Gotham Gazette November 8th, 2008
Reemergence of Justice By Vicki Vale
A remarkable photograph snapped by one of Gotham's Finest, showing the Batman doing what he does best, perched atop Knights Center to survey the chaos
As you are all well aware, a violent riot broke out at the Knights Center football stadium yesterday, involving players, spectators, security, and everyone inside the complex. Victims jumped from stadium seats to their deaths as ordinary people began savagely ripping each other apart with crazed fury. The vigilante figure Robin showed up immediately to help control the rioters until the GCPD riot squads and emergency response teams arrived.
The situation was becoming almost manageable until the maniacal Joker arrived and literally tore the place wide open. He and his men gunned down a large number of riot cops at the southern exit of the Knights Center, fanning the flames and allowing the fiery riot to burst out of the dome and spread into the parking lot.
Streets were wrecked and storefronts were looted. Local apartment complexes were set on fire. The Joker even broke a large number of grizzly bears out from their habitats in the Gotham City Zoo, provoked them, and let them loose among the panic and fire.
As all hell broke loose, the situation primed to take a turn for the worse… until the Batman seemingly materialized from the parking lot in the Batmobile. After his days-long absence from the streets, the troublemakers and drug crazed rioters literally stared at him in disbelief as he fired tear gas into the south entrance of the Center. As the crazies scurried away from the area, the Batman fired a sort of missile at the entrance, which broke open and sealed the opening. As the rioters moved towards his vehicle, attackers and the few riot cops left all fell to their knees amid a horrible high-pitched screech. The vigilante then fired white gas pellets in all four corners of the vicinity before driving around them and heading south.
As he made his way through the riot’s scatter pattern, the Batman took to the streets with precision and began to dissolve the hopelessly violent and uncontrollable situation. As he weaved through crowded and fiery intersections, he subdued rioters with nets and knockout gas pellets, and successfully calmed, tranquilized, and moved to safety the bears that had been let loose into the streets.
After disappearing from sight and report for moments, the Batman was next spotted flooring it back to the parking lot of the Knights Center. Eyewitnesses report that as he swung around the south side of the building, he ejected from the batmobile hundreds of feet into the air, swooping into the stadium and disappearing from sight.
Like clockwork, the dark knight dove into the chaotic and now camera-blind area. After a few minutes of radio silence, calmed reports from the GCPD noted that all of the rioters in the stadium ceased their attacks and passed out. Five to ten more minutes later, the Batman thumped down from the air to the cops who were outside investigating the batmobile. One anonymous officer cites that as he moved in to arrest the vigilante for his outstanding warrant for vigilante activity, he realized that the Batman truly was the only thing that could stop this situation. As each of the officers all agreed with solemnity to step aside and allow the man to continue his courageous work, the Batman told them it was safe to go into the building with gas masks.
The same cop, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that the tens of thousands of rioters who had been wrecking the area only moments before were all passed out - every single one of them. Amid those who had violently ended their own lives or crippled or killed one another, all those who had been touched by the Bat were non-lethally subdued with staggering precision. Looking upon the image of athletes and sports fans alike, lying ripped apart at each other’s hands, the officer stated, “I don’t care what the situation is. I will never, ever arrest the Batman.”
The vigilante was next spotted moving west, lobbing gas grenades into groups of rioters and netting outliers who had moved towards endangered citizens. He reached the Westforest Shopping Center, which was being ravaged by a cluster of provoked and enraged bears – a cluster that was quickly and painlessly scattered by the high-pitched frequency and then covered in restricting cables. When one bear escaped and ran into an alley, Batman ejected onto the roof; Animal Control later found the bear in the alley, hit with some kind of powerful tranquilizer.
Only a few blocks north, the Batmobile was then sighted zooming into a parking garage and then launching onto the roof of an apartment building that had been set on fire, reportedly by the Joker. After loading up the survivors trapped on the roof of the building, he launched back onto the parking garage and let them out… making a second run for a young boy stuck beyond a window in the middle of the complex.
Authorities later noticed the smoldering East Bay Medical Center – the first floor fire that caused all of the damage was already put out before the GCPD were even told that the building was on fire, a discrepancy caused by the mass hysteria and flooded emergency lines.
