Warning: may contain spoilers for Batman #107
A new preview for DC Comics’ current Batman series confirms Scarecrow’s new status as a top-tier threat, becoming so much more than a simple Batman villain. Much like how Joker and Bane are elevated villains going beyond simply robbing banks, Scarecrow’s current resurgence has worked the entirety of Gotham into a frenzy of fear. After everything Gotham has been through in the last few years, Batman is going to have to contend with a new kind of Scarecrow armed with an incredible amount of influence, as evidenced by this new preview.
In the aftermath of Joker War, Arkham Asylum went up in flames after a gas attack. While it was made to appear as though it was one of the Joker’s (who’s currently laying low outside of Gotham) plans, all signs point to Scarecrow as the mastermind behind the operation, though he was believed to have been killed in the attack itself, which Gotham has referred to as A-Day. In truth, he’s been working with Simon Saint of Saint Industries, and it appears as though Dr. Jonathan is planning to plunge Gotham into all-new depths of fear in the coming issues.
Now, the preview for Batman #107 from writer James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez reveals that Crane left an actual scarecrow in the new mayor’s mansion, sending him and the rest of Gotham a message that he’s still alive, and that A-Day was just the beginning. Additionally, the preview provides another flash forward to the days ahead when Scarecrow will apparently capture Batman himself and torment him with his fear toxins. Here’s the preview images and synopsis for the upcoming issue from DC Comics:
- BATMAN #107
- (W) James Tynion IV
- (A/CA) Jorge Jimenez
- (A) Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
- THE COWARDLY LOT, PART TWO / GHOST-MAKER, CHAPTER I
- Tensions are sky-high in Gotham City following the events at Arkham Asylum, and public opinion and unrest are starting to boil over. The Dark Knight has his hands full juggling the investigation of the reappearance of an old enemy and the rise of a new gang in Gotham called the Unsanity Collective… Gotham City is getting more dangerous by the minute! Plus, in part one of “Legend of the Ghost-Maker,” James Tynion IV and Ricardo Lopez Ortiz tell the most insane tale of action and adventure featuring Batman’s frenemy Ghost-Maker! This one is not to be missed!
Gotham City is in no place to handle yet another major attack like the City of Bane or the Joker War, especially after the events of A-Day. Scarecrow has driven Gothamites to all-out panic, desperation, and intense fear above all, and it’s all coming from what he might do, a fact that Crane must be relishing. Furthermore, reporters refer to Scarecrow as an “arch-criminal” while also worrying that whatever he does will be on par with the actions of Batman’s greatest villains, Joker and Bane.
Due to the fact that Gotham is preparing for the worst by buying gas masks and emergency supplies, it’s evident the Scarecrow has ascended to a higher threat level, akin to that of a natural disaster. With that much influence and power, one has to wonder if Batman himself can handle yet another major attack on his city, and the fact that readers already know he’ll eventually be captured does not bode well for future issues of Batman in DC Comics. Look for Batman #107 when it releases on April 6th!
