Batman: Year One - Chapter 3

Summary

DC High Volume: Batman – Year One: Chapter 3

Podcast Information:

• Title: DC High Volume: Batman
• Host/Author: DC | Realm
• Description: An audio adaptation of essential DC comic stories, beginning with the four-part adaptation of Year One. This episode delves into Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman as he battles the rampant crime and corruption in Gotham City.
• Episode: Batman: Year One - Chapter 3
• Release Date: April 9, 2025

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Introduction

Batman: Year One - Chapter 3 continues to explore Bruce Wayne's nascent crusade against Gotham's pervasive corruption and crime. This episode delves deeper into the complexities of his dual life as both the billionaire Bruce Wayne and the vigilante Batman, highlighting the challenges he faces from both criminals and the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD).

Plot Overview

The chapter begins with Bruce Wayne finding himself trapped and wounded in an abandoned building under siege by a heavily armed SWAT team led by Commissioner Loeb. As explosives destroy parts of the building, Bruce uses his ingenuity and resources to survive, leveraging tools like thermite and unique gadgets hidden in his costume.

Notable Quote:

Bruce Wayne: "They set off explosives just to get to me. No care for the civilians." ([02:27])

Key Events

1. Gotham Police's Pursuit of Batman:

   • Lieutenant Jim Gordon and Commissioner Loeb intensify their efforts to capture Batman, viewing him as a significant threat to both criminals and the established order within Gotham's elite.
   • The police conduct a relentless siege on Bruce Wayne's hideout, culminating in fierce gunfire and explosions aimed at eliminating Batman.

2. Bruce Wayne's Struggle for Survival:

   • Inside the besieged building, Bruce navigates collapsing stairwells and fires, attempting to evade capture while ensuring civilian safety.
   • He reflects on his limited resources in this dire situation:

     Bruce Wayne: "I'm down to the blow gun in my boot. Step it up." ([09:35])

3. Confrontation with Commissioner Loeb:

   • Commissioner Loeb confronts Bruce, expressing frustration over Batman's interference with Gotham's criminal elements and officials.
   • Their interaction reveals the deepening tension and mistrust between Batman and the GCPD.

   Commissioner Loeb: "Batman has made enemies of every criminal at Gotham. And nearly every elected official." ([04:40])

4. The Battle Escalates:

   • A pivotal moment occurs when Batman employs an untested blowgun loaded with Viper darts, aiming to subdue rather than kill. However, this tactic proves insufficient against the overwhelming forces arrayed against him.
   • The chaotic firefight results in collateral damage, with innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.

5. Aftermath and Reflections:

   • In the wake of the battle, Commissioner Loeb conducts a debrief, highlighting the futility and destruction caused by both sides.
   • Bruce Wayne, recovering from his injuries, contemplates the necessity of forming alliances to effectively combat Gotham's entrenched corruption.

   Bruce Wayne: "I need Jim Gordon on my side. What you want, Selena?" ([16:50])

Character Development

• Bruce Wayne/Batman:

  • Demonstrates resilience and tactical prowess in the face of life-threatening danger.
  • Begins to recognize the limitations of his solitary crusade, hinting at the need for strategic alliances within the GCPD.

• Lieutenant Jim Gordon:

  • Portrayed as a rising star in the GCPD, grappling with his duty to uphold the law while recognizing the flaws within the system.
  • His interactions with Bruce Wayne suggest a potential for collaboration against the common enemy of Gotham's corruption.

• Commissioner Loeb:

  • Represents the entrenched establishment resistant to Batman's methods, viewing him as a destabilizing force rather than a necessary ally.
  • His relentless pursuit of Batman underscores the systemic challenges Bruce faces in his mission.

Notable Quote:

Jim Gordon: "Has been surrounded by Gotham officers. One of them, hero cop Lieutenant James Gordon. What the hell?" ([05:05])

Key Themes and Insights

1. Duality of Justice:

   • The episode underscores the fine line between heroism and vigilantism, as both Batman and the GCPD employ extreme measures to achieve their ends.

2. Isolation vs. Collaboration:

   • Bruce's realization that his solitary efforts are insufficient paves the way for future alliances, particularly with allies like Jim Gordon.