Roughly twenty minutes after discovering the EBMC fire existed and was put out, the Port Adams Yacht Club mentioned a deranged looking man shuffling down the pier toward them. As the drugged man made his way towards them, the Batman suddenly swept down and tackled him into the darkness, and neither one was seen again.
As Batman was seen quickly navigating through the streets to tie up a final bear-related end, a giant man leapt onto the hood of the batmobile. When the Batman kicked the vehicle into reverse and the man lost his grip and slid off of the car, witnesses were able to recognize the drugged and crazed man as Bruce Ironstaunch, Gotham’s most renowned athlete, normally known almost as well for his generosity and golden heart as he is his tenacity on the field.
After a rough period of seeming inactivity, the Batman returned on a hellish night and flat-out proved that he owns fear. The cities own dark symbol of vigilance and justice arose and conquered the best that the fear mongers could lay out. Although the situation is grim, the tide was tremendously turned for the better and a horrible disaster was averted – if a single crazed lunatic had made it to a lively club or crowded place, the results would have been catastrophic.
Putting aside the looming questions of why he was gone, Gothamites in unison are thankful that he appeared when he did. Is he here to stay? Was he injured? Who was responsible for the attacks? Many questions loom the day after the horrible incident, but the constant that once disappeared from the equation has once again emerged… and I would hate to be a criminal right about now.
Commanding Chaos By Roger Mortimer
The nation's worst recorded riots, another of Gotham's recent sinister records, in action, as the merciless and unshakable horde set fires to buildings and brutally attacked civilians - and each other.
In what is one of the worst terrorist attacks in history, a strange “mad gas” was leaked into Gotham Stadium yesterday, causing the thousands in the stadium to go violently mad. The rioters were contained in the stadium by the police, until the apparent all knowing Joker showed up and joined in, letting the rioters out and into the city, ultimately causing a death toll tallying in the thousands until it was suppressed.
The game was going fine, the packed stadium filled with fans anticipating the long awaited game between the Gargoyles and the Patriots, when suddenly, and unexplainably, the misters came on. Out of the misters came the strange gas, and soon the confused state was replaced by complete chaos. Police arrived soon and blocked off the stadium, holding back the thousands of crazed spectators and fans. Terry Gilliam, also known as Robin, showed up, and helped the police keep the spectators inside before entering the stadium himself. The Ruffian also showed up, and informed the cops they had to open up the Dome. However, the cops couldn’t make it inside, and were forced to simply hold the rioters back. While it looked like the chaos might be restrained, a car pulled up to the police barricade, and was quickly exited by the Joker and henchmen.
“Why do you fight? Madness is like gravity, all you need is a little push!” the Joker shouted, according to eye witnesses, before giving them that push and opening fire on the brave men and women holding back the tide of chaos. As the police tried to fight back the Joker, the rioters broke the police chain, killing cops and escaping into the city. The Joker continued on until the Cops had to retreat, letting the rioters free into the city.
It was at this time when the Ruffian apparently entered the stadium, as did the Joker. What happened inside is a mystery, but shortly after the Ruffian entered the dome opened up, and the Joker left again.
The rioters, however, attacked and burned through the city, slaughtering thousands in a brutal orgy of violence. Fires were started by the rioters, and men and women were butchered. Officers tried to arrest all they could, but the Joker continued on, leading the rioters as if they were his children, killing cops and freeing any of the crazed people if they were caught. The Joker even took part in the chaos, as the few witnesses that saw him and called in for his position saw him lighting tanks at gas stations, creating explosions and fires. After which, the Joker went for the East Bay Medical Center, which was being defended by cops as the wounded from the attack poured in. The Joker again showed his way through, letting the rioters in, then set the place on fire before leaving, and lighting an apartment complex farther away from the chaos on fire. Witnesses for what happened next are sketchy, but there are some claims that the Joker then visited the zoo after this, which would make sense as soon afterwards there were reports of bears wandering the streets.
The riots continued until Batman made his triumphant return, which is detailed in Vale’s article.
