Batman Confidential #26 – 2009 begins an eerie and cerebral new arc titled “A New Dawn, Part One,” plunging Batman into a chilling mystery drenched in riddles, ritual, and blood. Written by Christos N. Gage with artwork by Andy Clarke, this issue reintroduces The Riddler in a tense new light — not as the perpetrator, but as an ominous advisor with his own twisted agenda.

The story opens within the Gotham Museum of Antiquities, where the director is murdered at sunrise by a figure dressed as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The killer leaves behind a riddle about light. That same evening, a wealthy industrialist is found dead in his home, suffocated by the same assailant — and this time, the riddle is about darkness. Both murders are ritualistic, symbolic, and methodical, sending Gotham into panic.

Batman and Commissioner Gordon visit Arkham Asylum, suspecting that Edward Nygma — The Riddler — has resumed his criminal games. Surprisingly, Nygma denies involvement, instead offering to assist in solving the case in exchange for his freedom. Batman refuses, but The Riddler leaves behind a chilling prediction that proves tragically accurate.

With the GCPD and the Batcomputer trying to keep pace, Batman races to prevent the next killing on the museum’s board — but arrives too late. In a haunting scene, the caped crusader comes face-to-face with the killer, who speaks in riddles and claims to serve “the one true god” of daylight. The foe escapes like mist at dawn, leaving Batman with more questions and a rising sense of dread.

The final pages twist the knife: The Riddler has escaped Arkham.

Andy Clarke’s sharp, textured linework brings a mythic edge to the story, blending the modern with the ancient in a way that feels both intellectual and dangerous. Gotham has rarely looked so cold and calculating.

This issue is a must-have for collectors of psychological Batman stories and fans of The Riddler’s more cerebral appearances. Now available at ComicBookXS.com in excellent condition. Each comic is shipped promptly using secure, reinforced packaging to preserve its quality from our store to your collection.