Story: "Samsara Part One: Bad Karma" (21 Pages)

Credits:

Devin Grayson (plot, script)
Paul Ryan (pencils, inks)
Bill Oakley (letters)
Pamela Rambo (colors)
Wildstorm FX (color seperations)
Dennis O'Neil (edits)

Feature Characters:

Batman
Oracle

Villain:

Killer Croc (last in ???; next in ???)

Supporting Character:

Alfred Pennyworth

Other Characters:

Arnold Gallagher (first appearance; convenience store employee; dies)
Samuel Yates (first appearance; deceased - sort of; last in flashback in #4)

Synopsis:

While Batman fights Killer Croc on the roof of a convenience store, a robbery takes place inside, leading to the fatal shooting of one of its employees. Later, Batman sees this man again, dead, yet walking, blaming him for his death, yet obviously somewhat confused, as he says he wasn't shot. Batman then visits the morgue, where a different body sits up and introduces itself as Sam, the same person he met earlier. He is interrupted by the sound of shooting outside - a drug robbery in progress. When Batman catches up to the perpetrator, she is shot by a security guard - when Batman remonstrates with him, the guard blames Batman - how can Batman be in control when he's dead?

Second Story: "Broken Nose" (8 Pages)

Credits:

Paul Pope (plot, script, pencils, inks)
John Workman (letters)
Mark Chiarello (edits)

Feature Character:

Batman

Supporting Character:

Alfred Pennyworth

Villain:

Mabuse (first appearance)

Comment: This story takes place early in Batman's crimefighting career, probably during the first year.

Synopsis:

Alfred treats Bruce Wayne for the first broken nose he has sustained in his career as a crimefighter. It was given him by Mabuse, a 'geek in a trashcan', a suit of armour he made himself. Batman tracks Mabuse down to the scene of his next crime and fights a more creditable fight against him, finally doling out a broken nose once Mabuse has surrendered.