Rays of Light Amongst Shadows By Stanton Kiel
Above, Left: Bruce Wayne offers a dashing smile at the Wayne-Thorne relief fundraiser for families affected by the 11-2 bombings.
Above, Right: A young Melvin Taransky with then-girlfriend Norah Dickens, enjoying a Nevada holiday in 1997. Photo courtesy of Dr. Taransky's attorney.
Recent times in Gotham bring to mind some words by author Ursula K. LeGuin: "Light is the left hand of darkness / and darkness the right hand of light." Though calamities befall our city more countless than snowflakes, Gotham is also home to some of the brightest figures in the world.
Yesterday Bruce Wayne called for a shareholder's meeting at Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, which he recently purchased a large share of. He announced a bid to fund the controversial but allegedly miraculous research of Dr. Melvin Taransky, going so far as to imply threats of hostile takeover of Phoenix Pharmaceuticals if the motion was not passed. Wayne offered to front most of the money with Phoenix's shareholders filling in the rest.
Wayne also wanted the second largest largest slice of Taransky's patents from the research, the largest belonging to Taransky himself, and not to Phoenix. After a palpably tense vote, CEO Ronald Phoenix was the last to vote 'yes' and the motion passed.
Mr. Phoenix has come under fire recently for the firing of Dr. Taransky. When asked to comment, Mr. Phoenix stated, ""Mr. Wayne mentioned an interesting business possibility that my company may have let slip beneath its sales at some point, and I'm glad to say we're behind Dr. Taransky to one hundred percent, hoping to put the entire altercation behind us."
I was able to get full interviews with Mr. Wayne and Dr. Taransky, both of whom were struck by tragedy in their lives and have resolved to tirelessly make the world a better place.
KIEL: "So, is there anything you'd like to say about your recent dealings with Phoenix and the research of Dr. Taransky?"
WAYNE: "Yes, we're very excited about the potential for Dr. Taransky's research. Obviously, since the 11-2 attacks, Wayne Enterprises has been evaluating our role in the world, and the services we can provide both to our employees and the global community. After all, a service is just that - serving. Too many companies forget that, with Phoenix Pharmaceuticals being an example when they canceled Dr. Taransky's research. Wayne Enterprises performed some research of our own on Dr. Taransky's proposal, and after some due diligence, approached the PPh board."
KIEL: "I heard that you want Taransky to be the majority holder of his patents, is that true? If so, that's quite generous of you. Normally researchers don't get to keep their own patents when being so heavily funded, or employed, by a corporation."
WAYNE: "The circumstances surrounding Dr. Taransky play a part in that. I feel they highlight a lot of the problems facing the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. We're squashing individual innovation in order to remarket Acetamenephin a dozen ways. I feel I should point out we aren't being completely altruistic. Both PPh and Wayne Enterprises have a responsibility towards our shareholders. And a financially succesful PPh means more innovations in the future. But, we need to fix the problem. If Alexander fleming were working under today's conditions, we'd never see penicilin. Giving inventors the majority stake will hopefully bring about that change, and save a lot of lives in the process."
KIEL: "Indeed, I can tell you're rather serious about your proposal? You even implied the possibility of a takeover of Phoenix Pharmaceuticals if they did not pass your proposal about Dr. Taransky's research? How did that play out?"
WAYNE: "Thankfully, it didn't come to that. There is already a public relations thunderstorm around PPh canceling Dr. Taransky's research. They recognized that doing anything but the Right Thing would be the end of the company."
KIEL: "Is it true that Phoenix himself was the last to vote for the proposal?"
WAYNE: "I'm afraid that would be confidential. If Mr. Phoenix wishes the public to know his vote, he can answer that himself."
KIEL: "Of course. Do you have any other plans with Phoenix Pharmaceuticals?"
WAYNE: "There's a small division dedicated to researching Swine Flu. At the moment we're not sure it will ever come in handy - Swine Flu is very mild - but these days, you never know. We're looking into it."
KIEL: "I see. On a general note, how is Wayne Enterprises doing? Of course there is all the rebuilding that must be done from the terrible attacks. But earlier you mentioned re-evalutation the services Wayne Enterprises can do for the world. Have you come up with other plans yet? How do you think your company will handle balancing this altruism while maintaining integrity toward its shareholders?"
