Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Story Arc:**
* The narrative revolves around the "Batman Who Laughs," an evil version of Batman from the Dark Multiverse.
* This character, once Batman, was transformed by the Joker's toxin after killing him.
* He gains immense power, seeking to create a new multiverse where he is the sole being.
* Through introspection, he understands that Batman's existence is a reaction to fear; thus, he aims to become the catalyst for fear itself.
**Shift in Perspective:**
* The story briefly shifts to Alfred Pennyworth's notes, detailing a different Bruce Wayne who, as a child, brutally killed his parents' murderers, hinting at a darker origin story.
* This Bruce Wayne has become a powerful, evil entity, prompting Alfred to leave a warning.
**Convergence and Resolution:**
* The narrative jumps to a future where this powerful, evil Bruce Wayne (possibly the same as the Batman Who Laughs or an alternate version) is the dominant force.
* A younger, less capable Batman (possibly his son or a different hero) is unable to save Gotham.
* The evil Bruce Wayne suggests using an ancient, demonic ritual from a 1600s cult devoted to an "ancient bat god" to save Gotham, which involves a personal sacrifice.
* He ultimately kills his son as part of the ritual, merging with Gotham itself to save the city, becoming one with it.
**Setup for Continuation:**
* The story concludes with the protagonist now being Gotham, setting the stage for a continuation ("Death Metal") involving a multiversal fight between light and darkness.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, keeping each fact as a short sentence and excluding opinions:
**Character & Story Facts**
1. A new, evil version of Batman emerges from the Dark Multiverse.
2. This Batman, known as "The Batman Who Laughs," has taken on a new body.
3. The Batman Who Laughs was once killed by Wonder Woman.
4. The character's backstory involves being born from tragedy, with a bullet fired in a Gotham alley.
5. Bruce Wayne, in another universe, replicated a powerful energy to restructure his body.
6. This Bruce Wayne gained power capable of creating and destroying worlds.
**Event & Plot Facts**
7. The Dark God Varvatos approached The Batman Who Laughs, teaching him about the multiverse's nature.
8. Varvatos' actions aimed to free the Great Mother of the Perpetual Multiverse.
9. A battle against Varvatos and the Dark Knights occurred, which the heroes won.
10. The Batman Who Laughs was not eradicated and instead evolved.
11. In another timeline, Bruce Wayne's descent into darkness is observed by Alfred Pennyworth.
12. Commissioner Gordon and Barbara Gordon have been murdered in this timeline.
13. Gotham City has fallen to gangs and criminals.
**Historical & Mythological Facts (within the narrative)**
14. An ancient cult in 1600s Gotham worshipped an ancient bat god.
15. This cult believed that the greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward from their god.
**Other Facts**
16. A new Robin is introduced, signaling a new beginning.
17. Bruce Wayne considers using an ancient book for a demonic ritual to save Gotham.
18. The story of these Dark Knights is set to continue in a "Death Metal" denouement, involving a final fight between light and darkness.