One of my favorite new DC New 52 series is Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. Batman is plagued by the Court of Owls and the Talon, their enforcer. Snyder’s revealed the entwined dark history of his secret society, Bruce Wayne’s family and Gotham City.
Batman #8 will feature the first of a series of back-up stories exploring the secret group’s past and agenda. The back-up tales will unite Snyder with his American Vampire partner Rafael Albuquerque.
“The first backup, in issue eight will give a sense of the terrifying scope of the Court of Owls’ attack on Gotham. This really will be the first shot in a war for the soul of Gotham City,” said Snyder. “And then, starting in issue nine, we’ll begin a three part story called ‘The Fall of the House of Wayne’ that will investigate the secret history of the Court of Owls and its relationship to the Wayne family – particularly to Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce’s parents. The story will be told from the point of view of Jarvis Pennyworth, Alfred’s father, and offer some big surprises and shocks about the forces that shaped the bat-mythology as we know it. Can’t wait for you all to see these stories!”
Snyder will co-write these stories with James Tynion IV.
“I’m also excited to be co-writing with my friend, James Tynion IV, a young writer I’m extremely excited about. Especially in the spirit of the New 52, it’s a real thrill to get to give someone new and talented a chance to get his foot in the door, and James is a writer to watch and expect great things from!”
The back-up stories will build up to May’s huge cross-over with all the Batman titles, Night of the Owls, which will reveal the impact of the society’s master plan.
You can find more preview images and Snyder’s interview on DC’s The Source.