Batman: Dark Victory - Chapter 7

Summary

DC High Volume: Batman — Dark Victory, Chapter 7

Podcast: DC High Volume: Batman
Host: DC | Realm
Episode: Batman: Dark Victory - Chapter 7
Date: September 10, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping installment of DC High Volume: Batman, Chapter 7 of "Dark Victory" dives deeper into the Hangman killings, exploring both Batman’s isolation and the increasingly complex web of suspects surrounding the murders of Gotham’s police officers. As trust between Batman, Gordon, and their allies is strained, all evidence appears to implicate Harvey Dent (Two-Face), but nothing is as clear-cut as it seems. The episode delves into Batman’s methodical (yet sometimes lonely) investigations, the shifting alliances within Gotham’s criminal underworld, and the emotional cost of the vigilante crusade.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. The Hangman Murders Continue (00:45 – 05:00)

• The police and Batman are both under strain, as the Hangman killer strikes yet again, this time with the murder of Watch Commander Stan Merkel on St. Patrick’s Day.
• The killer targets only police, with the murders occurring on various holidays, evoking Gotham’s previous Holiday killings.
• Batman’s Voice-over: “None of you are safe was the message… That makes anyone a suspect. Even me.” (01:29)

2. Batman at Odds with Gotham PD and Investigating in Isolation (02:55 – 03:45)

• Batman finds himself at odds with the police, especially as orders against him intensify, despite Gordon reminding the officers of Batman's value.
• Commissioner Gordon (to his officers): “Batman is not the enemy. Despite what any of you might believe, if you had the slightest grasp of the good he’s done for Gotham City. For all of us who wear a badge.” (03:01)

3. Two-Face’s Criminal Courtroom (05:00 – 08:30)

• In the Gotham City sewers, Two-Face presides over a "courtroom" of notable villains: Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Mad Hatter, Riddler, Joker, and Calendar Man.
• Two-Face fixates on Calendar Man as a suspect, interrogating him about the Hangman killings, paralleling their own criminal branding and methods:
  • Two-Face: “Just as a man can change his face, he can change his crimes as well—to also include murder.” (07:40)
  • Calendar Man insists he never killed, highlighting how forgotten villains can become dangerous.

4. Falcone Family Tensions (08:30 – 10:41)

• At the Falcone estate, the power struggle among the Falcone siblings is exposed. Sophia confronts Alberto regarding his loyalties and an ominous package.
• The criminal families are as fractured as the city's law enforcement and masked community.

5. Batman’s Investigation Under Pressure (10:41 – 15:00)

• At Wayne Manor, Batman analyzes the Hangman clues, with Alfred providing perspective and gentle challenges to Bruce’s obsessive solitary work.
  • Alfred (on Batman’s isolation): “The only problem with being alone, Master Bruce, is being alone.” (15:08)
  • Batman realizes the incongruities in the Hangman’s game — “It’s almost as if there is no way to win the game,” (12:30) and puzzles over who would most benefit from framing Harvey Dent.

6. Tensions Between Batman and Gordon (17:49 – 20:30)

• Batman saves Gordon from a Hangman trap on the rooftop, only for Two-Face to reveal himself (without confirming or denying guilt), further muddling the investigation.
  • Commissioner Gordon: “Batman. Did you believe him? Does Two Face tell the truth? Isn’t that what he is? Two Faced?” (20:18)
  • The discovery of an old police report among the clues further suggests a connection between the Hangman’s recent killings and older cases involving both Dent and the Falcone family.

7. Mob Families Plotting and the Circus Tease (21:30 – 22:58)

• The mob plot thickens at the Ace Trucking Company as Maroni associates plan to surpass both the Falcone organization and newer "costumed freaks."
• Circus posters tease the Graysons, laying groundwork for the future origin of Robin.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Commissioner Gordon (on Batman):
  • "Batman is not the enemy. Despite what any of you might believe, if you had the slightest grasp of the good he's done for Gotham City. For all of us who wear a badge." (03:01)
• Two-Face (pressuring Calendar Man):
  • “Just as a man can change his face, he can change his crimes as well—to also include murder.” (07:40)
• Alfred (to Batman):
  • “The only problem with being alone, Master Bruce, is being alone.” (15:08)
• Gordon and Batman discuss trust:
  • Gordon: “Did you believe him? Does Two Face tell the truth? Isn’t that what he is? Two Faced?” (20:18)
  • Batman: “He could have set up your hanging just to throw us off. Or maybe he was telling us that Harvey wasn’t the hangman. But Two-Face is.”

