Sienkiewicz-Batman/Odyessy #6 page 13

Artists: Neal  Adams (Penciller) ,  Bill Sienkiewicz (Inker) 

Pen and Ink
 

 

Batman N. 100-199 1956-1968

 

 

 

Batman #100 - [100th Batman Issue!] released by DC Comics on June 1, 1956.

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane cover Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang cover Gaspar Saladino letterer Jerry Robinson cover 

 Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batmantown, U.S.A.

The mayor of Plainville decides to rename the town after Batman to attract more tourists and increase the general population. Batmantown is apparently crime free but when the Dynamic Duo learn a known gangster is resident there, they decide to investigate. On arriving in Batmantown, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson pretend to be actors and audition to play Batman and Robin in a pageant in their honour. Using this opportunity, the heroes uncover a plot to rob the entire town.

The Hunters of Gotham City

A ship transporting exotic animals from around the world to Gotham City Zoo crashes at the pier and a number of animals manage to escape. Batman and Robin help the Zoologist and his assistant to round up the escaped animals one by one and discover that some of the animals may have been used for smuggling diamonds.

The Great Batman Contest

Batman and Robin decide to add to their arsenal of gadgets and offer a fully paid scholarship in Criminology to the contest winner who can invent a new Bat-gadget. After receiving enough entrants to fill up the Batcave, the Dynamic Duo narrow it down to the last four. Each gadget is then used in an actual mission to help solve crime and wait till you see the winner!

 

 

Batman #101 - The Great Bat-Cape Hunt! released by DC Comics on August 1, 1956. 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

When Batman loses a cape that has his identity sewn into it, he has to use all his deductive powers to find its location!

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #102 - The Caveman at Large released by DC Comics on September 1, 1956. 

No description 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

 Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #103 - Bat-Hound, Movie Star released by DC Comics on October 1, 1956. 

No description

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #104 - The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms released by DC Comics on December 1, 1956. 

No description 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #105 - The Challenge of Batwoman released by DC Comics on February 1, 1957. 

 No description 

 

Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #106 - The Batman Puppet released by DC Comics on March 1, 1957. 

 No description 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #107 - The Grown-Up Boy Wonder released by DC Comics on April 1, 1957. 

"The Grown-Up Boy Wonder"

When Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson examine a box which Superman found floating in outer space and left with them until he returned from a current mission, Dick accidentally causes it to open and spew forth a gas that ages him to a young adult. The two are unsure of what to do in Superman's absence, but the Bat-signal draws Batman away to a jewel robbery in Gotham being committed by the Daredevils, ex-acrobats turned to crime. Batman vetoes Dick coming along as a second Batman, saying that he has a lot of mental growth to do yet. But Dick sneaks on the "Owlman" costume that Bruce had stored away for a masquerade party, grabs a lift on the back of the Batmobile, and hurries away with Batman to the scene of the crime. Batman angrily thinks that he'd spank Dick, if he wasn't so big; the Daredevils manage to make a getaway, and Owlman, misgauging his weight, almost falls to his death when a flagpole breaks in his hands. Batman, saving him, angrily berates him for "acting like a kid--still rushing ahead without thinking!"

Dick begins to see the disadvantages of living in an adult body, such as his sudden cut--off from all his young pals and virtual isolation from the outside world. But, still confident he can fight crime as a man, he becomes Owlman again, tracks the Daredevils to a prominent fence's lair, and promptly knocks himself out by not ducking under a low ceiling beam. The crooks unmask him, but cannot place his adult face. Dick admits that he still has a lot of growing up to do, and Batman allows that if he can admit that, he isn't a kid anymore. Batman and Owlman go outside, tear into the three Daredevils, and bring them down. Shortly after the crooks are carted off, Dick faints, and awakens in the Batcave as a boy again, the effect of the gas being temporary. The Daredevils, in jail, vow to find out who the Owlman really was, not knowing they have a long wait ahead of them. And Dick Grayson returns to school, eager to get back with his friends.

-Note the trio in this story are referred to as the The Daredevils but bare an incredibly striking resemblance to the golden age characters the Three Devils. Not only do they have similar attire, they have identical origins, motifs, and even use the same fence, Frankie, to unload their stolen jewelry.

Batman #108 - The Career of Batman Jones released by DC Comics on June 1, 1957.
No description 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist Edmond Hamilton writer

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #109 - The 1,001 Inventions of Batman released by DC Comics on August 1, 1957. 

 A criminal scientist succeeds in X-raying and then building his version of the Batman's effective crime tool, the Seeing Eye, to use against the Dynamic Duo.

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan cover, penciler Dave Wood writer Dick Sprang penciler Edmond Hamilton writer Jack Schiff editor

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye artist, cover, inker

Batman #110 - Crime-of-the-Month Club! / The Secret of Batman's Butler / The Phantom Batman released by DC Comics on September 1957. 

1. Cover by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye.
2. "Crime-of-the-Month Club!" written by Dave Wood, penciled by Dick Sprang and inked by Charles Paris.
3. "The Secret of Batman's Butler" written by Bill Finger, penciled by Shelley Moldoff and inked by Stan Kaye.
4. "The Phantom Batman" written by Edmond Hamilton, penciled by Dick Sprang and inked by Charles Paris.

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #111 - The Armored Batman released by DC Comics on October 1, 1957. 

Gotham City Safari

The Dynamic Duo get embroiled in a murder mystery between big game hunters. Can they manage to avoid being bagged?

The Other Bruce Wayne

With Bruce N. Wayne, renowned detective, in the house, can Batman's secret stay a secret?

The Armored Batman

When a mysterious gangster threatens the Masked Manhunter, he and Robin immediately start wearing amour. Is he losing his edge?

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

Batman #112 - Am I Really Batman? released by DC Comics on December 1, 1957. 

No description  

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang penciler France Herron writer

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff cover, penciler

Batman #113 - Batman: Superman of Planet X released by DC Comics on February 1, 1958. 

In this issue Batman battles false face. A menace with the capability to alter his appearance to match those of influential Gotham citizens. After masquerading as an eccentric millionaire to surreptitiously stealing expensive jewels False face lays a trap for the batman by impersonating a famous country singer. But the Batman has a few tricks up his sleeve.

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #114 - The Secret of Mechanical City released by DC Comics on March 1, 1958. 

The Mechanical City

The Mirage Master

The Bat-Ape

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #115 - The Batman in the Bottle released by DC Comics on April 1, 1958. 

The Million-Dollar Clues

A dying criminal taunts the Dynamic Duo from beyond the grave with a series of clues to a hidden fortune - will the dead man truly get the last laugh?

Batman For Hire!

Has Batman really sold out?

Batman In The Bottle!

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #116 - The Winged Bat-People released by DC Comics on June 1, 1958. 

Legend City: Once a year in Legend City, ''people dress up like legendary characters and hold a big celebration.''
 

 

 

Arnold Drake writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #117 - Manhunt in Outer Space released by DC Comics on August 1, 1958. 

Batman and Robin travel the universe to catch an intergalactic criminal
 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

 

Batman #118 - The Merman Batman released by DC Comics on September 1, 1958. 

Due to a freak accident, Batman has become aquatic! How will the Dynamic Duo cope?

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #119 - Rip-Van Batman released by DC Comics on October 1, 1958. 

No description

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Gaspar Saladino letterer George Roussos inker, penciler Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #120 - The Airborne Batman released by DC Comics on December 1, 1958. 

