Gotham City at the turn of the century is experiencing a golden era of discovery and industry as showcased by businessman Bruce Wayne's World Fair. Down in the darkest alleys, there is a killer on the loose. Preying on the city's women, the killer's as precise as he is cruel. As Police Commissioner Gordon tries to calm the fears of Gotham's citizens over the butcher named Jack the Ripper, the masked vigilante Batman does some detective work of his own with the help of the surefooted Selina Kyle.