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Timed Segment Guide

| Timestamp | Segment/Content | |-----------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:45–01:33 | Narration sets the scene, Hangman kills Merkel | | 02:55–03:45 | Conflict between Batman and police on procedure | | 05:00–08:30 | Two-Face’s mock trial of Calendar Man and villains| | 08:30–10:41 | Falcone family intrigue at the estate | | 10:41–14:45 | Batman and Alfred analyze clues at Wayne Manor | | 15:08 | Alfred’s soliloquy about isolation | | 17:49–20:30 | Batman rescues Gordon from Hangman trap, encounter with Two-Face| | 21:30–22:58 | Mob plotting at Ace Trucking; tease of the Flying Graysons|

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brooding, noir atmosphere steeped in suspicion and moral ambiguity. Dialogue-heavy, with internal monologue and gritty exchanges, it adheres closely to the tone of DC’s “Long Halloween” and “Dark Victory” comics.

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Takeaways

• The Investigation Deepens: Batman is both convinced and haunted by his inability to fully trust anyone—including himself.
• Old Enemies and Alliances: Both the underworld and the GCPD are torn between loyalty and suspicion, with old cases resurfacing to haunt the present.
• Isolation & Doubt: Batman’s loner crusade leaves him emotionally and strategically vulnerable, a theme reinforced by Alfred and the absence of key allies like Catwoman and Gordon.
• Next Steps: The Graysons’ introduction signals the coming legacy of Robin, while the fractured crime families and unresolved Hangman killings set the stage for explosive confrontations ahead.

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Episode Rating: A dense, suspenseful chapter that both honors and expands on classic Batman storytelling, rich with noir intrigue and emotional complexity.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

You're listening to DC High Volume Batman. The costumed freaks of Gotham City have declared all out war on the crime families of old. But with Selina Kyle gone and Commissioner James Gordon cutting him out of the Hangman investigations, it seems that Batman alone must hold back the tide of violence that threatens to drown the city. And now, Dark Victory, chapter seven. You're surrounded, Batman.

[A]

Hands in the air. Don't make a movement. On Halloween night, Police Chief Clancy o' Hara was hanged from the Gotham City Bridge. The children's game Hangman was written on the note pinned to the body. No one. None of you are safe was the message. Five months later, there have been five more hangings. All Gotham City police officers. All on holidays. Like last night, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Watch commander Stan Merkel became victim number six. Strung up behind the former home of Harvey and Gilded Dent, where three police officers surround me now. Although not all of the victims were well liked or even respected, they once more blue. They were part of a family with a code to protect their own. That makes anyone a suspect. Even me. Smoke grenades. What's he doing? Take him out. It's Mace. Cover up. Don't let. Don't. Don't let him. Hold your. Hold your fire. For God's sakes, hold your fire. What do you think you're doing?

[B]

You told us, sir, that if Batman interfered in our investigation, we were to take appropriate action.

[A]

Does shooting up a quiet neighborhood sound like appropriate action to you, Lopez? Batman is not the enemy. Despite what any of you might believe, if you had the slightest grasp of the good he's done for Gotham City. For all of us who wear a badge. Now secure the area and see if you can calm down some of these neighbors until the medical examiner arrives. I got to call Merkel's. Wife. None of you are safe. I didn't have sufficient time to examine Merkel's body before the police arrived, but I suspect that Merkel was killed elsewhere and then hung up here. The Hangman Killer, or killers, have gone to great lengths to point the investigation toward the former district attorney. The question is, why? Two weeks later, the Hotel Essex. Hey, you're not leaving. The life Harvey Dent knew was destroyed when acid was splashed in his face while prosecuting Sal the Boss Maroney. It's late, Porter. He became unhinged and a second personality emerged. I'm doing court. What? His name is Two Face and Gilded Dent, his one true love, has never been heard from since Gotham City sewers. Two Face holds court. Bailiff. Solomon Grundy. Jury roll call. Scarecrow. Present. Mr. Freeze. Present. Poison Ivy.

[B]

Present.

[A]

