
Batman disables one bomb, and the other detonates harmlessly. Batman defeats Dent's henchmen, learning that the bombs will explode even if the ransom is paid he realizes that Dent intends to kill himself. Dent resurfaces, threatening to blow up a building unless he is paid a ransom. Dent's psychologist Bartholomew Wolper blames Batman for creating his own rogues gallery. Public reaction to his return is divided. He combats serious crimes, rescuing 13-year-old Carrie Kelley, but now struggles with the physical limitations of age. Dent's disappearance, news stories of the crime epidemic, and the memory of his parents' deaths drive Wayne to become Batman once more. Although he is declared sane, he quickly goes into hiding following his release.

Arkham inmate and former district attorney Harvey Dent undergoes plastic surgery to repair his disfigured face.

The 55-year-old Wayne maintains a friendship with 70-year-old retiring Police Commissioner James Gordon (who knows Wayne was Batman), although he has lost touch with Dick Grayson and has not talked to him in a while, while the Joker (Batman's archenemy) has been catatonic in Arkham Asylum since Wayne's retirement. Ten years later, in mid-1986, Gotham City is overrun with crime and terrorized by a gang known as the Mutants. After the death of his protégé Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne retired his Batman persona.
