Warning! Spoilers ahead for FCBD 2021 Collection Batman Special Edition!

Gotham's nightmarish villain Scarecrow has managed to get into Batman's brain by using a new type of mind control. This occurs in the FCBD 2021 Collection Batman Special Edition as Simon Saint sends out a broadcast explaining his intentions with the Magistrate. Obviously Saint's true intentions are far less inviting than he is promoting his plans to be. His work behind the scenes with Scarecrow will have Gotham at its knees, just like what happens to Batman in this issue.

Over the years, many DC Comics villains have had the power to control people's minds. Characters like Circe can access people's mental state and manipulate them as she so desires. Scarecrow isn't a villain who is commonly associated with mind control. Although his fear toxin has a similar effect, it doesn't work in the same way. Scarecrow's usual toxin is a chemical drug that has the ability to warp the minds of those infected by making them see their greatest fears.

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In a special preview of the upcoming Batman: Fear State event in FCBD 2021 Collection Batman Special Edition by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, and Tomeau Morey, Batman figures out that Scarecrow isn't just using his normal toxin. Throughout the issue, Batman's mental disorientation is emphasized through Jimenez's artwork. It really showcases the extent to which Scarecrow is messing with Batman's mind. Batman's big revelation comes as he recalls his past experiences on Scarecrow's fear toxin, and he is absolutely sure that this is something new. Batman comes to the conclusion that Scarecrow is using some kind of experimental mind control on him.

If Scarecrow's new form of mind control is let loose on Gotham, it could mean the end of days. Everyone would be going crazy, running around the streets of Gotham living their fears in an extremely realistic way. Even Batman, in this issue, seems to be unsure if Scarecrow is real or not. It takes a lot to genuinely scare Batman, so it seems that Scarecrow has cracked the formula. Although his new method of mind control hasn't been explained, it looks to be much easier than exposing all of Gotham to his old fear toxin. Scarecrow has much more control over how people are affected by using mind control. In this issue, Batman fears that his brain has been comprised, let alone having what he sees tampered with.

The events of all the Bat-books are rapidly building towards Batman: Fear State, the beginning of which is given a teaser in this issue. Despite calling for assistance, Batman is left in the dark as no one answers. It's clear that Batman is quickly losing his sanity and if exposed for too long, he may never be normal again. How Scarecrow's new mind control works is a mystery that will be uncovered as Batman and his team get closer to apprehending the fear-inducing villain. But will they stop Scarecrow in time before Gotham descends into madness? Find out as the events of this issue continue in Batman #112, which releases on September 7.

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