so it looks like the fist is coming right out of the page and directly at the reader.
Shot of Black Gate Penitentiary.

This scene takes place in the jail cell of The Joker, but don’t let the readers know that just yet. We see Harvey Dent standing in front of a jail cell, and a shadowed figure is standing behind the bars.
HARVEY – I’ve been assigned to your case. It doesn’t look like this will be easy.
JOKER – Nothing in life ever is.
HARVEY – …Right. You’re wanted for the murders of ten separate individuals.
JOKER – That’s all? I’ll have to try harder next time.

Shot of Harvey looking disturbed and curious.
HARVEY – Why did you murder these people?

Shot of the two of them. The room is partly lit, have fun with the shadows. This is first time we actually see the Joker in this scene, make him scary and disturbing. Harvey’s hand is on his forehead, looking exhausted.
JOKER – I needed a laugh. HAHA!
HARVEY – Alright…we’re gonna have to plead insanity.
JOKER – We’re all insane, District Attorney Dent. Even those of us who appear to be most sane…

Shot of Dent looking horrified because he knows his own personal demons are coming out to play.
JOKER (off panel) – never are.
Tell me, Harv, what bothers you? I can see it in your eyes…a kind of sixth sense I have, or, rather, sick sense! HAHAHA!
HARVEY – I don’t have any problems, sir.
JOKER – Name’s The Joker, and I suggest you use it.
HARVEY – I refuse to call you that.

Utterly disturbing shot of The Joker.
JOKER – Poor, little Harvey. You don’t realize that that’s my true name. I am so looking forward to figuring out what yours is! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!

Shot of Harvey looking away, thinking about himself and his inner demons. He looks scared, like he knows that he is losing control and he is being heavily tempted by The Joker’s words.

This scene will take place in the Cave. Batman is in his chair, in deep thought, his cowl is off, but the rest of the suit is on. His hand on chin, he is obviously brooding. Alfred is behind him, working on equipment , polishing Batman’s gear, or sewing new costumes – your pick.
ALFRED – Sir…it’s not your fault. You said it yourself – the Red Hood jumped.
BRUCE - But…this whole mess, all those lives…everything could have been prevented if maybe I worked more rationally. I just ran after him, Alfred. Maybe I need a more methodical approach.

Shot of Alfred looking surprised, almost about to laugh.
ALFRED – Master Bruce, that must be a joke.
We both know how many precious hours you spend alone down here – planning your next five moves before they happen. This was an aberration, and, while it turned out to be disastrous, aberrations do happen, and they cannot be prevented. No matter how much planning you put in.

Back to a shot of the two of them, we can see the Batcomputer, and some figures are on the screen, but we cannot make out what exactly. We see that the MUTE button is on, however.
ALFRED – Will you be seeing Miss Kyle anytime soon, sir? Your spirits seem to lift when she is around.
BRUCE – I don’t think so, Alfred.
ALFRED – And why not, Master Bruce?

Bruce touches a button on the computer console, and on the screen is a newsreel of a reporter with Selina’s picture in the right hand corner of the screen.
NEWS REPORTER – Selina Kyle was the only survivor of the Cat’s Meow Massacre last night.
Miss Kyle was a prostitute at the Cat’s Meow and was taken hostage by the Jok—
BRUCE – That’s why.
ALFRED – Can you honestly hold that against her, Master Bruce?

Shot of Alfred, make him look wise somehow.
ALFRED – After all, who are you to judge anyone on keeping secrets? I’ve seen the way you change around her. Don’t let this ruin that.

Shot of Bruce in the Mansion, he’s in a robe or something comfortable. A bookshelf is behind him. He has the phone in his hands and to his head. Bruce looks annoyed to have gotten the machine.
PHONE – Hi, you’ve reached Selina. Sorry I can’t make it to the phone right now, but if ya leave your name, number, and a saucy message, I’ll call ya right back!

Shot of Selina in bed, crying, her night table is in front of her and the answering machine is on top of that. She stares at it as the message plays.
ANSWERING MACHINE – Selina, it’s Bruce. Look, I saw the news, are you okay? Selina? Look, I know you’re there…alright.
I really want to see you. Let me take you out Saturday, say…1ish? I can’t wait to see you…
Bye.

Same shot of Selina, there’s a PAT PAT on her door.
VOICE – Paper!

Shot of Selina looking at the paper, she looks horrified.
SELINA – Oh no!
NO!!

Shot of the newspaper reading “HARVEY DENT IN COURTROOM ACCIDENT – FACE LEFT DISFIGURED”. Gotham Globe. Have a picture of Harvey on the floor, or being taken away by a stretcher or something.

