We’re still processing it. Dr. Leslie Thompkins…dead. And now it appears like none other than Alfred Pennyworth is in a fight for his life in Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke’s “Mythology” storyline, now playing out in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS. With victims that are clearly intended to send a message and Batman’s only lead going dry, the Dark Knight pays a violent visit to the criminals of Arkham Asylum in this week’s issue #996. It’s a desperate move—one driven by anger and revenge as much as a desire for information—but these are desperate times. If the person (or people) behind this can get to Alfred, who knows who is next. Lucius? Commissioner Gordon? Damian?

Speaking of Damian, one ironically bright note to all of this is that the attacks seemed to have thawed some of the iciness that had sprung up between Batman and Robin. That’s a good thing since it seems like the newest suspect has ties to them both—Henri Ducard. Batman’s former mentor certainly knows the details of his private life, and once had the skills and resources necessary to pull something like this off. Is he the one responsible for the dark turn Bruce’s life has suddenly taken? In this exclusive preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #996, the Dark Knight pays him a visit to find out.

DETECTIVE COMICS #996 by Peter J. Tomasi, Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, Mark Irwin and David Baron is in stores this Wednesday.