Batman #40

Batman #40, published by DC Comics in April 2015, serves as the climactic conclusion to the 'Endgame' story arc written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo. This issue was crafted during the New 52 era of DC's continuity, a period defined by a soft reboot of the publisher's character histories. The narrative centers on a high-stakes confrontation between Batman and the Joker, aiming to resolve a long-standing psychological and physical conflict while recontextualizing the origins of the iconic antagonist within the framework of Gotham City's mythology.

The visual direction of this issue, led by Capullo, focuses on visceral, cinematic action and expressive character work that became a hallmark of the Snyder-Capullo collaboration. Upon release, the issue received notable attention for its bold conclusion, which temporarily altered the status quo of the series. Critics and readers frequently cite the artwork and the dramatic stakes as definitive examples of modern Batman storytelling, reflecting the creative team's intent to push the boundaries of the character's relationship with his arch-nemesis.