For Scarecrow's character description, start with his physical presence. He moves in a jerky, almost inhuman way, like a puppet on strings. His hands are bony and claw - like. His eyes, which can be glimpsed through the holes in the sack, are filled with a manic glint. In terms of his character, he's obsessed with fear. He sees it as a tool, a weapon, and a form of art. He has no qualms about using it on anyone, whether they're a criminal or an innocent.
Definitely 'Batman: Year One'. Although Scarecrow doesn't have a huge role, his cameo and the implications of his existence in Gotham at that time are interesting. It sets the stage for future encounters. Also, 'Scarecrow: Year One' which focuses specifically on his origin story. It shows how he became the master of fear that he is in the Batman universe.
One of the best Scarecrow stories is 'The Long Halloween'. In it, Scarecrow adds to the overall sense of dread and mystery in Gotham. His fear toxin is used to great effect, making it a great read for Batman fans.
In many Batman graphic novels, Scarecrow starts as a relatively simple fear - mongering villain. For example, in his early appearances, he mainly uses his fear toxin to cause chaos in Gotham. But as the stories progress, like in 'Batman: Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth', his character becomes more complex. He is not just about spreading fear physically but also mentally torturing Batman, showing a deeper understanding of Batman's own fears.
Fear is the most common theme. Since Scarecrow is all about inducing fear, it's often central in these fanfictions. Writers explore how Batman overcomes or is affected by the extreme fear that Scarecrow creates.
One of the best is 'Batman: The Long Halloween'. It features Scarecrow among other iconic Batman villains. The story is a noir - style mystery that unfolds over the course of a year, with holidays as a backdrop. It delves deep into the criminal underworld of Gotham and shows how Scarecrow fits into that dark tapestry.
In some fanfictions, Scarecrow is often depicted as a formidable foe to Batman. His fear toxins play a major role. Batman has to constantly overcome the extreme fears that Scarecrow induces. For example, in certain stories, Scarecrow may target Batman's deepest traumas, like the death of his parents, and use that to try and break him. This creates a very intense dynamic where Batman has to rely on his willpower and detective skills to outwit Scarecrow.
Batman would probably first try to contain the situation. He'd use his resources as Bruce Wayne to spread misinformation or counter the revelation. He might also go on the offensive against Scarecrow to stop him from spreading the news further.
The plot mainly revolves around Batman's encounters with Scarecrow. Scarecrow uses his fear toxins to spread chaos in Arkham. Batman has to face his own fears while trying to stop Scarecrow from causing more harm to the city.
'Batman: No Man's Land' is also a great pick. The story takes place in a Gotham that has been cut off from the rest of the world. Scarecrow thrives in this lawless and desolate environment. It gives a different perspective on his character as he takes advantage of the fear and despair around him.