9. The Last Arkham
Published: June 1992 - September 1992
Author: Alan Grant
The Big Bad: Victor Zsasz and Jeremiah Arkham
The Premise: While investigating a series of murders Batman comes to the conclusion that the work is fitting of serial killer Victor Zsasz only to discover that he's been locked up in the newly revamped Arkham Asylum. Determined to prove him guilty Batman teams up with Commissioner Gordon in order to have him declared insane and locked up as a ploy for further investigation. Arkham's new administrator, Jeremiah Arkham, has no knowledge of this plan and treats Batman as a regular inmate - digging into Wayne's brain in order to try and break him down.
Why it Would Work: The Last Arkham is utter brilliance. It's a perfect glimpse into the intricate history of the Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane and also into the psyche of Bruce Wayne. We not only learn what makes Bruce tick as attempts are made to break him psychologically but we learn just how far he's willing to go to stop a criminal and restore justice. We're introduced to a series of new characters who would translate well onto the small screen. Jeremiah Arkham is the new administrator of the Arkham Asylum having inherited it from his dead uncle. The character explores many parallels as he attempts to rehabilitate the insane all the while exposing his own cracked psyche. Arkham would go on to become another thorn in Batman's side making his early introduction into the series a good move. Victor Zsasz is the center villain of the tale and, like Hugo Strange, is an example of both a character who is without unbelievable qualities while still being eccentric enough to be worthy of Batman's rogues gallery. The most defining point of the story - and the best reason to adapt it - is our peek into the mind of Bruce Wayne. Is Batman just as insane as the criminals he spars with? This psychological thriller of an episode will allow fans to interpret such observations in their own way.