Batman # 30 Cover A First Printing 2014 NM-

Batman # 30 , published in April 2014, is a landmark issue in the New 52 era that begins "Savage City," the final act of the year-long "Zero Year" origin story. 

Plot Summary: "Savage City" Part One 

After the city-wide blackout and flood orchestrated by the Riddler, Bruce Wayne wakes from a coma to find Gotham transformed into a post-apocalyptic wilderness. 

• The Riddler's Reign: Edward Nygma has successfully seized control of Gotham, which is now overgrown with genetically modified plants. He holds the city hostage with weather balloons filled with toxic gas and nightly challenges the citizens to stump him with a riddle; failure results in death.
• The Survival of Bruce Wayne: Bruce awakens in the apartment of a young Duke Thomas, who saved him after his previous defeat. Bruce discovers that he has been unconscious for months and that the world believes him dead.
• A Fragile Alliance: Despite being wanted by the police, Jim Gordon is one of the few still resisting. He attempts to work with a government tactical team, only to realize they are there to negotiate with the Riddler rather than save the city.
• Batman's Return: Batman intervenes to save Gordon and the tactical team from a deathtrap involving "Riddler-bots". The issue concludes with Batman and Gordon officially forming their partnership, marked by their shared solution to a crossword puzzle: "Strike". 

Key Highlights 

• First Appearance of Julie Madison (Post-Crisis): The issue features a flashback to Bruce's past relationship with Julie Madison.
• First Appearance of Duke Thomas: This arc continues to develop Duke Thomas, who eventually becomes the hero Signal.
• Visual Style: Artist Greg Capullo and colorist F.C.O. Plascencia used a vivid, high-contrast palette to distinguish this "Savage City" from traditional, dark versions of Gotham. 

Creative Team 

• Writer: Scott Snyder
• Artist: Greg Capullo
• Inker: Danny Miki
• Colors: F.C.O. Plascencia