Batman: City of Crime

City of Crime is a Batman comic book story arc written by David Lapham, with art by Ramon Bachs and Nathan Massengill. It was originally published in twelve parts by DC Comics from January 2005 through February 2006 for Detective Comics, issues 800 through 808, then issues 811 through 814, and then later compiled as a trade paperback. These individual comics started in January 2005 and ended February 2006.

Plot

In City of Crime, Batman investigates the disappearance of a young girl and unravels a labyrinthine conspiracy that stretches from Gotham City's powerful elites to its forgotten poor. In order to save the city he has sworn to protect, Batman will have to face old foes and a new nemesis spawned from its very depths. Noted villains appear in this novel such as Black Mask, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. The universe that this story takes place in is the New Earth Universe.

Reception

The reception for Batman: City of Crime has been generally positive. Readcomics.org praised the dark atmosphere and gritty character design. Also they comment on how this story doesn’t need to rely on heavy character deaths or integral changes to the whole Batman universe. Reviewers are surprised at the dark, gritty, and often-graphic images this comic portrayed. They compared to other highly praised Batman titles, such as War Games. This graphic novel has also been praised by "bringing horror back to Batman."

Included Series

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 800 "Alone at Night"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 801 "City of Crime Part 1"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 802 "The Secret Keepers"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 803 "The Horror Show"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 804 "All You Need Is Love"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 805 "The Heating Up"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 806 "A City. Not My Own"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 807 "Crown Point"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 808 "The New Face"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 811 "The Experiment"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 812 "Pearls and Fine China"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 813 "A Place of Fear"

Detective Comics Vol 1 Issue 814 "The Big Show"