3. Moral Ambiguity:

   • Both sides exhibit questionable tactics, raising questions about the morality of their actions and the true definition of justice in Gotham.

4. Resilience in Adversity:

   • Bruce Wayne's survival amidst chaos highlights his determination and resourcefulness, essential traits for his evolution into Batman.

Notable Quote:

Bruce Wayne: "I have to learn to make it work. Step by step, method by method." ([16:50])

Conclusion

Batman: Year One - Chapter 3 deepens the narrative of Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman, illustrating the escalating conflict with Gotham's law enforcement and criminal underworld. The chapter highlights the complexities of fighting systemic corruption and the necessity of forging strategic alliances to effect meaningful change. As Bruce grapples with his role and the increasing dangers, the stage is set for pivotal developments in his crusade to cleanse Gotham City.

Final Quote:

Jim Gordon: "We've entered the lobby. No sign of them yet." ([05:27])

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Production Credits:

• Written by: Frank Miller (Comics), Jeph Loeb (Long Halloween & Dark Victory)
• Adaptation Directed by: John Brooks
• Audio Adaptation: John Brooks, Fred Greenhalgh, Roshan Singh Sambi
• Voice Cast: Jason Spisak (Bruce Wayne), Jay Paulson (Jim Gordon), among others.
• Production: Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambi for DC and Realm.

Note: This podcast episode is an official adaptation of DC Comics' Batman: Year One and is protected under copyright laws.

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Subscribe and Continue the Journey

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Visit dcuniverseinfinite.com to subscribe today.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Jim Gordon]

You'Re listening to DC High Volume Batman. Previously in Gotham City, the line between hero and vigilante grows razor thin. Batman has begun his crusade against crime and corruption, striking fear into both street criminals and the city's powerful elite. But his actions have not gone unnoticed. The Gotham City Police Department, led by rising star Lt. James Gordon, has declared open war on the Dark Knight. Trapped and wounded in an abandoned building under relentless siege, Bruce Wayne must survive his first great challenge as Batman. And now Year one, Chapter three.

[Bruce Wayne]

They set off explosives bombed the building just to get to me. No care for the civilians. Stairwells collapsing. Fall with it. Get away from the fire. That old man doesn't have a chance. Can't help him. Can't help him. Oh no. Thermite in my belt. Catching. Get it off. Still have weapons in my caping boots. Need them if I survive this danger. Electricity Trapdoor's metal Might be enough to protect me. Provided that warning is a lie. Locked. Lucky I keep the pick in my glove. Lucky.

[Jim Gordon]

Go away, Otto.

[Bruce Wayne]

You don't eat for another hour. Sammy is too noisy.

[Jim Gordon]

Should have left you at the market. Ganging up. It's mutiny, Selena, Outside.

[Bruce Wayne]

What the hell time is?

[Jim Gordon]

Explosions. Christ, it's not even light out. Five in the morning.

[Narrator]

I'm being serious, Selena.

[Jim Gordon]

Things are blowing up over by Robinson Park. Maybe Brandon's cornered a jaywalker. Turn on the tv, Holly. He's gotta have something on this.

[Commissioner Loeb]

The fifth load of explosives goes up, I pray it's the last. If Batman isn't already dead, he will be soon. Brandon and the collection of sociopaths he calls a SWAT team will see to that. Commissioner's orders. That's what Brandon told me. Police commissioner of Gotham City wants a corpse.

[Bruce Wayne]

This is unit three. We're approaching target area. No. Prisoner's men.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Watch where you're going.

[Bruce Wayne]

Lieutenant Gordon. You shouldn't be standing just yet.

[Commissioner Loeb]

I'm all right. Batman. Batman's made enemies of every criminal at Gotham. And nearly every elected official.

[Bruce Wayne]

Vitals are good.

[Commissioner Loeb]

They've only got him cornered because he got hurt saving an old woman's life. They. I mean, we. Of course, we can report the Batman.

[Jim Gordon]

Has been surrounded by Gotham officers. One of them, hero cop Lieutenant James Gordon. What the hell?

[Bruce Wayne]

Grab your coat. Down, Otto.

