Batman # 15 Cover A First Printing 2013 NM-

Batman #15 (published with a cover date of February 2013) is the gripping third chapter of the legendary "Death of the Family" crossover event in DC Comics' New 52 era. Titled "But Here's the Kicker," this issue was written by Scott Snyder with stunning, visceral artwork by Greg Capullo.

The Plot

• The Confrontation: The story picks up with Batman frantically pursuing the Joker after a massive chemical plant explosion. When Batman corners and punches the Joker, he realizes too late that the villain has coated his own skin in a paralytic toxin. Before Batman paralyzes completely, Joker kicks him off a bridge into the Gotham waters. 
• The Bat-Family Intervention: Bruce wakes up in the Batcave surrounded by his allies (Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, Red Robin, and Robin) out of uniform. Having realized that the Joker is targeting them all individually, they demand answers about a dark secret Bruce has been keeping.
• The Haunting Secret: Bruce confesses that years ago, following an early encounter with the Joker, he found a signature Joker card trapped in the Batcave's hydro-turbines. While Bruce vehemently insists the Joker could never have actually breached the cave or learned their true identities, his stubborn secrecy fractures the trust between him and his traumatized partners. 

Core Themes

• The Illusion of Isolation: A central theme of the issue is Bruce Wayne’s hubris. He genuinely believes he can carry the burden of the Joker alone to "protect" his family, but his secrecy plays right into the Joker’s hands by driving a wedge of distrust through the team.
• Psychological Warfare: Rather than just physical threats, the issue focuses heavily on the psychological terror the Joker inflicts. By threatening the people Bruce loves most, he forces Batman into making desperate, flawed choices.