No description 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Dave Wood writer Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #121 - The Ice Crimes of Mr. Zero released by DC Comics on February 1, 1959. 

 The first appearance and origin of Mr. Freeze (known as Mr. Zero in this issue).

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Henry Boltinoff inker, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp letterer Ray Burnley inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #122 - The Marriage of Batman and Batwoman! released by DC Comics on March 1959. 

 "The Marriage of Batman and Batwoman" Reprinted in: Batman Annual #4, Pizza Hut Collectors' Edition Volume 1, DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2 & DC Comics Classics Library: Batman - The Annuals #2.

Note: Marriage is mentioned but it is not shown.

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #123 - The Fugitive Batman released by DC Comics on April 1, 1959. 

No description  

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #124 - The Mystery Seeds From Space released by DC Comics on June 1, 1959.

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #125 - King Batman the First released by DC Comics on August 1, 1959. 

No description  

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #126 - The Menace of the Firefly released by DC Comics on September 1, 1959. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #127 - The Hammer of Thor released by DC Comics on October 1, 1959. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #128 - The Interplanetary Batman released by DC Comics on December 1, 1959. 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

Batman #129 - The Web of the Spinner released by DC Comics on February 1960. 

In this issue Batman and Robin must battle "The Spinner," a Gotham city thief who uses spinning objects to defeat the "Titanic Twosome" He uses spinning impregnated glass to blind them, a giant spinner top to impede them, and uses a gun that fires spinning buzz saws as a weapon. Meanwhile on the other side of town Batwoman is solving a mystery of her own. A swami has been charging old widow and vulnerable women a fee to find their lost jewelry item. Soon Batwoman discoverers that he is a fake just as Batman and Robin close in on the identity of the Spinner.

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

Batman #130 - The Hand From Nowhere released by DC Comics on March 1, 1960. 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dick Sprang artist Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler 

 

Batman #131 - The Second Batman and Robin Team released by DC Comics on April 1, 1960. 

"The Second Batman and Robin Team" Reprinted in: Batman Annual #7, Batman: From the 30's to the 70's, DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2 & DC Comics Classics Library: Batman - The Annuals #2.

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #132 - Lair of the Sea-Fox released by DC Comics on June 1, 1960. 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Curt Swan penciler Dick Sprang penciler George Kashdan editor Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp colorist, cover Jack Schiff editor, writer Murray Boltinoff editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #133 - Batwoman's Publicity Agent released by DC Comics on August 1, 1960. 

 

1. Crimes of the Kite-Man (Batman and Robin Vs. Kite Man / written by Bill Finger)

2. Lend a Friendly Hand! (public service message by Superman / written by Jack Schiff)

3. The Voyage of the S.S. Batman (Batman and Robin)

Batman gives tours on a boat, and some crooks try to steal a trophy on display. Is the trophy worth more than it seems?

1. Casey the Cop (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff)

2. Warden Willis (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff)

3. Batwoman's Publicity Agent (Batman, Robin, Batwoman, Bat-Mite, Bat-Hound / written by Bill Finger)

Bat-Mite falls in love with Batwoman and "with your help, Bat-Hound, I'll make Batwoman the most famous crime-fighter of Gotham city!"

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff cover

Batman #134 - The Rainbow Creature released by DC Comics on September 1, 1960. 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

Batman #135 - The Menace of the Sky Creature released by DC Comics on October 1, 1960. 

"The Return of the Second Batman and Robin Team" Alfred's Tales of the Future. Reprinted in: DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2.

 

  Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #136 - Challenge of the Joker released by DC Comics on December 1, 1960. 

 

Bernard Baily inker, penciler Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker George Kashdan editor Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp cover, letterer Jack Schiff editor, writer Murray Boltinoff editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler Stan Starkman letterer

Batman #137 - Robin's New Boss released by DC Comics on February 1, 1961. 

 

1. Robin's New Boss (Batman and Robin vs. Mr. Marvel / written by Bill Finger)

"Robin left me to join Mr. Marvel and his fantastic weapons--and they've become a fantastic fighting team" "Great work, Robin! You chased those crooks right into my force-wall!"

Why does Robin quit being Batman's sidekick and join up with Mr. Marvel?

1. Our American Heritage (public service message / written by Jack Schiff)

2. The Bandit with 1,000 Brands (Batman and Robin vs. the Brand)

This villain leaves cattle brands behind as clues.

1. Jail Jests (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff)

2. Teacher from the Stars (Batman, Robin / written by Bill Finger)

An alien teacher and his students have a field trip in Gotham. What happens when the pupils unwittingly help some crooks?

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dave Wood writer Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #138 - Secret of the Sea Beast released by DC Comics on March 1, 1961.

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #139 - Bat-Girl released by DC Comics on April 1961. 

Contains the 1st appearance of Bette Kane the original Bat-Girl.

This Silver Age adventure features the very first appearance of Batgirl!

"The Blue Bowman"

Batman and Robin go up against the Signalman in a new costume and now calling himself Blue Bowman. The duo discover that while in prison, the Signalman met Bulls-Eye, a criminal who adopted Green Arrow's trick arrow motif but altered it slightly by committing crimes instead of stopping them. Inspired, Signalman followed suit and decided to adopt the persona of Blue Bowman. The Caped Crusader tries to bring the Blue Bowman to justice but is thwarted by the trick arrows again and again until Batman adopts a counter measure; trick batarangs! Blue Bowman is quickly defeated and returns to jail.

"The Island of 1,000 Traps"

In pursuit of the nefarious George Milo, Batman and Robin risk their lives on the Island of 1,000 traps.

"Bat-Girl!"

When Batman, Robin and Batwoman find themselves trapped in a circle of electricity and at the mercy of the Cobra Gang, all seems lost until a newcomer swings onto the scene. Batgirl makes her debut and saves her costumed colleagues in the process. Suspecting she knows who the girl behind the mask is, Kathy (Batwoman) Kane is not surprised to learn that Batgirl is her neice, Betty. Not only does the Boy Wonder now have a female counterpart, perhaps here is his first love interest?

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #140 - The Eighth Wonder of Space released by DC Comics on June 1, 1961. 

Can the Dynamic Duo really have been turned into aliens?

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #141 - The Crimes of the Clockmaster released by DC Comics on August 1, 1961. 

 

 

Batman #142 - Ruler of the Bewitched Valley released by DC Comics on September 1, 1961. 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Dave Wood writer Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #143 - Bat-Hound and the Creature released by DC Comics on October 1, 1961. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #144 - Bat-Mite Meets Bat-Girl; The Alien Feud on Earth; The Man Who Played Batman released by DC Comics on December 1, 1961. 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff artist, inker, penciler

Batman #145 - The Son of the Joker released by DC Comics on February 1, 1962. 

"The Son of the Joker" Reprinted in: Batman #254 & DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2.

Across the Pacific lies a group of fabulous islands that are called the Hawaiian Archipelago Islands that comprise our newest state-Hawaii! Here, in this land of sun and surf, two crime-fighters arrive to track down a cunning criminal! From the lava crater of Mauna Loa Volcano, to the mountain straddling cane fields, Batman and Robin follow a strange quest in their hunt for Mr. 50!

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #146 - The Deadly Curse of Korabo released by DC Comics on March 1, 1962. 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #147 - Batman Becomes Bat-Baby released by DC Comics on May 1, 1962. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker George Kashdan editor Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp cover, letterer Jack Schiff editor, writer Jim Mooney inker, penciler Milt Snapinn letterer Murray Boltinoff editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler Stan Starkman letterer

 

Batman #148 - The Joker's Greatest Triumph released by DC Comics on June 1, 1962. 