Hatter. Present. Riddler. Present. Joker. Hiya, Harv. Now that you've taken the stand, state your name for the record. Julian Day, the Calendar Man. And you are called the Calendar man because you committed crimes that coincided with the calendar, correct? Yes. You understand this entire proceeding, this grand jury inquiry, is for us to determine the Hangman's identity? I do. And this Hangman commits crimes that coincide with the calendar, just like you do. My crimes never included murder. Never? Never. Who prosecuted you for your crimes? You did. Me, that is. I mean, Harvey Dent did. There was another serial killer in Gotham who also used the calendar, wasn't there? For almost a year, you provided Batman and Police Commissioner James Gordon with information regarding the Holiday Killer's ident. The Calendar man was being forgotten. That was unacceptable. Did you know who the Holiday Killer was all along? Did you? Yes, I did. Did you tell them? No, I want you to tell me. Holliday was actually. No, I want you to tell me. Who is the Hangman? Given the facts we have, and the notes left at the scene, all apparently coming from his files, coupled with his knowing each of the victims, the obvious answer is Harvey Dent. A little too obvious, don't you think? Those tattoos on your head, the ones with the months. Have you always had them? What? No. They're new. You never had them before. I just said that. But we can agree, can't we, that just as a man can change his face, he can change his crimes as well to also include murder. Are you accusing me? The longer they suspect Harvey Dent is the Hangman, the more complicated things become for us. It has to stop. Now. Who is the Hangman's next victim? Answer the question, Calendar Man. If Harvey Dent's files are being Used by the Hangman. And Dent knows who is in those files. Maybe you should ask him. But you'll have to act quickly. Why is that? Today is a holiday. It's April Fool's Day. The Falcone estate near Wayne Manor. Alberto Falcone is under house arrest. Supposedly unable to leave the grounds. I got something for you. You did, did you? On the coffee table. Open it. Hmm. 22 Caliban. With the serial number filed off. Baby bottle, nipple handle, tape. Just like you like pick it up. It's just what you wanted. It's what you think I've wanted. Given who you are. Talking to yourself again, Alberto? Was I talking to someone? Sophia? Never mind. Mr. Mey and I went to see Bobby Gzo in Metropolis. My godfather is going to have words with our brother. Mario Falcone made a very big mistake by taking sides against the fam. Where did you get that? Where did I get what? That box. It was Papa's. It sat on his desk for years. Then it sat on my desk in my penthouse until your brother locked me out. I'm only going to ask you once, Alberto. Are you in with Mario and against me? You and Mario do what you want. I have my own plans. Wayne Manor, the night of April 1st. I continue my training and return to the question. What am I missing? That's three padlocks and 18 kilograms of chains. Do you think that's enough, sir? Enter the pool. Very difficult. The notes themselves. The way the Hangman game is being played, there are mistakes. Discarded letters which are part of the puzzles. Insufficient discarded letters to actually build Hanged Man. It's almost as if there is no way to win the game. Do the discarded letters mean anything? B for Batman, J for Joker. D, Four dead. Yes. Smashing work, Master Bruce. I can't ignore that the notes were all written on things relating to Harvey. I don't suppose you'd mind washing some windows while they're up there. A torn newspaper headline of Holiday Goes free. His stationary. Police reports from his cases. The deed to his house. The photograph of Gilda. Yes. Dent knew each of the victims. So did Gordon and all the other police and criminals who were in Gotham City at that time. Including the Falcone and Maroni crime families. And if it is not Harvey who stands to gain the most by having it appear to be Harvey? What am I missing? Quite finished with the chimney, sir. Later. In the cave. No one is safe, sir. No one is safe. The first message. Begging your pardon, sir, but the message is none of you are safe. That's what I said. Alfred. If you can't be any help. Just leave. Look, these notes are copies. I can't even determine what the real ones were written with. Paint, crayon, Blood. And if it is blood, who is blood? This new DA Porter. She's got them all convinced that I'll contaminate the evidence, soil the investigation. Me. Maybe I should be investigating her. Master Bruce, Perhaps I could be of some service if you would tell me the order in which the killings took place. What? The order. Starting with the first. We're Loeb, Pratt, Brandon Merkle. Pratt came after Brandon. And you did not mention Flas. He was third. When you began this hangman investigation, you told me about how you had been wrong about the holiday murders. How you thought it was Harvey Dent. And when I suggested that anyone could be fallible, you insisted that Batman cannot. What is it you want me to say, Alfred? It's not what you could say, sir. It's your decision on handling this alone, without even another pair of eyes to help. Without Jim Gordon, without Catwoman, even without me. I. I can't be wrong. Yes. The sum of your worst fears made only worse, in my opinion, since Christmas Eve, when you began avoiding Ms. Kyle's company, Selena. But on Christmas Eve, I was trying to capture the Scarecrow. I remember now. I was exposed to his fear gas from that doll I made. The topping champion. Yes. I'll fetch my medical bag, Alfred. Thank you. The only problem with being alone, Master Bruce, is being alone.

[B]

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[A]

We do a routine call after surgery and I could tell in her voice that she was struggling. Crystal knew she needed help. I knew that this is very serious. This is like septic. This is life threatening. And she knew just what to do. And I called the hospital and said she's coming in.

[B]

Here are her labs and got her.

[A]

The help she needed. I see my role at UnitedHealthcare as a light.

[B]

Hear more stories like [e-mail] benefits, features.

