Title Batman: Ego Format graphic novel Binding prestige Date 2000 Writer(s) Darwyn Cooke Artist(s) Darwyn Cooke Collects n/a Storyline Batman looked over his city after defeating the Joker. He'd killed 27 people and his driver made off with $400,000 in charity money. He found the driver crossing the bridge and rescued him as he tried to commit suicide by jumping from it. The man confessed to killing his wife and kid from fear of the Joker, then turned his gun on himself. Back in the cave, Bruce faced his demon - Batman. He reminded Bruce of his last Christmas with his parents. Thomas was called to duty after dinner, and he let young Bruce tag along. His patient died, but he promised his son that it would be a long time before he did. Soon afterwards, both he and Bruce's mother were murdered. Bruce and Batman fought over control, over Dick, and over whether or not to kill the Joker. Batman ordered Bruce to free him - to let him have full control when it was his time. When Bruce refused, Batman gave him the gun that killed his parents and told him to kill him. Bruce knew it would be suicide and refused. Gordon called him back in - Joker had escaped in transport.