Bane Has Been Preparing For Some Time

As I read Batman #70, 71 and 72, all the pieces began to make sense. While the story is still continuing, these books represent "The Fall and the Fallen" parts 1 thru 3. All three issues were written by Tom King and drawn by Mikel Janin and Jorge Fornes, with color handled by Jordie Bellaire. It is not surprising that Arkham Asylum is in more control of the outside world, than the supposed heroes living in this world. As a matter of fact, I don't believe I ever remember a time where the inmates haven't run the asylum.

Batman is broken. He is still reeling from being ghosted at his wedding by Catwoman. However, Batman is beginning to gain some clarity on certain matters. Even Alfred believes that Batman has lost control. Dating all the way back to his battles with Booster Gold, Bane has been plotting his revenge. Using Catwoman as a tool was total genius on the part of Bane. Nonetheless, Bane didn't accomplish this all by himself. Some of the players included the Riddler, Scarecrow, Two-Face, the Joker, Psycho-Pirate, Hugo Strange, Gotham Girl and the Ventriloquist, among others.

Realizing that Bane is the one who is supposed to arise victorious, Batman can do nothing else but help Bane achieve his goals. Does Batman have the "If you can't beat them join them" mentality? It is hard to defend against the army that Bane has assembled! Either way, it is easy to see how Gotham is about to become the "City Of Bane." Issues are currently being published along these lines. The lines have become blurred even more so than ever. Batman was broken by a woman and is now having everyone one else feed off what is left. Batman wasn't defeated by inflicting pain, but by giving him love and then taking it away.