In the aftermath of his fight with Nightwing, anti-heroes Red Hood and Jonathan Crane reteam for the first phase of their fearsome plan. Then, through a series of flashbacks, Red Hood's origins are revealed.

Gotham's crime families meet to discuss the fear toxin's hold on the city - only to be confronted by the mastermind himself. As Dick and Barbara consult the Oracle to preempt Crane's next move, Starfire and Blackfire reach an understanding.