Providing somewhat of an interlude in King's main storyline, "The War of Jokes and Riddles" looks back on a time when Gotham--and Batman--found themselves stretched to their ultimate limits. With Riddler and Joker at war with each other--and Gotham caught in the crossfire--it is up to the recently-cowled Batman to stop them, while defining the limits of who he is, and who he is willing to become.

Dark and complex, King plays out the dramatic conflict between these two villains as well as the havoc they leave in their wake. Also mixed into the story are the ordinary (and un-ordinary) people caught up in the fight. (Kite Man's story is just one example of the hard-hitting surprises this volume has to offer.)

With stunning visuals and King's signature writing style, "The War of Jokes and Riddles" is an effective stand-alone framed under the touching developing romance between Bruce and Selina. With the biggest story yet of his run, King continues to deliver.