Why do some men kill? Human beings have a natural taboo against murder. Give the average man a knife, and tell him to slit his fellow's throat. He will not do it. He cannot do it. It's something basic in a man, something in the blood that's part and parcel of being human. The military understand this. They desensitize the new recruit, break his spirit so they can replace his thoughts with their own instructions. But some men kill for pleasure. What is the line that these men cross, that turns them from human beings into murderers? What allows them to kill, not just once, or even twice, but many, many times? I have dedicated my life to trying to answer that question. 
- — Batman
The Batman of Arkham #1 is a one-shot with a cover date of June, 2000.
Synopsis for "The Batman of Arkham"
In this Elseworlds tale, circa 1900, Bruce Wayne runs the place -- a respected psychiatrist by day and a vigilante helping to fill the asylum's cells by night. His treatments are thorough and compassionate, a significant change from usual portrayals of the asylum, and he measures a fair success rate with his patients.
Meanwhile, the Joker is spreading his maniacal brand of madness through the city, and Jonathan Crane is a subordinate member of the asylum staff with his own views on patient care. When Wayne falls victim to the Joker and is left in a manic state, Crane has the chance to work his harsher will on the patients. However, Bruce recovered from the gas and captured the Joker. Bruce then dedicated his life to curing the Joker.
Appearing in "The Batman of Arkham"
Featured Characters:
- Batman (Bruce Wayne) (Single appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Alfred Pennyworth
- Dick Grayson
- James Gordon
- Killer Croc
- Mad Hatter
- Poison Ivy
- Two-Face
- Ventriloquist
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- James Wayne (Flashback only)
- Joe Chill (Flashback only)
- Martha Wayne (Flashback only)
Locations:
Items:
