BATMAN #8 will feature the first of a series of back-up stories exploring the dark history of the Court of Owls, the mysterious and malevolent secret society wreaking havoc upon Gotham City in the ongoing series.

The back-ups will bring together the fan-favorite writer/artist pairing of Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque, whose ongoing collaboration on AMERICAN VAMPIRE has made the critically acclaimed title one of the iconic series of the Vertigo line. James Tynion IV will co-write with Snyder.

These back-up stories will continue to reveal more about the Court’s sinister agenda as we move toward “The Night of The Owls” – a massive crossover event coming in May, which will span the Bat-books and reveal the full breadth of their master plan. With their claws sunk into Gotham history, the Owls represent a threat unlike anything Batman’s faced before, threatening to tip the city’s balance of power once and for all.

“The first backup, in issue eight will give a sense of the terrifying scope of the Court of Owls’ attack on Gotham. This really will be the first shot in a war for the soul of Gotham City,” said Snyder. “And then, starting in issue nine, we’ll begin a three part story called ‘The Fall of the House of Wayne’ that will investigate the secret history of the Court of Owls and its relationship to the Wayne family – particularly to Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce’s parents. The story will be told from the point of view of Jarvis Pennyworth, Alfred’s father, and offer some big surprises and shocks about the forces that shaped the bat-mythology as we know it. Can’t wait for you all to see these stories!

“I’m also excited to be co-writing with my friend, James Tynion IV, a young writer I’m extremely excited about. Especially in the spirit of the New 52, it’s a real thrill to get to give someone new and talented a chance to get his foot in the door, and James is a writer to watch and expect great things from!”

“And of course, I’m over the moon about getting to work with my good friend and AMERICAN VAMPIRE co-creator Rafael Albuquerque on the some of the very first ones!”

DETECTIVE COMICS #8 will feature the first in a multi-part series of back-up stories following Harvey Dent and his villainous alter ego, Two-Face. Written by Tony S. Daniel (writer/artist of DETECTIVE COMICS) and drawn by Szymon Kudranski, the 10-page stories will offer a unique look into Dent’s secret past and an in-depth examination of the monster he’s become. Daniel and Kudranski collaborated previously on “Russian Roulette,” the one-shot back-up in DETECTIVE COMICS #5, which was released last week.

Since the launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Two-Face has made only a brief cameo appearance in the first few issues of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT. These back-ups will reveal the classic character’s full history. Following his sojourn in Arkham Asylum, Dent will attempt to rebuild himself as a man, even as his dark side continues to exert its influence upon him.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Szymon Kudraski, who’ll no doubt capture the dark mood and tone I’m reaching for in DETECTIVE COMICS,” said Daniel. “I’m going deep into the character of Harvey Dent and the inner conflicts and demons he must confront. I’m approaching the characters and story the way I would a multi-layered psychological thriller, one that covers a man at the losing end of a battle within himself.”

“Readers who have enjoyed the twists, turns and surprises of Tony’s run on DETECTIVE so far will love this special story featuring Two-Face,” said Mike Marts, BATMAN group editor. “This is Harvey Dent as we’ve never seen him before—a new threat, a new troubled soul for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52!”

Many things that will be factors in ACTION this year are being established in issues #5-6, Frank. Grant (with the help of guest-artist Andy Kubert) has sprinkled an incredible amount of fun hints inside a really challenging story. Meanwhile, Keith and Dan are plotting some really star-spanning stuff for Supes, though before that we'll be doing an event between SUPERMAN, SUPERGIRL and SUPERBOY in the summer. Superman hasn't met Superboy yet, and his relationship with Supergirl isn't exactly lovey dovey. Seeing how they function as a unit under those circumstances should be interesting, to say the least.