Shot of Babs sitting at the kitchen table. We can hear shouting from upstairs. She looks sad.
JAMES – Well it’s not like I decide when I have to go to work! They need me!
BARABRA – Let the rest of the team do it for once! I need you here to help take care of the kids!
JAMES – Well if it wasn’t for you it would only be “kid”. Singular. And you’re right, I am stressed. My best friend just got acid hurled in his face for Christ’s sake!

Shot of Jim walking into the kitchen looking tired ad angry.
BABS – Can you get me some milk?
JAMES – Sure.
BABS – I’m sorry to hear about your friend.

Jim looking shocked at the compassion from the little girl.
JAMES – Uhh..thank you. He’s a good man. I think he’ll pull through.
How long were you listening to us fight?

Shot of Babs looking away, looking a little guilty and sad.
JAMES – Look…what I said before, I didn’t mean anything by…it’s just kinda hard y’know? No, of course you don’t…I –
I’m sorry.

Shot of Jim putting the glass down on the table. Babs smiling.
BABS – Thank you.
Daddy.
CAPTION – This kid is surprising me. It’s hard not to fall in love with that face. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
BARBARA (off panel) – Jim! Phone!

Shot of Jim with the phone to his ear. Looking completely shocked.
JAMES – Yes, this is Captain Gordon.
What?!
Oh God…I’ll be right there.

Shot of Batman working with chemicals of some kind. Alfred is behind him, The Cave,
ALFRED – May one inquire what you are up to, Master Bruce? You haven’t gone to visit our dear friend Harvey Dent in the hospital yet.
BATMAN – Working.
ALFRED – Immersing yourself in work to avoid the harsh deck of cards life has handed you.
BATMAN – Shut up, Alfred.

Alfred looking inquiring at Batman.
ALFRED – Do you ever pray, Master Bruce?

Batman looking curious because of the bizarre question.

Batman looking stern at Alfred.
BATMAN – No. It doesn’t solve anything. Facts and action lead to results. Prayer gets you nowhere.

Shot of the two of them, Alfred looks disappointed.
ALFRED – Pity.
May one inquire what are you working on, Master Bruce?
BATMAN - Something caught my attention in the acid that was hurled at Harvey’s face. I’m testing it with –
SPEAKER – ALERT! ALERT!

Shot of Batman talking to the speaker.
BATMAN – This is The Batman. Speak.
SPEAKER – This is Captain Gordon. Batman, we need to meet as soon as possible. I’ll see you on the roof.

Shot of the GCPD rooftop. Commissioner Gordon runs through the door to the rooftop. Batman is standing on a ledge, cape is flowing, he looks scary as all hell.
BATMAN – Captain. What’s wrong?

Gordon, out of breath, hands on knees, he’s blowing for air hard.
GORDON – The Joker escaped with help from an anonymous bystander. We’re investigating it further but…
We’re worried about what he’ll do next.

Shot of Batman’s face looking concerned.

Shot of Batman looking stern.
BATMAN – That’s not all. What else?

Gordon, looking exhausted, tired, and sad.
GORDON – This morning, Harvey Dent escaped from the hospital, killing one surgeon on his way out.

Shot of the two of them on the rooftop.
GORDON – Help us find and stop The Joker.
BATMAN – What about Harvey?
GORDON – We can handle that. I just thought I’d mention it to you because I know you consider yourself…a friend of his.

Shot of Batman on the ledge, maybe a splash page, his eyes are the only thing we can see of his shadowed face, and they look angry, stern, and determined.
BATMAN – I’ll find both of them.

TO BE CONTINUED…

[svengali1337]

cant wait to read the end

[snooch2dnooch]

Okay, here's the last installment. I appreciate your guys' comments, and i look forward to seeing what other people think.

BATMAN
A CRY IN THE KNIGHT
AN EARLY LEGEND OF THE DARK KNIGHT DETECTIVE

JOEY PEROTTI
DANNY RODRIGUEZ

BOOK IV

Shot of Batman holding on to the outside of a moving van. In the driver’s seat is Rhino, The Ventriloquist’s bodyguard. The Ventriloquist sits in the passenger seat trying to knock Batman off of the getaway car.
CAPTION – Harvey Dent - Gotham’s District Attorney and one of my good friends – was attacked with acid in the courtroom. After escaping the hospital, leaving one surgeon dead, I am still unable to locate him.
As if that is not enough, the insane and murderous clown known only as The Joker escaped Arkham Asylum with the help of an anonymous bystander. It’s been two days and nothing has materialized about his whereabouts.
Tonight, Arnold Wesker, a.k.a. The Ventriloquist, is trying to escape a bank robbery.
He won’t get far.
BATMAN – Give up, Wesker!
SCARFACE – Hey, he’s the dummy, Gatman! I’m the guy you want to talk to!

