Batman: Gotham Nights - Vol 1 - #1 - 1992 - Giants - (VFN)

A hidden gem from the early 1990s, Batman: Gotham Nights is a four-issue prestige-format miniseries that paved the way for ground-level masterpieces like Gotham Central. Masterfully written by John Ostrander, the series deliberately steps out of the Batcave to explore the psychological and sociological impact of the Dark Knight on the ordinary citizens, corrupt elites, and police officers of Gotham. The premier issue, "Giants," serves as a gritty, noir-soaked character study of Commissioner James Gordon.

Commissioner Jim Gordon is a tired man. As he looks out over the decaying skyline of Gotham City, he reflects on the fact that his home is a city ruled by "giants"—larger-than-life figures who cast impossible shadows over the ordinary people below. To Gordon, these giants are the flamboyant costumed madmen, the untouchable corporate billionaires, the corrupt politicians, and, of course, Batman himself.