Batman: Masks

Batman: Masks is a DC Comics one-shot by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, with inks by P. Craig Russell. The story revolves around a version of Bruce Wayne making his debut as Batman to overthrow the corruption in Gotham City.

Plot Summary
Upon returning home to the United States, wealthy millionaire Bruce Wayne meets his old friend Harvey Dent who is about to take up governorship of New Jersey after his father Christopher Dent died of "malaria" even though the region is free of it. Bruce warns the idealistic Harvey that Gotham is ruled by greed and hatred; later that very evening Harvey is assassinated by Commander Loeb's hirelings. Bruce vows to avenge Harvey but not before a dying Harvey makes Bruce swear "the new governor will never kill."

As Commander Loeb asks the local council to appoint him both military and civil governor of New Jersey, Bruce walks in, disguised as his deceased friend. While lulling Commander Loeb's fears by pretending to be a useless fop, Bruce learns that Loeb is a cruel despot as well as a dangerous swordsman. With assistance from his servant Alfred and Ace, the later Christopher Dent's dog, Bruce goes among the people and learns how miserable and afraid they are: the innocent are punished for speaking the truth while the guilty, who cheat unmercifully, are called “respectable” citizens. After being attacked by bats, Bruce creates his own alter ego called Batman and begins a campaign for justice. Outwitting Loeb and his men time and again, he finally stages his own kidnapping (as the governor) by himself (as Batman) both to free wrongfully held prisoners and to make Commander Loeb think both are dead.

Loeb, feeling himself safe at last, forces aristocrat Catherine Klass to the altar. He shoots Sister Leslie when she leads protesters to the church steps, just as Batman reappears. Sister Leslie's murder absolves Bruce of his vow to his dead friend Harvey leaving Batman free to kill Loeb.