The Mad Hatter

Not too long after Catwoman had left a shorter man arrives, making his way up to the roof from the fire escape. He is instantly recognizable because, like most Gotham rogues really, the way he is dressed identifies who they are even if you had not see them before. This man is Jervis Tetch, but most know him only as The Mad Hatter.

“Oh no no no, I was told Alice was here by the Cat, but instead I find myself a naked Bat!” he says when he sees Batgirl. Tetch believes that he is the fictional character from the original Alice stories, and a crime he always seems to repeat is the capturing of young blonde women he deludes himself into thinking is Alice.

Batgirl covers herself quickly when Tetch comments on her nakedness. “Help me get out of here and I might forget I saw you here, Tetch!” she commands. “How on earth did the Cat think you were my Alice?” he asks Batgirl, “oh unless...yes of course! I think I know where you’ve been! You are my Alice, you must have been held captive by the red queen!”

“Huh?” Batgirl says, more than a little confused. “To hide you painted your head red, which explains your red hair! And to escape you must have shrunk out of your clothes, which is of course, why you are bare! The mask is to disguise your face, but don’t worry Alice, I’ll let you go, and when we flee I’ll be sure we run an extra fast pace!” Batgirl is mostly just relieved that his delusions are for once working in her favor, “alright, Tetch. But hurry!”

The Mad Hatter runs toward Batgirl and quickly he pulls out a knife and starts prying at the lock on her handcuff.