1. The Alien Force Twins (Batman, Robin)

Aliens are invading! Can Batman and Robin find their weakness?

1. Your Pass to New Worlds! (public service message written by Jack Schiff)

2. Lefty Looie (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff)

3. The Boy Who Was Robin (Batman, Robin, Alfred)

What happens when Bruce's younger cousin gets one of Robin's costumes to commit crimes?

1. Casey the Cop (gag strip by Henry Boltinoff)

2. The Joker's Greatest Triumph (Batman and Robin vs The Joker, with Commissioner Gordon)

"At last I've unmasked Batman and have discovered his secret identity!"

"Great Scott! Now the Joker knows that Batman is Bruce Wayne!"

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #149 - Invaders From the Past released by DC Comics on August 1, 1962. 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Jim Mooney penciler Sheldon Moldoff inker

Batman #150 - Robin, the Super Boy Wonder released by DC Comics on September 1, 1962. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Charles Paris inker Jack Schiff editor Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #151 - Batman's New Secret Identity released by DC Comics on November 1, 1962. 

When Batman and Robin's secret identities are discovered, they must adopt new ones in order to keep fighting crime. 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #152 - The False Face Society released by DC Comics on December 1, 1962. 

 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

 

Batman #153 - Prisoners of Three Worlds released by DC Comics on February 1963. 

Batwoman and Batgirl join the fight against aliens!

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane cover Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

 

Batman #154 - The Strange Experiment of Doctor Dorn released by DC Comics on March 1, 1963.

"Danger Strikes Four" Reprinted in: DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2.

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Ira Schnapp cover, letterer Jack Schiff editor, writer Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler Stan Starkman letterer

 

Batman #155 - Return of the Penguin ; Batman's Psychic Twin released by DC Comics on May 1, 1963. 

1. Countdown on Excellence (a public service message by Jerry and his father / written by Jack Schiff)

2. Batman's Psychic Twin (Batman and Robin, Kathy Kane)

3. The Return of the Penguin (Batman and Robin vs Penguin, with Vicki Vale, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon / written by Bill Finger)

"Robin! Look Out! The Penguin had a flame-throwing device set inside the bronze dragon's mouth!"

1. Quick Quiz

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Gaspar Saladino letterer Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #156 - Robin Dies at Dawn released by DC Comics on June 1963. 

Batman and Robin fight an enormous stone idol!

Batman finds himself on a mysterious Planet with no memory or explanation of how he got there, He is without his utility belt and all his supplies Batman walks the planet with slightly disturbed that he is alone on the planet. Soon Batman discovers an ancient abandoned city surrounded by strange plant life that may be alive and grabs at him. Batman is then helped by Robin (Dick Grayson) who helps save him. Batman asks how he got there something Robin does not answer. As the two roam the planet Batman is sure he is being watched by human eyes they then see a strange four armed statue that is in fact alive and chases the Dynamic Duo. Batman and Robin use a tree trunk to swing over to the other side of a chasm and plan on having the creature put his foot on the other side crush the edge with his own tremendous weight. Robin then pelts the creature with rocks in an attempt to cross the chasm much to Batman’s protest the creature then grabs a boulder and crosses the chasm but crushes the edge and falls into the pit the boulder it was holding strikes Robin killing him. Batman mourns the death of Robin and buries him. Batman continues to walk the planet by himself in a weakened and saddened state. Batman still is sure eyes are watching him but sees a strange reptilian alien creature; Batman not wanting to live let the creature attack him blaming himself for Robin’s death.

Batman is then shown in a high tech room with a device strapped to his head Robin a military general and a scientist come in the room. Batman disoriented then remembers that he was in fact participating in an experiment for NASA to simulate how an astronaut would react in space by himself before shows mental signs of distress. The next night Batman is at the scientist’s office where he explained that Batman mind was responding to a fear of loneliness he has and the fear that Robin may die are why he hallucinated his death. As Batman leaves the scientist wonders if there are any residual affects to Batman’s psyche.

As Batman and Robin leave they see the members of the Gorilla Gang escaping from a loan office with bags of money. Batman and Robin briefly fight with the Gang before they run on the beam from a construction crane. As Robin runs on the crane Batman hallucinates that the crane is the creature from his hallucination and throws him and Robin over the edge of the building to prevent the Creature from “Killing” Robin. Batman apologizes to Robin then.

Batman then has nightmares of the living plants from his hallucination where Dick, Alfred and Ace the Bathound rush into his room and begin to suspect Bruce May not be alright.

The next night Batman and Robin go to capture the Gorilla gang that is now escaping in a car but Batman hallucinates it’s the same reptilian creature from his mind and believes Robin is dead. Robin then runs to the car to move the criminal’s hands from hitting Batman the criminals Miss Batman but knock him down and escape.

In the Batcave Bruce Wayne refuses to place Robin in danger any longer and decides to no longer be Batman leaving Robin saddened.

The next night Robin is to testify on another case and leaves he speaks to the scientist who tells him Batman will be okay under therapy. Batman then gets an emergency call from Commissioner Gordon who tells him that Robin was captured by the Gorilla Gang on his way to testify and left a note to Batman saying Robin will die by dawn for interfering with their robberies. Batman then puts on his costume to go out and save Robin after not finding sufficient information he decides to go to the location where the Gorilla Gang escaped a night ago and brings the Bat-Hound to track the scent down.

Robin is then seen at dawn strapped to a giant balloon by the Gorilla Gang who are about to strike the chords of the balloon with a axe they then hear a noise in a nearby building they send a member to investigate but Batman comes back instead and disposes of the criminals but one accidentally strikes the chords freeing the balloon. The chords hit Batman who briefly remembers the living plans of his hallucination but overcomes it and throws the axe to the balloon deflating it and saving Robin. Robin says Batman must have recovered and Batman says that it was easy since he only imagined that Robin died but was facing reality.

Note: The cover is a homage to the cover of Baffling Mysteries #7.

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris cover, inker Dave Wood writer Gaspar Saladino cover, letterer Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Jack Schiff editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, penciler Stan Starkman letterer

Batman #157 - The Villain of the Year ; The Hunt for Batman's Secret Identity released by DC Comics on August 1, 1963. 

 The Villain of the Year (Batman, Robin, Commissioner Gordon / written by Dave Wood)

What happens when one of Batman's informants is mentally unbalanced and wanted by the crooks?

1. The Hunt for Batman's Secret Identity (Batman, Robin, Vicki Vale, Batwoman, Alfred Pennyworth, Mirror-Man / written by Bill Finger)

Vicki hires an actor to play Bruce Wayne so Mirror-Man doesn't think he's Batman. But what happens when Mirror-Man tries to unmask the man playing Bruce Wayne?

1. True Crime Laffs (jokes by Henry Boltinoff)

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #158 - Ace -- the Super Bat-Hound; Batman and Robin, Imposters; Secret of the Impossible Perils released by DC Comics on September 1, 1963. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Jack Schiff editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler

Batman #159 - The Great Clayface-Joker Feud / The Boyhood of Bruce Wayne Jr. released by DC Comics on November 1963. 

 Cover by Shelley Moldoff.

