Synopsis: With Batman down, Bane began attacking and absorbing gangs across Gotham City. Dr. Kinsolving was asked to be Bruce Wayne's personal doctor for the immediate future while he recovered from his "car accident." Bane's crew caught Catwoman; she was asked to pay Bane tribute. With Bruce's blessing, Tim asked Jean Paul to fill in as Batman.
Synopsis: Bruce and Alfred readied for a trip to Santa Prisca to rescue Dr. Kinsolving and Jack Drake. Batman returned to the cave; Bruce asked him to keep it up while they were gone. Selina Kyle stowed away on the Wayne jet to Santa Prisca. Batman and Robin took down Bane's men and saved some kidnapped children. Tim realized his father was missing.
Synopsis: Batman survived the fall from a building and Bane escaped. Back in the cave, Tim and Jean Paul talked. Batman no longer needed Robin. Jean Paul continued designing his new costume. Nightwing came to Gotham, where he learned the details from Robin. He was upset that Bruce didn't come to him. Jean Paul went out in his new costume, more Azrael than Batman. Bane put forth a challenge, Az-Bat accepted. On orders from the mayor, the police stood down as they fought. Az-Bat took out Bane's supply of venom, leaving him a normal human. Bane fled. They met up again and continued their fight on an elevated train. Robin showed up and freed the passenger cars from the lead car. Az-Bat defeated Bane and left him for the police.