Knightfall Recall: Detective Comics #660

 Detective Comics #660: "Crocodile Tears"

Art by Sam Keith

Written by Chuck Dixon, Penciled by Jim Balent, Inked by Scott Hana, Colored by Adrienne Roy, Lettered by John Costanza

And now for something completely different. After the last installment's intense hostage standoff, we take a trip to the sewers of Gotham. Killer Croc lurks, munching on rats and lamenting his broken arms he suffered from Bane in Batman #489 which did not make the cut of this collection unfortunately. Meanwhile Bane gloats as he watches the aftermath of the Zsasz hostage situation. "What purpose does the terror I have created serve if I cannot savor it?"

Bird reports to Bane that Batman hasn't even run up against "major league" criminals and he is already looking beat. Robin has followed Bird and discovered Bane but recalls being told not to confront the monster. He attempts to contact Batman who is unresponsive, exhausted from his clash with Mr. Zsasz. 

In rapid fire, we see the Ventriloquist still on the loose and contacting his attorney to inquire about Scarface, the police discuss that murders are heading towards triple digits following the Arkham breakout, and Robin follows Bane as he goes out. Bane quickly realizes he is being followed, attacks and captures Robin. 

Robin regains consciousness after being dragged into the sewers and blindfolded. Interrogating the boy, Bane looks for more information to aid him in his quest to break Batman. However, he senses the presence of another and disappears. Killer Croc removes Robin's blindfold only to be attacked by Bane. "I am Bane! The bane of anything that gets in my way! The bane of anything that lives!" The two behemoths battle, knocking Robin aside. Bane rebreaks Croc's arm but the issue ends with the three lost in the sewers.

Definitely a step down from the intensity of the Zsasz issue but how about that Sam Keith cover art?

Next time: Batman #494