Shot of Batman pulling Scarface and the Ventriloquist through the open window of the van.
BATMAN – No more games.
CAPTION – Wesker suffers from a split-personality disorder. His anger and frustration is expressed through his dummy, Scarface.
But who is really in control?

Shot of The Ventriloquist and Scarface tied up, hanging from a lamp post. A paper is attached to them with the Bat-symbol inscribed.

Shot of Bruce and Selina sitting at a fancy restaurant. It is mid-afternoon, 1:30, 2ish. Selina looks pensive and stern.
BRUCE – So how are you feeling?
SELINA – Bruce, I’m fine…!
Please stop asking me that.
BRUCE – I’m sorry, I –
SELINA – I know, I know. Just…I’m fine.

Selina looking down in her lap, looking ashamed.
SELINA – < Now you know my secret… >
BRUCE – Selina…
SELINA – Bruce, I’m leaving.
BRUCE – We haven’t even gotten our food yet.

Shot of Selina looking straight at Bruce.
SELINA – No, Bruce, I mean…I’m leaving the country.
BRUCE – What?! Where?
SELINA – It doesn’t matter. Oh hell, I suppose you’ll be able to find me with all of your connections. I’m going to Italy, Bruce, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t look for me.

Shot of both Selina and Bruce.
BRUCE – Selina, don’t go.
SELINA – Bruce –
BRUCE – I love you!

Shot of Bruce and Selina sitting awkwardly at the table.

Shot of Selina getting up and walking away.
SELINA – Goodbye, Bruce.

Shot of Bruce sitting at the table by himself.
CAPTION – Once again…I am alone.

Shot of Barbara Gordon looking unhappily at James Gordon. Gordon looks like his heart is being ripped out.
BARABARA – I want a divorce, Jim. I’m taking the kids and I’m going to stay with my mother in Chicago.

Jim sees the door closing, Babs looking at him through the crack.

Jim destroys the apartment.

Out of breath and kneeling on the floor with destroyed furniture around him, Jim looks up to see Babs in the doorway.

Panel of Jim and Babs hugging.

Shot of Jim handing Babs her teddy bear.
BARBARA (off panel) – Did you get your bear?
BABS – I forgot my bear.
JIM – Here you go…

Jim alone in the apartment.

Shot of the night sky, the Bat signal shines through the darkness.

Shot of Bruce Wayne looking out his window at the signal.

Shot of Batman standing in the Batcave ready to go.

Shot of Gordon and Batman on the GCPD rooftop. Gordon is handing Batman a Joker card.

Shot of the back of the card, and in red pen, are the words “BATTY-BOY, MEET ME IN CRIME-ALLEY. –J”

Shot of Batman looking up into the night sky, Gordon to his side, looking worried for Batman.

Batman standing under the street light of Crime Alley.
BATMAN – Joker! Where are you!?
JOKER (from the shadows) – Right here.

Shot from Batman’s back, Joker is stepping out of the light, Harvey Dent is behind him, his face and chest covered in the shadows.
BATMAN – Who’s that?
JOKER – Oh, I forgot to tell you. I hope you don’t mind, I brought a friend.

Shot of Batman looking completely shocked.
CAPTION – No...

BATMAN – Harvey.

Shot of Two-Face standing behind Joker, coin flipping through the air, gun in his left hand pointing at Batman.
TWO-FACE – Not Harvey, Batman, Two-Face is the name I’ll be going by from now on.
It fits, don’t you think?
Just like justice. Black and white. Totally random. As random as the flip of a coin.

Shot of Batman talking to the two villains. Harvey’s looking down at the coin in his right hand.
BATMAN – Harvey, that’s wrong! You don’t believe that – you can’t! Let me help you.
JOKER – Ah! Ah! Ah!
Don’t listen to him, Two-Face, he’s just trying to hold you back.
TWO-FACE – That’s right, Batman. The Joker showed me the way. I’ll be dispensing my own form of justice from now on.
And would you look at that? Bad Side.

Shot of Harvey firing his gun point blank at Batman. Batman is falling towards the reader, Two-Face above him, gun exploding.
TWO-FACE – You lose.

Joker and Two-Face standing around the shot body of Batman. The bullet went through his side.
JOKER – My turn! We flipped for it, and I get to finish you off!
HAHAHAHAHA!
BATMAN – Before you do, I have one – NGG! - question for Harvey.
JOKER – Fire away. HAHAHAHA! Get it?!
Fire.
Away!
HAHAHA!