[A]

And or devices vary by plan. Area limitation and exclusions apply. Jim Gordon's office. I'm sorry, did I wake you? It's almost midnight. Look, go back to sleep. I'll be home soon. No, I was. It's a holiday. Barbara and I had to be here in case, you know. Okay. I'll be careful. I just wanted you to know that it's nice to have someone to come home to. I. I love you too. What the. You turn on the bad signal. Who's up here? No one's allowed to touch the bats. A noose drops down around Gordon's throat, capturing him like an animal. A familiar shape moves in the shadows with a knife. I didn't want to think it was you, Harvey. Sorry to disappoint you, Bats, but Stop. He. He cut me down. Batman. What were you doing up here? Did you turn on the bat signal? Someone wants you to think Harvey Dent is the hangman. He isn't. Did you see who it was? Harvey. Harvey is never coming back, Jimbo. Particularly to help a pair of old fools get used to it. Don't try to follow me. I've got two marksmen on two different roofs. You touch me, bats, they kill Gordon. Double jeopardy so to speak. Two Face, did you see who else was up here? Go to hell. Are you all right? My neck's gonna be sore. But Barbara can work miracles with her hands. Barbara, Mrs. Gordon has returned. She has my son too. Batman. Did you believe him? Does Two Face tell the truth? Isn't that what he is? Two Faced? He could have set up your hanging just to throw us off. Or maybe he was telling us that Harvey wasn't the hangman. But Two Face is. Where's the note? A real killer always leaves the Hangman game. Didn't have time or. Wait. What is that? Did you drop that? No. Harvey must have. Or the killer. It's a police report. Goes back a few years before our time. The arresting officers were Sergeant Clancy o', Hara. Patrolman Stan Merkel. Prosecutor was assistant D. A Harvey Dent. Jim, this was one of Harvey's first cases. They had arrested Mario Falcone. The Ace Trucking Company office. The company is controlled by the Maroney family and run by Anthony Fats. Zuko. Eddie. You're healing up real good. Not many of us left can take a bullet like you did. We got much bigger problems, Zuko. With those freaks ripping us off right and left. It's cutting into our take. Exactly why you and me gotta get Maddish into our own hands. Remember how I told you I've been thinking about moving merchandise in a whole new way? A way nobody's ever done before. Sure, Zuko. But what about the Moronis and the Falcones? Screw them. This is something for us, for our families. And if it works, we could be bigger than both of them. Here, Haley. Circus, the best show on Earth. Presenting the Flying Graysons. A trapeze act. All I gotta know, Eddie, is you win or out?

[B]

You've been listening to DC High Volume. Dark Victory Batman Dark Victory Comic written by Jeph Loeb with artwork by Tim Sale. Directed by Fred Greenhalgh. Audio adaptation by Fred Greenhalgh Roshan Singh, Sambi and Scott Lee Chua Batman Created by Bob Kane With Bill Finger. Starring Jason Spisak as Batman, Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon, Adam o' Byrne as Two Face, Reba Burr as Catwoman, Dan Gill as the Joker, Tessa Monroe as Janice Porter and Christina Rosado as Sofia Falcone. Also starring Jessie Burch, Joel Brady, Ian Cardoni, Tomaso, John De Blasi, Nick Fisher, Rachel Rosenblum and Simon Vance. With additional voices by Robert Bedel, James Sacconi, Andy Cowell, Matthew Quern, Darren De Paul, Richard Doyle, Rebecca Falkenberry, Brian Finney, Jean Francois Donaldson Jonathan Freeman, Fred Greenhalgh, Erin Hendry, Cassidy Caston, Michelle Lukes, Catherine McNamara, Byron Mark Newsom, Joe Ockman, Gabriel Oliva, Spencer Olson, Jason Pace, Valerie Ortiz, Greg Roman, Devin Shepherd, Kevin Smith, Mike Starr, Regina Toffen, Austin Trow, David Uslan, Nora Wyman and Johnny Williams Casting by Sunday Bowling Kennedy and Meg Moorman CSA produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambhi Executive producers for DC Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz Executive producers for Realm Molly Barton and Carly Miliori Director of production operations for Realm Devin Shepherd Production manager, Jordan Accancia Music composed by Sam Ewing Additional music by Marcus Thorne Bagala Supervising sound design and mix by Jonathan Roberts Additional sound design and mix by Daniel Ramirez and Daniel Brunel Dialogue editing by Joey Fishground Additional production support by Andaz Productions Assistant editors Chia Yam Chong and Jamie Leidwinger Associate producer Andrew Kwan Video editor Tasha Carter Production services provided by Realm Recorded at Real Voice LA, the Invisible Studios, CityVox and Edge Studios this podcast was recorded under a SAG AFTRA agreement based on characters from dc. The characters and events depicted in this podcast are fictional. Any similarity to any actual person, living or dead, or to any actual events, firms, places and institutions, or other entities is coincidental and unintentional. This podcast is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries and its unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Copyright and trademark D.C. all rights reserved.