1. "The Great Clayface-Joker Feud" written by Bill Finger, penciled by Shelley Moldoff and inked by Charles Paris. Reprinted in The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told.
2. "The Boyhood of Bruce Wayne Jr." written by Unknown, penciled by Shelley Moldoff and inked by Charles Paris. Reprinted in: DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2.

Bill Finger writer Dave Wood writer Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #160 - The Alien Boss of Gotham City released by DC Comics on December 1, 1963. 

 

Dave Wood writer Sheldon Moldoff inker, penciler

Batman #161 - The Bat-Mite Hero released by DC Comics on February 1, 1964. 

 

 

Charles Paris inker Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp cover, letterer Jack Schiff editor, writer Joe Letterese letterer Sheldon Moldoff cover, inker, penciler

 

Batman #162 - The Batman Creature ; Robin's New Secret Identity released by DC Comics on March 1, 1964. 

The Batman Creature (Batman, Robin, Batwoman) Gotham City banks are jewelry stores are experiencing a strange series of robberies from crooks who seem more than normal, exhibiting fantastic strength, speed and stamina, while also having odd almost animal like appearances. After one of their robberies are foiled by Batman and Robin the thief run into the woods and are pursued by them on their whirly-bats. While doing this Batman is attacked from a tree by the feline looking crook and his whirly-bat crashes. Batman continues on foot and finds the lair of the criminal band, which turns out to really be animals given humanoid appearance and semi-intelligence by a rogue scientist with a ray machine, Batman is seen by the scientist who manages to hit him with the ray which has the opposite effect on him turning him into a huge savage monster. Bat-drama then ensues.

1. Strange Old Laws (humorous strip by Henry Boltinoff)
2. Robin's New Secret Identity (Batman, Robin)
3. Give and Take (a public service message by Fred and Mr. and Mrs. Craig / written by Jack Schiff)

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris inker Chic Stone penciler Jack Schiff editor Sheldon Moldoff artist, cover, inker, penciler

 

Batman #163 - Bat-Girl -- Batwoman II! / The Joker Jury! released by DC Comics on May 1964. 

 

1. Cover by Shelley Moldoff.
2. "Bat-Girl -- Batwoman II!" written by Bill Finger, penciled by Chic Stone and inked by Charles Paris. Reprinted in: DC's Greatest Imaginary Stories #2.
3. "The Joker Jury!" written by Bill Finger, penciled by Shelley Moldoff and inked by Charles Paris. Reprinted in The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told.

In the lead story, Batman and Robin are captured by the Joker, who promptly puts them on trial with himself as the Judge! But wait a minute - who are the members of the jury - they are all the Joker as well! (Actually they are the Joker's henchmen wearing masks). Can the Dynamic Duo escape their sentences?

"Bat-Girl -- Batwoman II!" In the second story, Alfred Pennyworth continues his imaginary tales as he tell of how Batgirl will one day grow up to be Batwoman II. Crystal ball clearly not working, Alfred.

Bob Kane penciler France Herron writer Joe Giella cover, inker Julius Schwartz editor Sheldon Moldoff cover, penciler

Batman #164 - Two-Way Gem Caper! released by DC Comics on June 1, 1964. 

 A double-action Batman and Robin thriller..."Two-way gem caper" Guest-starring The Hootenanny Hotshots!

This issue sees a whole host of changes to the Batman title - and its not only the yellow circle around the black Bat-insignia on Batman's chest. This issue marks a shift in emphasis from Batman and Robin battling aliens to a more detective orientated run. This is the first issue that featured the secret wall panel that led to an automatic elevator to the Batcave. No more secret entrance via the grandfather clock!

At the Bottom of the elevator Bruce reveals the new sports car style Batmobile which exited the Batcave via an automatic door on a hillside. The final surprise comes as the Dynamic Duo drive into town. Seeing the Bat-signal flash overhead, Batman flips open a dashboard compartment to reveal a new "hot-line" phone direct to Commissioner Gordon's office.

This issue also introduces the Mystery Analysts of Gotham City, a group of detectives who met to discuss baffling mysteries and comprised Batman, Professor Ralph Vern,(a laboratory sleuth), Art Saddows (crime reporter), Kaye Daye (a crime novelist) and Police Commissioner Gordon. At their first meeting, private eye Hugh Rankin tried to join the group by solving the mystery of Batman's secret identity. With Batman's permission, Rankin produced a dummy that looked nothing like Bruce Wayne at all. He was bald, overweight and his nose was too big. The club members looked to Batman for verification, and the caped crusader removed his mask to reveal...he looked just like the dummy!

 

Bob Kane penciler Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #165 - The Man Who Quit the Human Race released by DC Comics on August 1, 1964. 

 Daringly different..."The man who quit the human race"!

In this issue Batman and Robin help a man who is the next step in human evolution. They watch as doctors help transform the man from a normal human to something greater. After the experiment is complete the mutant goes on a rampage to destroy the "inferior" humans. The mutant then flees to a nuclear laboratory to complete his transformation. In the end Batman stops him by shining light through gold leaf. The mutant is blast into outer space until earth is ready for him.

 

Bob Kane penciler Carmine Infantino penciler France Herron writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #166 - Two-Way Deathtrap released by DC Comics on September 1964. 

Batman featuring "Two-way deathtrap"!

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Carmine Infantino penciler Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #167 - Zero Hour for Earth released by DC Comics on November 1964. 

A book-length spy-thriller, "Zero Hour for Earth"!

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino penciler France Herron writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #168 - The Fight That Jolted Gotham City released by DC Comics on December 1964. 

 Batman vs Mr. Mammoth in the greatest slugfest of all time. "The Fight that Jolted Gotham City!"

Batman helps cure Mr. Mammoth of his wild mood swings.

 

Carmine Infantino penciler France Herron writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #169 - Partners In Plunder released by DC Comics on February 1, 1965. 

The Penguin is back again, as he traps Batman and Roving into becoming his unwitting "Partners in Plunder"!

Penguin uses an umbrella barrage to trick Batman into planning his next crime for him.

This issue was adapted to the episodes Batman #103 - Fine Feathered Finks and Batman #104 - The Penguin's A Jinx.

Bill Finger writer Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella penciler Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 Batman #170 - Genius of the Gimmick Getaways! released by DC Comics on March 1965.  

With his hands tied, Batman takes on a group of Getaway Gimmicks!

 

Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson cover Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #171 - Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler released by DC Comics on May 1965. 

It's the first Silver Age appearance of the Riddler. Edward Nigma cannot plan a crime without leaving a clue for Batman and Robin to solve. Can the Dynamic Duo solve the clues the Riddler leaves them and catch him in the act or will the Riddler escape to leave another clue another day?
 

 

Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #172 - Attack of the Invisible Knights released by DC Comics on June 1965. 

 

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover, penciler Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker John Broome writer Murphy Anderson cover, inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler Sid Greene inker

Batman #173 - Secret Identities for Sale released by DC Comics on August 1, 1965.

Secret Identities For Sale!

