Batman - Knightfall (The Ultimate Collection)

BATMAN - KNIGHTFALL (The Ultimate Collection)
=============================================

During the Mid-1990's, interest in comic books swelled. For some the draw
was new independent books and speculative purchasing...but for others it
was good storytelling. Two excellent story arcs put forth by DC Comics at
this time were "The Death of Superman" and "Knightfall". This collection
completes the telling of the latter.

The story of "Knightfall" is far more than the main three chapter arc,
"Knightfall", "Knightquest", and "KnightsEnd." These chapters have a greater
prologue and far reaching consequences that still ring out in current Batman
titles. "Knightfall (The Ultimate Collection)" makes an attempt to tell the
entire, complete and chronological tale.

The story begins with the "Sword of Azrael", in which Batman investigates the
emergance of a new crusader and potential superhero. At the same time we are
introduced to the story arc's new villian in "Vengence of Bane".

Collected here for the first time, in an attempt at chronological order, is
Bruce Wayne's exhaustion in "Prelude to a Fall", which leads directly into
"The Broken Bat." After the tragedy, Azrael steps into the cape and cowl
during "Who Rules the Night" which climax includes a rematch between Batman
and Bane. "Knightfall" also spawned a monthly solo title, "Catwoman" and
relevant issues are included here.

Thus begins "Knightquest". Originally, this chapter was broken into "The
Search", a chronicle of Bruce Wayne's journey, and "The Crusade" which
follows Batman's war on crime in Gotham City. During this time, the Batman
made many appearances in titles like "Chain Gang War", "Outsiders", and DC's
Showcase titles. "Knightquest" also led to the "Robin" monthly title,
included here as well. For the first time, all titles and characters
"Knightquest" touched, including Robin, Nightwing, Catwoman, the Huntress,
and even Marvel's Punisher, are included here in as close to chronological
order as possible.

The main story concluded in "KnightsEnd". Here you will find a "Catwoman"
prologue and "KnightsEnd: Aftermath" bookend the main storyline with a final
wrap-up for both Azrael and Punisher.

After the continuity shift of "Zero Hour", the consequences of "Knightfall"
lead into the "Prodigal" story where Nightwing assumes the mantle of the bat
for a short time before Bruce Wayne returns, creating a darker Batman in
"Troika", which ties up the loose ends left by "Knightquest - The Search".

For a brief time we follow Azrael and his development, turning the crusader
into the "Agent of the Bat." Meanwhile, Bane reappears in "Vengence of Bane
II", followed by "Azrael Rising" in which the Azrael Batman costume shows up
and the Demon Biis returns, tieing up loose ends left over from "Sword of
Azrael".

"Bane of the Demon" sees Bane once more and we follow his involvement in the
"Legacy" storyline which conludes with "Batman: Bane". Azrael has been sent
by Batman to track down Bane in the "Angel and the Bane" storyline.

Years later, "Knightfall" echos in the "Bruce Wayne: Murder?" and "Bruce
Wayne: Fugitive" story arcs. After being framed for his girlfriend's murder,
he is arrested and subsequently breaks out of prison, choosing to live life
as only the Batman. During this time, Jean Paul Valley is seen once again
in the cape and cowl worn during "Knightquest", and faces off against the
true Batman. An attempt has been made to present both story arcs in a tight
chronological order, sifting away side stories and other character prologues
or aftermath.

The Jean Paul Valley and Azrael storylines are wrapped up with "The Fall of
Azrael". Then finally, in "Bane of the Bat" this massive arc, covering 230
issues and 24 titles reaches its conclusion.

Further reading can be done on Bane in the "Infinite Crisis" and "One year
Later" story arcs. Jean Paul Valley can be followed in all 100 issues of
"Azrael". Of course, future Azrael and Bane storylines are sure to be seen
in the future.

INCLUDED TITLES & ISSUES (230)
==============================

Mini-Series & One-shots
-----------------------
Nightwing: Alfred's Return
Punisher & Batman: Deadly Knights
Batman & Punisher: Lake of Fire
Batman: Bane
Batman: Bane of the Demon #1-4
Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4
Batman: The Ten Cent Adventure #1
Batman: Vengence of Bane
Batman: Vengence of Bane II

Monthly Titles
--------------
Azrael #1-7, #10-14, #36-40, #87-100
Batgirl #24, #27-29
Batman #484-510, #512-515, #533-534, #599-605
Batman: Gotham Knights #25-31, #33-36, #42, #46-49
Birds of Prey #39-41, #42
Catwoman #1-7, #10-13, #36
Chain Gang War #6, #10-12
Detective Comics #654-677, #679-682, #700-702, #766-772
Justice League Task Force #4, #5-6
Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63
Nightwing #65-69
Outsiders #7-9
Robin #1-9, #11-14, #32-33, #98-99
Shadow of the Bat #16-30, #32-35, #53-54
Showcase '93 #7-12
Showcase '94 #5-7, #10

NOTE:
=====
the .nfo files from the archives.

the scanner tags are in a seperate folder, so the first thing
you see when viewing an archive is the cover art!

Though some may complain, the additional stories from the back removed
of later Detective Comics and Batman: Gotham Knights issues. Also kept
only the relevant pages of Showcase '93 and Showcase '94 titles.

The DC Bloodlines annual arc has been omitted.

=============================================================================
Thanks to all the scanners and uploaders over the years!

Compiled by TLB