Acclaimed writer Ed Brubaker joins forces with fan-favorite artist Doug Mahnke for a Prestige Format Special that tells the tale of the Dark Knight's first battle against his eventual archnemesis: The Joker!A mysterious homicidal maniac is killing prominent citizens of Gotham City each time leaving an unusual calling card: a ghastly rictus grin plastered on the victims lifeless faces. The Dark Knight Detective is on the case and before long finds himself taking on the Clown Prince of Crime!