DC High Volume: Batman – Dark Victory, Chapter 9

Release Date: September 24, 2025
Podcast Host: DC | Realm

Episode Overview

In this gripping chapter of Batman: Dark Victory, Gotham City is gripped by a series of murders during the notorious "Hangman" killings as the crime syndicates reel from the Joker’s attacks. Against this dark backdrop, a pivotal origin unfolds: the tragic death of the Flying Graysons at the circus. Bruce Wayne, recalling his own loss, takes in young Dick Grayson, planting the seeds for Robin’s genesis. Meanwhile, Jim Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the GCPD grapple with the city’s spiraling chaos, and the criminal underworld fractures after months of relentless assault.

Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

The Circus Tragedy: Dick Grayson’s Loss

• The Flying Graysons' Performance & Tragedy

  • [01:53] Bruce Wayne attends the circus—a rare night off from Batman. The tension shifts swiftly as Dick Grayson’s parents catastrophically fall when the trapeze rope snaps.
    • “It was just an accident. The rope just broke. And there ain’t nobody who can prove otherwise.” — Anthony “Fats” Zuko ([04:54])

• Dick’s Grief Parallels Bruce’s Childhood

  • [03:35 | Internal Monologue]:
    • “I know this feeling. I know this pain.” — Bruce Wayne as he watches Dick, evoking the haunting echoes of his own orphanhood.

Aftermath – Welcoming Dick to Wayne Manor

• Adjusting to New Surroundings

  • [04:03]: Dick arrives at Wayne Manor with Alfred. Dick’s skepticism and curiosity emerge as he perches atop the chandelier.
    • “I’ve been up a lot higher than this without falling. … What happened to my parents was just an accident.” — Dick Grayson ([04:29])
  • Alfred provides gentle guidance, introducing Dick to Bruce’s world.

• Shared Trauma and Growing Connection

  • [11:21]: Dick, isolated and uncertain, learns from Alfred that Bruce—like himself—witnessed his parents’ murder.
    • “As a boy, he had the misfortune of witnessing his parents' deaths as well.” — Alfred Pennyworth
  • [12:51]:
    • “You are not alone. I imagine you will never be.” — Alfred’s heartfelt assurance to Dick.

• Bruce’s Reflection

  • [11:49]: Bruce revisits his parents’ room, reliving memories:
    • “I remember mother using this. She would brush her hair whenever they went out together. Father would stand over there, tying his tie, growing impatient.” — Bruce Wayne

Crime Families in Turmoil: Falcone, Maroni, and Joker’s Wake

• GCPD Interrogates the Falcones

  • [06:05]: The remaining Falcone siblings—Mario, Sofia, and Alberto—are grilled by Commissioner Gordon over the recent violence and Joker’s attacks.
    • “My only regret is that I wasn’t there to make sure the Joker didn’t miss hitting you.” — Sophia Falcone ([06:33])
  • Tensions and mutual accusations erupt inside the interrogation room.

• Legal Loopholes and Frustration

  • [07:51]: The Falcones’ lawyers secure their release, stoking Gordon’s outrage.
    • “Alberto Falcone had a gun in his possession. He fired it, for God's sakes. That has to be a violation of his parole.” — Jim Gordon ([07:58])
    • “The judge made his decision.” — D.A. Janice Porter ([08:15])

The Hangman Killings Escalate

• Pattern Breaks, Fear Spreads
  • [13:48]: Gordon's team realizes the killer is diverging from prior MO—previous victims were all men, but the last victim didn’t fit the Harvey Dent connection.
    • “If all the victims had past relationships with Harvey Dent, then he, she or they have now broken the pattern with Gustafson.” — GCPD Detective ([13:48])
  • Another officer falls victim; the killer again leaves a cryptic hangman clue.

Bruce and Dick: Justice, Vengeance & Healing

• Confrontation on the Wayne Manor Rooftop

  • [15:34]: On the rooftop, Dick confides his suspicions the acrobat deaths weren’t accidental.
    • “I keep thinking about what happened. My father always checked the lines. It just couldn’t be an accident.” — Dick Grayson
  • [15:48]: Batman reveals foul play.
    • “It wasn’t. … I found traces of acid on the rope. Just enough. And I’ve seen what that acid can do to people.” — Batman

• Dick's Resolve

  • [16:05]:
    • “I want to help.” — Dick
    • “You will. When the time is right. I promise.” — Batman

Batman's Graveside Confession

• Bruce at His Parents’ Graves
  • [17:08]: Bruce confides about Dick to his parents’ graves:
    • “I don’t see myself as any sort of father figure. But I think I can make a difference in his life.” — Bruce Wayne

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I know this feeling. I know this pain.” — Bruce Wayne ([03:35])
• “You are not alone. I imagine you will never be.” — Alfred Pennyworth ([12:51])
• “I want to help.” — Dick Grayson ([16:05])
• “You will. When the time is right. I promise.” — Batman ([16:07])
• “I don’t see myself as any sort of father figure. But I think I can make a difference in his life.” — Bruce Wayne, at his parents’ graves ([17:08])

Important Timestamps

• [01:53] — The circus, Dick Grayson’s parents die
• [04:03] — Dick’s first night at Wayne Manor
• [06:05] — Falcone family interrogation
• [07:51] — Falcones’ legal release
• [12:51] — Alfred’s assurance to Dick
• [13:48] — Police strategizing on serial killings
• [15:34] — Dick and Batman’s rooftop conversation
• [17:08] — Bruce visits his parents' graves

Tone & Atmosphere

Faithful to the noir gravity of the original comics, this episode balances the emotional weight of loss with the undercurrent of hope and resilience. The script makes effective use of internal monologue and character interplay, immersing listeners in Gotham’s darkness while hinting at the promise of new beginnings through Bruce and Dick’s budding bond.

Summary

Chapter 9 of Dark Victory is a poignant, character-driven hour in the Batman mythos, dramatizing the crossroads where loss becomes legacy. The episode deftly weaves together the escalating chaos in Gotham’s underworld with the quietly profound connection between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, setting the stage for Robin’s emergence and a new chapter in Batman’s crusade.