Before Gotham knew the Joker, it feared the Monster Men. In this gripping reimagining of Batman's early years, the Dark Knight faces off against Hugo Strange and his grotesque creations--genetically altered giants born from madness. Batman and the Monster Men blends noir suspense with horror, setting the stage for a young vigilante's evolution into legend. Batman and the Monster Men is a six-issue limited series written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, serving as the first installment of his Dark Moon Rising duology. Set shortly after Batman: Year One , the story introduces Hugo Strange as a twisted scientist conducting unethical experiments on Arkham Asylum patients, funded by mob boss Sal Maroni. As Batman investigates a string of brutal murders, he uncovers a conspiracy that tests his resolve, intellect, and physical limits. The book also reintroduces Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne's early love interest, adding emotional depth to the narrative.