Synopsis

It’s a new era for the detective of the night as we introduce award-winning new series writer Ram V (Catwoman, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr), and artist extraordinaire Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Superman/Batman)! Together, they’ll be turning Gotham into a tragic yet beautiful gothic opera for our eyes and ears to feast on. Something is terribly wrong with Batman. No matter the tests Bruce takes, nor the numbers he counts, the greatest detective in the world can’t pin down the source of this creeping dread-of his own inner demons and a looming mortality. Meanwhile, real demons roam the shadows as an ancient melody haunts the Gotham night. Here now the curtains rise and as the eerie tune streams in...who is human, who is demon, who is to tell? As Batman investigates the songs and the demons of Gotham, he is forced to confront the oldest question...whether there has been a demon within him all along...and if so, what does it want?...and why hasn’t it taken over yet?

Plot

Gotham Nocturne Overture

While Bruce Wayne is supposed to be at the Opera, Batman is tracking down some smugglers at the docks. While fighting the goons, Bruno shows up, hears some music and turns into a raging monster. Batman is losing the fight when Talia shows up and shoots Bruno in the head. Batman upset that Talia would kill in his city, but Talia only warns Batman that something big is coming to Gotham, and disappears when Bruno gets up and attacks Batman again. This time Bruno turns to ash before he can do too much damage.

Meanwhile in Coronis, The Orgham Palace in Svatrstal, Arzen and two assistants are ordered to go to Gotham and fix the city.

Back in Gotham Bruce feels there is something off with him physically, and call Nightwing to keep an ear out. Bruce can't find anything wrong with himself but haves a nightmare about Barbatos. When he wakes up a music box is playing the same music Bruno heard before he transformed.

Coda

Retired James Gordon is hired by a former hooker to find her son. The investigation leads to the ruins of Arkham Asylum and a chance encounter with a dangerous young man.

Note

James , Barbara and Renee only appear in the Coda back-up story.