Batman, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and several of Gotham City's finest, prepare to raid the secret headquarters of Mr. Incognito, the mysterious masked mastermind of Gotham City's underworld. With the Dynamic Duo leading the way, the officers storm Mr. Incognito's building. A fierce melee breaks out, as the Caped Crusaders, along with Gordon's officers, battle against Mr. Incognito's criminal forces. All the while, Mr. Incognito calmly watches from his throne. Seemingly out of nowhere, an apparent news photographer appears and begins snapping pictures. Officers roughly escort the man from the premises. Batman and Robin close on the still seated Mr. Incognito. Suddenly, a steel barrier descends, separating them from their quarry. By the time the police can cut through the adjoining wall, Mr. Incognito has escaped through a trapdoor, into the sewers. Though Mr. Incognito's syndicate is broken, Gordon is clearly disappointed that the man himself got away. Late the next day, Gotham City's mayor is approached by one Elwood Pearson, the photographer from the police raid. Pearson claims to have a photograph that reveals the secret identity of Mr. Incognito. For a cool million dollars, Pearson is willing to sell it. Pearson, an ambitious member of the paparazzi, sought out a way to get the exclusive photographs no else could. A gifted inventor, Pearson crafted a special camera that could shoot through solid objects, like walls, doors, or masks. Pearson gives the mayor one day to consider making the purchase.

Once Pearson departs, the mayor immediately contacts Bataman and Robin, and asks them to look into Pearson's background. Knowing his true identity, Pearson contacts Mr. Incognito, with an offer to sell a photograph that reveals the true identities of Batman and Robin. The price is, again, one million dollars. Batman and Robin arrive at Pearson's photography studio, and take the fire escape up to the roof. Mr. Incognito enters the studio through a secret basement entryway, one entirely unknown to Pearson. Producing the photograph of Batman and Robin, Pearson holds the picture up to a mirror. The reflected photograph reveals the faces of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. Looking in from the studio skylight, Batman and Robin are horrified to see their true faces revealed to Mr. Incognito. Fortunately, neither Pearson, nor Mr. Incognito, recognize the true identities of the Caped Crusaders. Crashing through the skylight, Batman and Robin descend into Pearson's studio. Mr. Incognito is quick to draw on the Dynamic Duo, who are quicker to take cover. While Robin distracts Mr. Incognito by hurling exploding flood light bulbs around him, Batman closes and disarms the masked mastermind. Robin takes down Pearson, After a brief struggle, Batman defeats Mr. Incognito. Though their faces are now known to Pearson and Mr. Incognito, the Caped Crusaders count on neither man ever learning the names that go with those faces.

Walk, Batman--To Your Doom!

Despite overwhelming and conclusive evidence of his guilt, Bunky Galliver is acquitted at his trial. Batman and Robin are summoned to the district attorney's office. The district attorney shows Batman a series of jury photographs, all from different trials. In each photograph, the same man, wearing a different disguise each time, appears as a juror at those trials. The man is identified as one Franklin Knott, an independent candidate, currently running for the office of Governor. Robin is sent undercover to keep an eye on Galliver, with an ear towards learning of the crook's next planned score. Batman, as Bruce Wayne, attends a political rally, in support of Knott's bid for the Governorship. Despite Wayne's distaste for Knott, he can't seem to shake the compulsion to vote for the man, come election day. Robin reports that Galliver is planning to hit the home of deceased millionaire, Barton Keller. Batman and Robin intercept Galliver and his gang, at Keller's mansion, and quickly take the band of criminals down.

Looking into Knott's background leads Batman and Robin to Gotham Junction, specifically to the isolated laboratory of scientist, John Grover. Grover's research into epsilon radiation resulted in the discovery of "E Rays". By varying the positive or negative wavelengths of the epsilon radiation, Grover discovered he could influence the behavior of the laboratory mice. Batman theorizes that Knott, Grover's former assistant, may be using the epsilon radiation to influence people. As if on cue, Knott appears and confirms Batman's notion. Before they can react, Knott bathes Grover and the Dynamic Duo in positive waves of epsilon radiation. Now compelled to follow his orders, Knott commands the trio to walk straight into Pima Lake. As the men walk farther and farther out into the lake, the water rises higher and higher. Remembering that he has already been influenced to vote for Knott, Batman focuses on the earlier compulsion, hoping that by doing so, he can override the command to walk into the lake. He does, then forcibly drags Robin and Grover out, locking them away until he can reverse the effects of the epsilon radiation. Batman catches up with Knott at another political rally, one where Knott is announcing his candidacy for President , and apprehends Knott.

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #174 - The Human Punching Bag released by DC Comics on September 1, 1965. 

The Getaway Genius returns to plague Batman, but can the Masked Manhunter evade the deadly trap of... a plastic bag?

Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #175 - The Decline and Fall of Batman released by DC Comics on November 1, 1965. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Dave Wood writer

  David V. Reed writer

Dick Sprang artist

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #176 - Batman and Robin's Most Fantastic Foes released by DC Comics on December 1, 1965. 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Carmine Infantino penciler Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #177 - Two Batmen Too Many released by DC Comics on December 1, 1965. 

For criminals, having Batman and Robin to contend with is rough enough. However, things can get even rougher, especially where there are three batmen around!

 

Gaspar Saladino letterer Gil Kane penciler Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Robert Kanigher writer Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #178 - Raid of the Rocketeers released by DC Comics on February 1, 1966. 

 Batman and Robin witness a theft by a group of backpack wearing crooks known as the Rocketeers.

 

 

 

Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Gil Kane penciler Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Robert Kanigher writer Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #179 - Clay Pigeon for a Killer; The Riddle-Less Robberies of the Riddler! released by DC Comics on March 1966. 

The Riddler’s back with a new batch of zany puzzles to drive Batman and Robin batty!

 

 

Gaspar Saladino letterer Gil Kane penciler Joe Giella inker Julius Schwartz editor Murphy Anderson inker Robert Kanigher writer Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #180 - Death Knocks Three Times released by DC Comics on May 1966. 

Batman and Robin battle a new villain named Death-Man, whose most notable power is the apparent ability to come back from the dead.

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Julius Schwartz editor Murphy Anderson cover Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #181 - Beware of Poison Ivy!, The Perfect Crime - Slightly Imperfect! released by DC Comics on June 1966.

The first appearance of Poison Ivy in “Beware of Poison Ivy!” Poison Ivy challenges the reigning female villains in Gotham City. Batman and Robin are on the move to stop her, but they’re both at risk of falling victim to her charms! *Content scan quality may vary.

This comic is a big key issue that features the first appearance of Poison Ivy.

Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are attending a Pop-Art show that features pieces of the top 3 (Dragon Fly, Silken Spider, and Tiger Moth) female criminals in Gotham City. Poison Ivy shows up and challenges the top spot to the press and then makes a quick getaway. Batman tries to follow her but she manages to get away. All the while Robin is worried that Batman is falling in love with Poison Ivy. (Why? because he has a secret crush? haha)

When the 3 top female criminals hear about Ivy's challenge they show up in her pre-arranged place and what do you know!? It turns out to be a trap and all 3 are knocked unconscience. When Batman arrives on the scene Ivy uses her charm to seduce Batman but Robin is there too and helps him to snap out of it and she is later arrested.

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane artist Charles Paris cover

  David V. Reed writer

Dick Sprang artist Gaspar Saladino letterer

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff cover Stan Kaye cover Winslow Mortimer cover

 

Batman #182 - The Strange Lives of Batman and Robin released by DC Comics on July 1966. 

The Dynamic Duo are affected by strange gases, making Robin much older and making Batman more youthful. Robin, now the adult member of the team, must try to control his youthful partner’s rashness while tracking down the criminal responsible for the change.

 

 

Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Julius Schwartz editor Murphy Anderson cover Robert Kanigher writer Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

Batman #183 - A Touch of Poison Ivy!; Batman's Baffling Turnabout! released by DC Comics on August 1966. 

