Early in Batman's career, the Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies. But each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat...and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punch line. Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman's history sees all of Gotham's villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war--complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory...but the scars it leaves will shape Batman's future as he makes the most important decision of his life.