Two-Face kneels down to Batman, his gun barrel resting neatly on Batman’s skull.
TWO-FACE – What is it, Bats?
BATMAN – So the Joker liberated you?
TWO-FACE – Damn straight.
BATMAN – Well did you also know that he created you?

Two-Face enraged, standing, and yelling at Batman.
TWO-FACE – What the hell are you talking about?! Sal Maroni hurled the acid in my face. You know that! You have to know that!
BATMAN – But where did he get the acid?
I analyzed the Joker’s flower acid with the acid that dissolved the left side of your face.
They’re a perfect match.
You’re actually lucky. His acid ate through two layers of my Kevlar vest. You should be dead.

Two-Face screaming at Joker.
TWO-FACE – Is this true!?
JOKER – Of course it is!

Two-Face hits the Joker with the butt of his pistol.
WAM

Joker walking away from Harvey, looking insanely happy, Two-Face marching towards him.
JOKER – I could see the beast in you screaming to get out. I thought I’d just give a little push! HAHAHAHA!
TWO-FACE – You ruined my life!!!
JOKER – I saved you and you know it!

Two-Face is on top of the Joker beating the crap out of him. They’re rolling on the floor.
JOKER – Wait! Two-Face! Wait! Wait!
TWO-FACE – What?!

Joker’s face looking terrified.
JOKER – Did he just say that he wears Kevlar?

Shot of a Batarang tied around Two-Face’s leg.

Shot of Batman standing, legs spread apart, gripping the rope attached to the Batarang. He’s pulling the rope towards himself.

Two-Face being dragged off of The Joker. The Joker is smiling and happy.
TWO-FACE – NO! You can’t do this to me!
BATMAN (off panel) - Quiet, Harvey.

Batman tying up Two-Face as the Joker takes off running. Batman watching the Joker.
TWO-FACE – I swear I’ll kill you for this, Batman!

Batman gives Harvey one last look of sadness and then takes off after Joker.

Joker’s arms as he’s running.

Same shot, only Batman’s hand is now gripping Joker’s arm.
JOKER – AHHHHHH!

Shot of Batman holding up the Joker.
JOKER – HAHAHAHAHA!

Courtroom. Judge at his stand, and James and Barbara are on opposite ends. The kids are sitting with Barbara.
JUDGE FADEN– In light of Mrs. Gordon’s testimony, I have no choice but to grant custody to her.
I’m sorry, Jim.

Outside the Courthouse. Jim gives Babs a big hug. Barbara, standing with Little James is off in the distance.
BARBARA – Come on, Babs!

Batman and Gordon’s hands are shaking.
GORDON – Batman.
BATMAN – Commissioner.

The two men stand on the GCPD rooftop.
GORDON – Yes, I don’t know if I should treat this promotion as a blessing or a curse.
BATMAN – It’s a blessing for the city. Gotham is in good hands now.

Gordon looking down.
GORDON –…I hope so. But everything comes at a cost.

Harvey Dent sitting in his cell, flipping his coin. Down the hall, we can hear the Joker laughing.
TWO-FACE – Can somebody shut him up?

Wayne Family Graveyard. Batman is standing at Thomas and Martha’s grave. It is giant, a lot like the one pictured in Year Two.
BATMAN – It’s taken me a long time to get here. I haven’t come to this place since the funeral…but you already knew that.
I wanted to try and pay you back before I came to see you. Pay you back by protecting the city you both loved so dearly.

Flashback of young Bruce screaming (same as first issue).
BRUCE – I hate you!

Batman, his eyes are closed, as if he is about to cry.
BATMAN – I know I can never take that back. But I want you to know that it’s not true.
Flashback of young Bruce sitting on his stomach in front of an old radio. He’s wearing the Gray Ghost hat. Martha and Thomas are sitting on the couch, and everyone looks happy.
BATMAN – “I hope that, in time, when I think of you, it will be of our happier times...”
RADIO – You are listening to…The Gray Ghost!

Bruce looking straight ahead, we have a front view of just his face. He’s staring at the grave. He has removed his cowl.

Bruce kneels down and places roses on the grave.

Batman standing up, cowl on.
BATMAN – But until that day…Gotham has a protector.
I
Am
Batman.

Shot of Arkham Asylum.
JOKER (not pictured) – HAHAHAHAHA!


THE END.

[svengali1337]

Very good, for a fan-made comic i give it a 8.5/10, keep up the good work!

[snooch2dnooch]

thank you!

[batman1973]

That was awesome!! I enjoyed it very much. 'Course I pictured it in my mind being inked by Jim Lee, but I loved the story.

[snooch2dnooch]

Cheers! me and my artist/collaborator are planning a spider-man story next. it's all outlined i just have to script it.