[Jim Gordon]

There's plenty. Gunfire has been heard and explosions. Now there is tense silence. Eyewitnesses say a heavily armed SWAT team has entered the building.

[Bruce Wayne]

We've entered the lobby. No sign of them yet. Unit one reporting. Second floor is a mess. Nothing living. Unit two reporting. Found a body under the water heater. Just an old lino. Keep it tight. Keep it tight.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Over here.

[Bruce Wayne]

Give me some light. Just a broken chimney.

[Commissioner Loeb]

No, down there. On the floor.

[Bruce Wayne]

We got down there. He might have survived. So perforated, soldier. Units 1 and 2, stay where you are. This is precautionary fire. If he's down there, he trapped himself. And down your stairs. Move it. Check in the basement. No trouble yet. Another wino up here. He's cold.

[Jim Gordon]

Oh, wait.

[Bruce Wayne]

Got something? No, just a dog. Steady verse. If you find him, no matter how dead he looks, go for the chest. We need his face for identification. Too tight for all of us. Diaz. V, you stay top side. No trouble yet.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Huh?

[Bruce Wayne]

Oh, Jesus. Another wino. They said this place was deserted. Yeah, super must have lived here. Nobody home now. Nothing here. We're coming back up. I like you right where you are, Brandon. No use. Something's on top of it. Okay, enough of this. Hold your fire. You'd only kill your own men. Too many people have died already. Have the other squads withdraw? I can't guarantee their safety. Units 1 and 2, converge on Lobby he's here. Shoot on site. Here, sir. There's a hole in the wall. Must have been a fireplace here once. He must have kicked through, climbed up the chimney. Gas mask. Come on, fast. Get your mask off. Guys. You know one. Do you copy? I think Brandon needs some help.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Lieutenant, we can't help Merkel. Orders. Breaks my heart. Stand back.

[Bruce Wayne]

I'm the mine.

[Jim Gordon]

But we got Batman, Selena. Somebody said he's alive. Maybe we'll see him. We'll see his corpse. Siri's taken out Unit three.

[Bruce Wayne]

Took out the whole unit, commissioner. This will not do. This will not do at all. What's wrong with our marksman? I trust you didn't get me a blind marksman, did you? No. Siri's our best man, man. But there are 100 places to hide in there until the sun is higher in the sky. Won't be long, sir. Need to get this bleeding under control. The only other survivor of the attack shares a shrinking shadow with me. I owe him an apology. I've made a mess of things. Let it get out of hand. Through a crack in the wall, I see the enemy closing in. Relentless, unstoppable. I used to find the sunrise beautiful. With my belt, I lost my rope, my thermite, my 2 gas, even my batterings. I'm down to the blow gun in my boot. Step it up.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Careful.

[Bruce Wayne]

What the hell? Just a cat, man. It's a bat we're after. Keep an eye out. Knew he wouldn't stay quiet. Siamese. Down to the blow gun and its three darts. And an unofficial invention of Wayne Electronics hidden in my boot. I haven't tested it for this greater distance or for use of daylight. Too bad I can't afford to patent it and make a fortune. But then, I already have a fortune. And if I didn't. I couldn't have built the device if my family manor hadn't been built over a huge cave. The Bat Cave, I call it. It's full of bats. Extraordinary creatures, bats. Nearly blind, they're sensitive to a range of sound far beyond human hearing. Took me weeks to find an ultrasonic tone that attracts them. All of them. But Wayne Manor is miles from Gotham. They'll take a few minutes to get here. Should things go well, I. Get the blowgun ready. Wait, wait. Let them waste all the time they want. Steady, man. It's just that cat again getting on my nerves. Drop this on the door. Batman is. He's strong. Longer than quiet. He could be anywhere. They said he was in the chimney there. Hold it, you idiots. Me and you two dropped that beam. My squad wasn't quick enough. They're useless. We're lucky didn't kill him. The slightest dose of Viper on the darts. Now F out. You're leaving yourself wide open. Enough to put a man to sleep for a day or so. 12 men left. Two darts. No good. One bullet will make all the difference. They've got thousands. I can't see him move so fast.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Damn that cat.

