The wait is over, and the war for Gotham City is about to begin. Pitting Batman and the extended Bat-family against the Court of Owls and their sinister agents, the long-awaited “Night of the Owls” crossover kicks off this week.

A shadowy secret society with deathless assassins known as Talons to execute its malevolent will, the Court has roots that reach back into Gotham’s deep past – and now this cadre of killers has mounted an all-out assault to exert its influence on the city’s present. It’s the Court of Owls versus the Allies of the Bat to determine once and for all who will rule the shadows of Gotham City.

With the “Night of the Owls” already underway, BATMAN Group Editor Mike Marts promises plenty of action still to come.

Here we are. “Night of the Owls” finally kicked off this week with BATMAN #8 and NIGHTWING #8, and it kicked off in a big way. But this is still just the beginning. There’s so much more story to tell – too much to be contained in these two series. The Owls have declared war on Gotham, but they’re going to have to contend with all of the allies of the Bat if they want to wrestle control of the city. So if you think things are hot already, just wait until the story spills into DETECTIVE COMICS #9, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT: #9, CATWOMAN #9, BATWING #9, BIRDS OF PREY #9, RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #9 and BATGIRL #9. We’ve seen first blood, but we’ve got a lot more to be spilled before we’re done.

The “Night of the Owls” began this week in BATMAN #8 and NIGHTWING #8, and will explode across the rest of the Bat-books in May.

We recently announced DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 “Second Wave,” featuring six new series coming in May. In BATMAN, INCORPORATED, critically acclaimed writer Grant Morrison returns to the world he helped populate with a global Bat-presence, all in preparation for a major international threat. Already re-imagining the early history of Superman in ACTION COMICS, Morrison brings a fresh take on Batman to DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. BATMAN series editor Mike Marts offers some editorial insight as to what readers can expect from the highly-anticipated series.

“Grant Morrison’s new BATMAN, INCORPORATED series is the final, unbelievable act of a saga six years in the making,” said Marts. “Along with his artistic partner-in-crime Chris Burnham, Grant delivers twists, turns, punches and reveals no reader will see coming. Things pick up directly after the shocking cliffhanger of last year’s LEVIATHAN STRIKES one-shot—and only get crazier from there!”

In the meantime, check out these sneak peeks at BATMAN, INCORPORATED.

“Jerry Robinson illustrated some of the defining images of pop culture’s greatest icons. As an artist myself, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by his body of work. Everyone who loves comics owes Jerry a debt of gratitude for the rich legacy that he leaves behind.”—Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and artist of BATMAN: HUSH

“Jerry Robinson was one of the greats. He continued to be a vibrant, creative force, with ideas and thoughts that continue to inspire. Jerry was a great advocate for creators. It was my pleasure to meet and work with him. He will be missed.”—Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

“It’s impossible to work at DC Entertainment without feeling the impact of Jerry Robinson’s contributions to the industry. His influence continues to resonate today.”—Bob Harras, DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief

“Jerry Robinson was an innovator, a pioneer in storytelling. His artwork was always astonishing, but his contributions to the Dark Knight mythology go far beyond art. The streets of Gotham City are a little lonelier today...Jerry will truly be missed.”—Mike Marts, BATMAN editor

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