Wow great story. Loved it. You really did the Joker justice (though that may not be the right best choice of words) but you hit a really great stride with his character.

It was generous of Batman to offer Ann Fowler, formerly of the Royal Flush Gang, a chance to do the right thing like he did with the Joker. And I liked the bit where he watched the TV with General Zod in it, which means that this whole story was a prequel to "Batman vs. Superman," which you've already written and I read/reviewed faithfully. I'm ready for that third "Dark Knight" tale now. x)

After the thing with the Joker, Batman will definitely need to get his life together. The Joker himself, while at the psych ward, meets Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a foreshadowing of things to come in the future.

I kinda felt sorry for the Joker when his true colors were revealed to Batman. The way he described himself and that "voice" inside his head makes him a very sad case. It's not enough for him to be let off the hook, though, for Batman leaves him to Gordon and Bullock to be arrested.

It's truly amazing how you're able to depict the battle between Batman and Joker. It's both verbal and physical at the same time. I'm so psyched to read how the rest of the story will turn out.

The Ace Chemical building, the place of the Joker's birth, is where he and Batman will be standing off. It's perfectly fitting too. The building is where things between the two will end their feud forever.

Now that Firefly's outta the picture, Batman can concentrate freely on taking down Joker. Bullock and Gordon reflecting on their time in the police force and the appearances of Batman and Joker were incredibly timed and adds suspense to this chapter. Just five more chapters left for me to read.

Such drama in this one. War is coming in Gotham, and it'll be one that the city's not going to forget. You never hesitate to bring on the action either, as Batman pursues Firefly. You're getting closer.

Joker isn't kidding around despite believing he actually is. That speech he gave was actually enough to bring Batman and Alfred into action. And the inbetween conversation between Bullock and Gordon was simply priceless, especially Bullock's comment about Batman's ears. You're definitely the man!

Yes, the Batman-Penguin confrontation was most definitely brutal. I flinched at what Bats did to the Penguin. Stories like this strike just the right chord with the reader's emotions, which is exactly the way it should be. It's exactly that way for you, good sir. You've spent so much time being a fan of the DC Universe that its characters click with you instantly.

Gordon definitely doesn't trust Dent. In fact, he coulds trust Dent as far as he can throw him. Great job with their interactions, as well as how you keep portraying Alfred and Bruce's relationship. Despite their differences...those two need each other.

I felt the tension between Bruce and Alfred. Their viewpoints are different, but the things they've been through together have never torn them apart. This chapter shows that they may have reached a turning point.

Amazing work on the viewpoints of Firefly and the Joker, Bruce, and the Penguin. When you write well, you mean it. :)

While Bruce trains hard for the inevitable battle with the Joker, Jim Gordon worries for his daughter, Barbara. But Barbara can fend for herself in spite of Jim's reluctance. Like father, like daughter.

Another glimpse into Bruce's past that's explored incredibly. The lesson about letting others into your life is a brilliant one. Alfred teaches young Bruce that lesson, one that the boy may lose sight of when he gets older.