[Bruce Wayne]

At least I could save you there.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Commissioner. For God's sakes, come in does. Those idiots are firing out the windows.

[Bruce Wayne]

And I think someone threw a cat. Merkel.

[Jim Gordon]

Selena.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Look.

[Jim Gordon]

Oh, you're okay. He's behind that column.

[Bruce Wayne]

Getting close. Got him.

[Jim Gordon]

Got it.

[Bruce Wayne]

Groggy. Losing too much blood. I had to put a bullet in my good leg. Didn't they? Forget it. Ignore it. Put what's left into this cake. Oh, you got him. Look out. Can't move. Get me out. You're the one who tried to shoot the cat.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Crowd is all screams and angry shouts. Then I hear a wrecking ball take out the wall and one of Brandon's goons lands in the street. They made a hero out of them and the cheering disintegrates and the screaming starts again.

[Bruce Wayne]

Look. Look.

[Jim Gordon]

Look. There. What?

[Bruce Wayne]

He's there. Commissioner, don't you? He's right there. Down there. On the motorcycle. He's got a motorcycle. Get after him or have you shot. Get after him.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Commissioner. Loeb chased a cloud of bats for 12 blocks. When the cloud broke up, he found out that was all he was chasing. Somewhere along the way, Batman must have taken a turn and told his pets to keep going. Detective Swanson pursued the bats to the bitter end and drove his squad car right off the pier. Every member of Brandon's team, every cop and everybody in the crowd was vaccinated for their bat bites. Never have so many had so much trouble sitting down. The owner of a nearby men's store opened up his shop four hours later to find a three piece suit missing and payment for it sitting on his cash register. Four of Brandon's men were hospitalized with broken bones. Pratt, who Batman knocked through a wall, suffered five broken ribs and internal bleeding. The dead winos had no one to complain to about their firebombing. Everyone who would have ordered Brandon or Loeb up on charges remains unavailable to me by appointment or phone. Including my prime suspect in this case, Bruce Wayne, the richest man in Gotham City. Sergeant Essen informed me that Wayne's parents were murdered by a mugger when he was six years old. That's enough motive, I suppose, to make a man dress like Dracula and assault criminals and save cats. But Wayne's butler informed me that his boss has been skiing in Switzerland for six weeks. I squeezed permission for an international phone call from Captain Pierce. I've had easier route canals. You'd think Pierce was paying for the call out of his own pocket. And I spoke to somebody in Switzerland who said he was Bruce Wayne.

[Bruce Wayne]

Well, I took a nasty spill on the slope. Broke both my legs and one arm. But I'll be back in Gotham in a month. Happy to talk with you then.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Mr. Wayne. Do you know anything about the Batman?

[Bruce Wayne]

No. But if you see him, you get his autograph for me.

[Jim Gordon]

Wayne could afford an impersonator.

[Bruce Wayne]

And casts on his arm and legs could cover bullet wounds.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Sorry, Essen. Did you say something?

[Bruce Wayne]

Yes, sir. It's quitting time. Share a cab.

[Commissioner Loeb]

Think of her as a cop. Think of her as a cop.

[Narrator]

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[Bruce Wayne]

June 15th. I leave the cast in the sleeping alibis. Back at the lot, they were so eager to support my story with Lieutenant Gordon, all I had to say was that a woman was involved. One of them even pretended to be me, just for laughs, before I arrived. The air is cold and sharp. Hard to breathe. It's good to be alive. I don't deserve to be alive. This isn't a game. I can't afford mistakes. I have to learn to make it work. Step by step, method by method. But that won't be enough. Too many people want me dead. Can't do it alone. I don't an ally, an inside man. I need Jim Gordon on my side. What you want, Selena? Selena.

[Commissioner Loeb]

You punched Stan.

[Jim Gordon]

We're changing our line of work. Holly. I got an idea.