WAYNE: "Wayne Enterprises is rigorously reevaluating how to position ourselves in this changed world. These steps taken with Phoenix Pharmaceuticals are just an initial, small step. I can't speak to our other plans now, other than to say that they exist, and that it will take more than a few men in masks and makeup to stop them."
KIEL: "Your determination is reassuring. Thanks a lot for your valuable time, Mr. Wayne."
KIEL: "Would you like to offer a comment on the recent proposal that passed at Phoenix Pharamceuticals to fund your research?"
TARANSKY: "Though I have trust issues with Phoenix Pharamceuticals because of the way they treated me in the past, it is great to see money being put towards my research. I am gladly accepting their funds, and will do the best I can to rid the world of cancer."
KIEL: "I'm sure your research is a huge undertaking and all the world is anticipating your success. But it is common for 'miracle cures' to be announced prematurely, or to have their possible effecitiveness exaggerated for the sake of publicity. What do you think the chances relaly are for your success, and what degree of success are your predicitng for your research?"
TARANSKY: "Well, my treatment isn't like any of your generic medicines and treatments. It has been specifically designed to eradicate a wide array of malicious organisms. My method has already been successful in curing my wife of tuberculosis, a once believed to be incurable disease. In addition, my wife and I are healthier than the average person and more fit than ever. This just gives furher evidence to the claim the possibility that my treatment will be able to conquer most sicknesses, including cancer. All the hypothetical research has been done, and the chances of my treatment being successful is very high. But my words only mean so much. People expect results, and with this funding I will be able to deliver them."
KIEL: "Then that sounds even more promising that most people were hoping for. I know it is immensely complicated, but do you have a guess as to how long it will take you to deliver real results?"
TARANSKY: "Well most of the research is done, but there is still an immense amount of testing to be done. Complications may also arise, so there is no telling how long it'll take. But rest assured that I will work hard to make this happen."
KIEL: "Well then, the best of luck to you. What was it that led you to your breakthrough?"
TARANSKY: "As I explained in an earlier interview, it was mainly my wife's condition that motivated me to go to such lengths to find a cure."
KIEL: "Ah yes. On a lighter note, how does this funding affect you personally? No doubt a genius like yourself is buried in his work, but this must be a time of great joy for you, curing your wife, getting funding, being able to even retain the patents on your research. But do you also feel a lot of pressure now? Or something else?"
TARANSKY: "I do feel much happier now. The fact that my wife is alive and well means everything to me. However I do feel a good deal of regret. Some of the things I did or attempted to do, in order to heal my wife, were wrong. I wish I would have accomplished this same result using different, more respectable ways."
KIEL: "Oh? Do you want to be on record saying that?"
KIEL: "Or were you just referring to... your attempts to raise funding? I'm sure everyone can come to understand what you were doing there, and, well, I think we're all behind you now, Doctor."
TARANSKY: "That's good to hear."
KIEL: "I don't think anyone can begrudge you plenty of time with your newly cured wife, even with a potential cure for major diseases depending on you."
TARANSKY: "That is also good to hear, but I will also be working tirelessly to present my treatment to the public. It will be a way for me to make up for any pain I may have caused."
KIEL: "Well doctor, I have to say, it's been an honour to talk with you. I hope there will be children growing up today who will be reading about your success in history books."
TARANSKY: "Thank you for your time."
Though Gotham is burdened with many struggles, it brings hope to know that such work is being done in our city. But it raises the chilling question: Is Gotham City the proper home for this research? With so much hope riding on him, is Dr. Taransky safe in the same city infested with the likes of The Black Mask and The Joker? Are all the security measures that need to be taken to protect such valuable research in our city worth our pride? Or should Taransky move somewhere safer, regardless of the 'message' it sends to murderers, terrorists and anarchists? I say we let them think they've won. If Dr. Taransky's research can be completed safely, it is worth our city's pride.
Editor's Note: Check out Stanton Kiel's full log of the interviews, printed in the most recent Time magazine!
