This is everything you hope for in a Batman story: A monstrous dark villain, methodically planning Batman's demise, with everything hanging in the balance. Tom King and David Finch, through some trial and error, have really found their stride. Which adds to the lure of this issue, and the remaining issues of the "I am Bane" story arc.

This issue starts off with Mr. Slate being the pretentious jerk he's accustomed to being. Firing Fred and the rest of the crew, for a little extra profit. You see Fred In the wake of his unemployment, feeling worthless sitting at home unable to go to work. He prides himself on being a hard worker, and without that, he feels depressed. In the hopes of cheering up her distraught husband, Wilma buys him a new bowling ball, and offers him a night out to take his mind off of recent events. The night doesn't provide Fred with much relieve, but luckily the next morning, Mr. Slate gives Fred and the crew all their jobs back.

“I am not a joke. I am not a riddle! I am not a bird or a cat or a penguin! I am not a scarecrow or a plant or a puppet! I am your broken friend! I am not your regretful teacher. I am not a child's fairytale. I am not a circus act here to amuse and frightened you! I am not another one of your madmen howling at the moon! I am not some rich boy playing dress up! I AM BANE!” – Bane written by: Tom King