[Commissioner Loeb]

It's getting to be a habit for Essen and me to have a cup of coffee at the local diner before calling it a night. Actually, I'm the one who has coffee. She goes for herb tea. She'd qualify as a health nut if she didn't smoke. We'd stay longer tonight, hoping to wait out the rain. We run out of shop talk but keep going. Turns out her first name is Sarah, her family's from Germany a generation back, and she's got a thing for the bad rap Germans generally get. She got in law enforcement after being told she was too masculine for about six other careers. Whoever told her she was masculine must have been blind, deaf and dead. Rains eased up. I'm about an hour late, feeling terrible about having forgotten to call Barbara, when we decide to risk it and look for a cab. A group of bikers notice Essen's legs and make the usual remarks. We ignore him and keep walking. Turns out she's from Chicago, a few years back. Small world. Even went to the same place for ribs. I'm sure I would have noticed her. Come to think of it, she was probably in high school then. Gotham weather. Just when the rain seems to be clearing up. Lightning flashes and we learn how Noah felt not having an ark. We settle for a doorway. I taste the rain on her lips. Cab comes, she takes it. We don't say goodnight.

[Jim Gordon]

You like the whiskers? I don't know, Selena. I mean, you spent all of our money on that costume. It's money, Holly. It's gonna be a kick. Just watch. Selena, what are you doing?

[Narrator]

Selena.

[Commissioner Loeb]

I hate this city. I hate myself and the night and everything it brings. Mostly, I hate it when she cries Another fight. We fight so much, Barbara and I. She tells me I'm away too much. And just when I should apologize, I snap at her. I freeze up inside. Tonight, she called the office and I wasn't there. I was out having coffee with Sarah. Sarah. My God. I'm calling her Sarah now. It's all wrong. It's all wrong. And Barbara's right. As always. And right now, I should be talking to her. Begging her to forgive me for. For the baby in her stomach. And the way I'm thinking about. Essen. That's right. Call her Essen. Forget how she felt. How her body and her lips felt. Barbara. I should be talking to her. I shouldn't be thinking. Not about Sergeant Essen and not about Batman. He's a criminal. I'm a cop. It's that simple. I'm a cop. In a city where the mayor and the Commissioner of police use cops as hired killers. He saved that old woman. Saved that cat. He even paid for that suit. The hunk of metal in my hand is heavier than ever.

[Jim Gordon]

You've been listening to DC High Volume. Batman Year One, Chapter Three. Batman Year One Comic Written by Frank Miller with artwork by David Mazzucchelli Directed by John Brooks Audio adaptation by John Brooks, Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambi Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Copyright and trademark dc. All rights reserved. Year One stars Jason Spizak as Bruce Wayne and Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon. Also starring Adam o' Byrne, Brian Finney, Mike Starr, Reba Burr, Rachel Rosenbloom, Molly Hager, Matthew Quern and Simon Vance. With additional voices by Makira Alexander, Marcus Thorne Bagala, Ajarae Coleman, Will Collier, Kyle N. Deporter, Victor Diaz, Jason dubarnes, Edward Gelhouse, Matt Gergol, Erin Hendry, Marcella Lenz Pope, Carl Mackinen, Ronnie Marmo Byron, Mark Newsom, Levi Nunez, Joe Ockman, Mike Pallotta, Roshan Singh, Sambi, Michael Uslan, Juan Francisco Villa, Laith walshlager and Shelby Young Casting by Sunday Bowling Kennedy and Meg Moorman, CSA Loop Group Casting by Barbara Harris Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambi Executive producers for DC Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz Executive producers for Realm, Molly Barton and Carly Miluri Director of production operations for Realm Devin Shepherd Production manager, Jordan Acconcia 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 Additional production support by Andas Productions Assistant editors Chia Yam Chong and Jamie Leidwinger. Production services provided by Realm Recorded at Real Voice, LA City, Vox and AP 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. Subscribe to DC Universe Infinite to read the Batman comic adapted in this episode and thousands of other DC comics and graphic novels. US Listeners of DC High Volume Batman can enter promo code High Volume at Checkout for a 30 day free trial to the DC Universe Infinite Standard monthly subscription. Visit dcuniverseinfinite.com Join High Volume Offer valid only for new or returning subscribers who sign up through the website before 1:31, 2026. Auto renewal and other terms apply. Offer is subject to change without notice. See site for details. DC Universe Infinite is not intended for children.