Poison Ivy's debut continues in "A Touch of Poison Ivy!" Batman and Robin learn the extent of Poison Ivy's powers as she lures and weakens Batman-from behind bars!

A Touch Of Poison Ivy!

Bruce Wayne swans about town, with a different woman on his arm each night, but he only has eyes for Poison Ivy. In their last encounter, a kiss from the deadly villainess left a post hypnotic suggestion in the Batman's mind. Now every woman he sees is Poison Ivy. Every word they say is spoken in her honeyed, seductive whisper. Always Poison Ivy re-enforces the notion that Batman is under her spell, and will be unable to resist the urge to break her free from Gotham State Penitentiary. Dick Grayson notices Wayne's distance, but fails to shake Wayne from his reverie. Gunshots, however, do the trick. Quickly donning their costumes, Batman and Robin swing into action. The Dynamic Duo break up a gang of crooks attempting to execute several key witnesses in the court case against Joe "The Undertaker." Crime fighting seems to break Poison Ivy's sway over Batman. Feigning repentance, Poison Ivy crafts a pocket mirror, in the prison's machine shop, and has it delivered to Batman, along with a letter. The pocket mirror seems to more strongly place the Batman under Poison Ivy's spell, as the Caped Crusader literally spends days staring into the mirror. Always seeing her face in the looking glass, and hearing her voice, urging him to release her from prison. In an attempt to clear Batman's head, Robin takes the Dark Knight on a ferry ride across Gotham River. Criminals hijack the ferry. Batman focuses on the mirror, leaving Robin to take the crooks on alone. Only after seeing the Boy Wonder take a terrible beating does Batman intervene, quickly making short work of the hijackers.

Batman shatters the mirror, then sends the pieces back to Poison Ivy. Days later, Batman is summoned to the prison hospital, where Poison Ivy has taken deathly ill. Poison Ivy requests one last kiss. As Batman is overwhelmed with compassion, Poison Ivy uses his momentary weakness to take Batman hostage, with her hair. Holding a clump of her explosive-laden hair, Poison Ivy forces Batman to carry her out of the prison infirmary, to a waiting getaway car, outside the penitentiary walls. The prison's guards' pursuit is foiled when Poison Ivy hurls the strands of her hair at their vehicles. The hairs explode underneath the three cars, disabling them. Batman grabs the steering wheel to take control of the getaway car, only to find his hand pricked by a drugged needle, mounted on the wheel. Batman passes out. Batman awakens to find a leash around his neck, with Poison Ivy holding the other end. To protest his captivity, Batman begins a hunger strike. After several days, Poison Ivy decides to force feed Batman, intravenously. Setting up the I.V. panics Poison Ivy's pet panther, forcing Batman to come to her rescue, when the spooked wild cat lunges for her. Poison Ivy pulls Batman in close for a kiss, just as Robin bursts in. The Boy Wonder takes down Poison Ivy's gang. Poison Ivy pulls back from the kiss to find that Batman has bound her wrists with the I.V.'s rubber tubing. Poison Ivy is returned to prison, still certain that Batman, under her spell, will eventually free her.

Batman's Baffling Turnabout!

Batman and Robin bust a criminal gang at an import/export warehouse, in Gotham City. In pursuit of the last crook, Batman triggers a trap door, plummeting down onto an adhesive coated net, suspended over Gotham River. From above, a mysterious figure tells Batman that the entire warehouse had been set with traps. Having served a five year prison sentence, the mystery criminal set a revenge plan in motion to get back at the Batman. With the tide coming in, Gotham River begins to rise. Soon Batman will be engulfed. The mystery man leaves Batman to drown. Donning a Batman costume, the mystery crook joins Robin, feigning a sprained ankle. Though Robin immediately realizes that this man is not the Batman, he plays along with the deception. Driving the Batmobile, Robin takes the injured "Batman" to an auxiliary Batcave. Robin suggests they relax and unmask, then fakes a call from the hotline,to keep from revealing his own identity, "Batman' defers the emergency to Robin, citing his injury. Robin drives off, but spies on the "Batman", from a monitor in the Batmobile. Interference on the monitor screen prompts Robin to check under the hood of the Batmobile, where he finds an explosive device. The same kind of explosive device he watched the "Batman" plant in the Batcave. Robin disarms the device, then waits for the "Batman" to depart, before returning to the Batcave to disarm the second explosive. Robin sets off the explosives to maintain the illusion that the "Batman's" scheme has succeeded. Robin discreetly follows the "Batman" back to the warehouse. When the "Batman" opens the trap door to inspect Batman's corpse, the Caped Crusader springs out. The two men battle for several moments, each smashing pottery and statuary against the other. The real Batman triumphs, just as Robin arrives. Batman escaped the death trap by knocking his laser torch loose from his utility belt, then waiting for it it rise up with the river, until it was within reach. After that, it was a simple matter to cut himself loose from the net. Robin, for his part, was able to instantly see through the "Batman's" deception due to the fact that the criminal's costume was out of date, and thus did not reflect the alterations Batman had made to his uniform, in the five years the other man had been incarcerated.

 

 

 

 

  Carmine Infantino penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #184 - Mystery of the Missing Manhunters!; The Boy Wonder's Boo-Boo Patrol! released by DC Comics on September 1966.

 

Mystery of the Missing Manhunters! & The Boy Wonder's Boo-Boo Patrol!

The Caped Crusaders mysteriously disappear for two weeks, and when they return, they have no memory of where they have been.

"Mystery of the Missing Manhunters!"

After being missing for 13 days, Batman and Robin use a hypnotic device to revive their memories to remember that they were involved in trying to bust up the criminal organization called "Robbery Incorporated." After hiding out criminal Slippery Sam after he worked as an informant, Batman and Robin spent the next 13 days busting up the crooks.

However, when they returned to the Batcave and were about to answer another call, they were zapped by a trap rigged to the Batmobile by Slippery Sam. With their hypnosis complete they begin to search for Sam, but don't have to go further than just outside the Batcave where the car which Sam used to make his escape (Which was previously used by Batman undercover and rigged to explode by Robbery Inc) exploded killing him.

"The Boy Wonder's Boo-Boo Patrol!"

While Bruce Wayne has to attend business in Federal City, Robin is left to patrol Gotham City on his own. While on his first night he ends up "saving" actress Viola Lance, who is shooting a movie in Gotham City. Fearing that the actress is being targeted for the insurance, Robin is close at hand to save her when stunts go wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Charles Paris cover Curt Swan cover

  David V. Reed writer

Edmond Hamilton writer Jack Schiff editor Jim Mooney cover

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff cover Stan Kaye cover

 

Batman #185 - A Prized Collection Starring Robin the Boy Wonder released by DC Comics on November 1966. 

When Batman doesn’t allow Robin to come with him on a case, the Boy Wonder is hurt, but more so when he accidentally discovers a photo of the Caped Crusader with a younger version of himself, taken years before there was a Robin.

 

Bob Oksner inker, penciler Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Henry Boltinoff inker, letterer, penciler, writer Ira Schnapp letterer Jack Schiff writer Joe Giella inker John Broome writer Julius Schwartz editor Murphy Anderson cover, inker, penciler Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

 

Batman #186 - The Joker's Original Robberies released by DC Comics on November 1966. 

 

The Joker returns to haunt the Caped Crusaders, this time with a new member added to his gang: Gaggy, who makes The Joker laugh, which then inspires the Clown Prince of Crime with new crime ideas.

The Joker's Original Robberies!

In the Joker's lair, the Clown Prince of Crime's new court jester, Gagsworth A. "Gaggy" Gagsworthy, entertains the Joker. So uproarious is the Joker's laughter that it inspires in him a new caper. The Joker drives into the Salon of Spectacles, intent on stealing all the original models of famous inventions. Gaggy uses his glass shattering scream to bring a chandelier down on the security guards, while the Joker's goons loot the room. Fortunately, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are taking in the exhibits in the Salon of Spectacles. Donning their costumes, Batman and Robin rush in to foil the Joker's robbery. The Joker launches the side wheels of his car at the Dynamic Duo, who easily dodge the spinning missiles. Joker then launches himself from the car, with an ejection seat, landing feet first on the Batman. Gaggy rams the Boy Wonder, who topples backwards, hitting his head. With Robin stunned, Gaggy sets about removing the Boy Wonder's mask. A punch from the Batman though sends the Joker hurtling into Gaggy, knocking both men to the ground. The Joker and Gaggy leap back into their car, releasing a dense smoke screen to mask their exit from the Salon of Spectacles. When the smoke clears, it becomes apparent that the Joker got away with all of the models. Batman and Robin race to the Batmobile to pursue the Joker, but the Clown Prince of Crime is long gone.

Realizing that there is still one original model of a famous invention at risk, Batman and Robin drive to the home of Philip Perry, the inventor of the electric typewriter. Perry, however, reveals that his was not the very first electric typewriter. Hamilton Tyne invented an electric typewriter six months prior to Perry's. Batman and Robin race to Tyne's apartment, but they're too late. The Joker has already been there, and Tyne's typewriter is gone. Back at the Joker's lair, Gaggy's antics inspire the Joker's next caper. Unable to resist taunting Batman, the Joker leaves a message for the Caped Crusader, in the local paper. Deciphering the Joker's clue, Batman determines that the Joker means to make off with the original city hall of Gotham City. The Dynamic Duo race to intercept the Joker at the monument's site. Disrupting the dedication ceremony, the Joker arrives via helicopter, and attaches towing cables to the old city hall structure, carrying it away into the sky. Batman and Robin arrive just in time to leap inside city hall, as it is carried away. Arriving at their destination, the Joker returns the city hall building to the ground. Out burst Batman and Robin, taking the Joker by surprise. A fierce battle ensues, with Batman and Robin ultimately triumphing over the Joker, Gaggy, and the Joker's gang. Turned over to the authorities, the Joker and Gaggy find themselves sharing a cell. The little man will be entertaining the Joker from behind bars, for their foreseeable future.

Commissioner Gordon's Death-Threat!

Batman receives a phone call from Commissioner Gordon, who has received a threat on his life, from Fred Purley, a man Gordon put away forty years ago. Gordon is laying low in a hotel room, in Resort City. Batman departs immediately to come to the aid of his old friend. Unbeknownst to Batman, Purley has already abducted Gordon. It was Purley, perfectly mimicking Gordon's voice who sent for Batman. In the Batcopter, Batman travels to Resort City, then races to Gordon's hotel room. As Batman opens the door, the room explodes. With Batman away, Robin patrols the streets of Gotham City solo. The Boy Wonder spies criminals exiting the Foxcroft Jewel Salon, and springs into action. Robin has just about subdued the entire criminal gang by his lonesome, when he hears Gordon's voice... really Purley again... behind him. Distracted, Robin is felled by a blow to the head. Robin heads to police headquarters to report the robbery, running into Batman. The two compare notes and set about finding Purley's hideout. Robin recalls seeing a brochure for Flame Island, in the breast pocket of one of Robbins' gunsels. The Dynamic Duo journey to Flame Island, and begin searching, from the air, for any sign of Gordon. Amazingly, the Caped Crusaders spot the Bat Signal, emanating from a tower room, in a secluded mansion. Rushing in, the Dynamic Duo take Purley by surprise, taking him and his gang down, before any harm can come to Gordon. As it turns out, though Gordon did indeed carve the Bat Symbol into the blackened glass of the tower room, it was Purley who set a kerosene lantern down near enough to the window that shined the makeshift signal. Thus has Purley, inadvertently, brought about his own downfall.

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Charles Paris inker

  David V. Reed writer

Dick Sprang penciler Edmond Hamilton writer Jack Schiff editor

  Pat Gordon colorist Winslow Mortimer cover

 

Batman #187 released by DC Comics on December 1966. 

The sudden appearance of a new criminal basing his crimes on time jogs Batman’s memory into remembering that this criminal was his very first case after his parents were killed, and if the Clock has his way, the current case against him will be the Caped Crusader’s last!

Batman's First Case

The famed crime-crusader is threatened with death by o vill ion whom he first encountered at the start of his career!

Phantom Eye of Gotham City

Twin Troubles face the Dynamic Duo as an uncanny Eye probes the secret Bat-Cave, and a Batman impostor boldly challenges the great lawman!

Last Days of Batman

Fate had given Robin a brief glimpse of a day in the near future - when the newspaper headlines announced Batman's death!

Peril at Playland Isle

An amusement park, ironically, is the setting for a murder mystery and a manhunt - with the Dynamic Duo in a grim battle against a desperate killer!

Batman of Tomorrow

Out of the future comes a Batman of the year 3055 to take the place of the injured Batman of today!

Ballad of Batman

A wandering minstrel composes a song about the great heroes of Gotham City, little dreaming of the dangerous effects of one of his verses!

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker John Broome writer Julius Schwartz editor Sheldon Moldoff penciler Sid Greene inker

 

Batman #188 - The Eraser Who Tried to Rub Out Batman; The Ten Best-Dressed Corpses in Gotham City released by DC Comics on December 1966. 

Commissioner Gordon gets Batman to investigate a series of crimes in which all of the clues have been erased, and the Caped Crusader goes undercover to do so.

The Eraser Who Tried to Rub Out Batman!

Standing outside a department store window display, Bruce Wayne is captivated by a giant eraser. Wayne is reminded of an old college classmate, one Lenny Fiasco. Prone to making mistakes at the black board, Wayne can only recall a single time he ever saw Fiasco without an eraser in his hands, at a winter carnival. Fiasco, tears brimming in his eyes, watched Wayne ride by with the "Ice Queen", a fellow classmate, and Fiasco's secret crush. Returning to Wayne Manor, Wayne is informed that the police commissioner has been desperately trying to contact Wayne, or rather, his alter-ego, Batman. Wayne, along with his youthful ward, Dick Grayson, as Batman and Robin, journey to the Riverside Bank, and a rendezvous with Commissioner Gordon. The bank robbery is but the latest in a string of crimes that has baffled Gordon. Somehow, the perpetrators have managed to commit these robberies without leaving a single bit of evidence behind. The Batman conducts his own investigation of the crime scene, but can also turn up no clues. Stepping outside for some air, the caped crusader is mobbed by a group of autograph seeking groupies, all but one of whom completely ignore his sidekick, Robin. Suddenly, a model of Batman crashes at his feet. Believing it to be a distress signal, the dynamic duo scales the building wall, to the window the model fell from, and discover a charity auction in the midst of being robbed by masked gunmen. Batman and Robin quickly subdue the would-be robbers. A quick search of the men produces a newspaper that ignites at the Batman's touch. The paper turns out to be a copy of "The Secret Underground", a criminal publication that offers tips on committing crimes. Of particular interest is an advertisement from a man called "The Eraser", who offers to eliminate any and all crime scene evidence, for a mere 20% of the profits. Batman and Robin go undercover to flush the Eraser out into the open.

Batman's cover identity is that of an organ grinder, with Robin cast in the role of the monkey. With the co-operation of the Gotham City Police Department, Batman, as the organ grinder, burglarizes a jewelry store. Robin is left behind to serve as back-up, in case Batman runs into trouble. In the process of robbing the store's safe, the "organ grinder" is startled by the sudden presence of the Eraser. The bizarre villain removes his helmet and begins erasing all the evidence the "organ grinder" has left in the commission of this crime. Batman is stunned to see that the face behind the Eraser's helmet is that of Lenny Fiasco, his old college classmate. Unfortunately, Fiasco also recognizes the "organ grinder" as Bruce Wayne, by the signature scent of his shaving lotion. Fiasco confesses his love, to Wayne, for Celia Smith, The Ice Queen of the Winter Carnival. When Wayne "took" her from Fiasco, the brokenhearted collegian left the academic life behind for a life of crime. Now, the class joke who was always erasing his own mistakes, is cleaning up by erasing the mistakes of Gotham City's criminal element. Wayne pleads with Fiasco to reconsider the path he's chosen, but Fiasco gasses Wayne into unconsciousness, and carries his hated rival to his secret hideout. Fiasco has engineered an exact recreation of the Winter Carnival, complete with life sized figures of Wayne and Smith, carved from ice. Wayne is placed inside his own figurine and left to slowly freeze to death. Wayne uses his escape artist skills to free himself from his icy coffin. The Boy Wonder arrives, providing Wayne with the necessary distraction to switch to Batman. The Dynamic Duo uses Fiasco's ice sculptures as cover, as they close with the Eraser, and his gunsels. In short order, the villains are put down. In prison, Batman and Robin gift Fiasco with the giant eraser, from the department store window. By the time Fiasco erases the mistakes of his life, his sentence will be ended.

The Ten Best-Dressed Corpses in Gotham City!

In the office of Police Commissioner Gordon, Batman and Robin meet with Matt Whitson, the publisher of the magazine, Squire. Every year, Squire releases a "Ten Best-Dressed Men of Gotham City" list. Prior to the release of this year's publication, the first three men on the list, Charles Lowry, Deems Davis, & Terrence Green, have all died. All within the last week. The next name on the list is that of Batman's alter-ego, Bruce Wayne. As they exit the police precinct, Batman tells Robin that, just that morning, he was nearly killed, as Wayne, when he suddenly lost control of his car and drove off into a ravine. With the killer believing that Wayne has perished, Batman and Robin rush to inform the fifth man, Hampden Dennis, of his peril. Dennis brushes off the potential danger, and goes about his business. Batman and Robin tail Dennis to a seedy area of Gotham City. When Dennis' chauffeur enters a building through the basement entrance, then emerges carrying a metal box, Batman reveals his presence. Dennis and the chauffeur attack Batman and Robin, but are quickly defeated. At police headquarters, Dennis is revealed to be the secret king of Gotham City's numbers rackets. While his arrest is a real coup for Commissioner Gordon, it doesn't bring Batman any closer to catching the killer.

As Dennis' arrest has only just occurred, Batman reasons that the killer would have no way of knowing that Dennis is safe and sound in the Gotham City jail. Batman and Robin travel to Dennis' home, in the hopes of catching the killer. The Dynamic Duo split up to search the house. When Robin enters the sauna, the door locks behind him, and the room begins filling with scalding hot steam. Robin radios Batman for immediate assistance. As Batman races to the sauna to rescue the Boy Wonder, he is ambushed by the killer. Though the killer has gotten the drop on Batman, the Caped Crusader manages to dodge the killer's bullet, before beating the man down. Once Robin has been released from the trap meant for Dennis, Batman attends to the killer, Matt Whitson. During the Korean War, Whitson had been taken prisoner and, in an act of cowardice, betrayed his countrymen. It had been Whitson's secret for years, until Deems Davis, the author, uncovered the truth while researching for a book about the war. Deems opted to blackmail Whitson, prompting Whitson to kill Deems. By blind chance, Charles Lowry, the architect, perished in a genuine accident, earlier that same week. Lowry's death inspired Whitson to begin staging accidents for the other men on the list, in the hopes of leading the police astray in their investigation of Deems' death. Unfortunately for Whitson, while he may have outfoxed the police, he was no match for Batman.

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Julius Schwartz editor Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

Batman #189 - Fright of the Scarecrow released by DC Comics on February 1967. 

The first appearance of Scarecrow in the Silver Age! How will Batman survive his greatest fears?

The Scarecrow's origin is retold. Psychology Professor Jonathan Crane, motivated by the derision of his peers, takes inspiration from fear based protection rackets and crafts a masked identity for himself, the Scarecrow. Using scare tactics, Crane will garner the money he needs to command respect from his critics. On a playground in Gotham Park, Dick Grayson is instructing local youths in proper exercise. Spying a miniature submarine cruising up Gotham River, Grayson tells the boys to take a lunch break. Grayson trails the submarine, taking cover when it surfaces. To Grayson's astonishment, the Scarecrow disembarks the vessel. At that moment, Bruce Wayne, and his faithful manservant Alfred, arrive, bringing ice cream treats for Grayson's charges. Grayson brings Wayne up to speed, then they both don their costumes. The Caper Crusaders catch up with the Scarecrow, and his men, further inland, where the Strawman Scoundrel is busy recovering hidden loot from a previous robbery. Batman punches the Scarecrow into the ground. Robin then pushes Batman down, too, to avoid a hail of gunfire. While the Dynamic Duo battle against the Scarecrow's gunsels, the Scarecrow recovers, and activates a chemical sprayer onboard the submarine. Batman and Robin are bathed in hallucinogenic chemicals, which instills an irrational fear of falling in them both. With the Caped Crusaders desperately clinging to a tree, the Scarecrow collects his loot and departs, leaving his calling card, a handful of straw, to mark his presence. Once the hallucinogen wears off, the Dynamic Duo release their death grip on the tree, and discover the Scarecrow's clue to his crimes, The words "Park", "Ark" and "Mark" written in the sand.

Retiring to the Batcave, Batman and Robin feed the words into the bat computer, in the hopes of determining the Scarecrow's next crime. A replica of Noah's Ark, used in a silent film, and owned by one Raymond Archer, a merchant whose testimony helped convict the Scarecrow, comes up as the next likely crime scene. Taking the Batboat out to Archer's arc, the Dynamic Duo discover that the Scarecrow is, indeed, onboard. They've also walked right into the Scarecrow's trap. Instantly, the Caped Crusaders are struck blind, affected by the vibrations of the Scarecrow's black light weapon, that has altered the sensory perceptions of their very brains. Tossing a handful of straw to the deck, the Scarecrow departs, closing the door behind him. Stumbling blindly about, Robin fumbles for the door knob. Finding it, he opens the door, letting in a panther and a jaguar. Fighting blind, the Caped Crusaders battle against the big cats. Groping about, Robin gathers the Scarecrow's straw from the deck, and lights it on fire, with a laser torch from his utility belt. With the flames keeping the animals at bay, Robin again fumbles for and locates the door, ushering himself and Batman to safety. The effects of the Scarecrow's black light projector slowly wear off. With their vision returned, the Caped Crusaders depart in the Batboat, all the while attempting to determine the Scarecrow's next move. Very quickly, Batman and Robin figure out that "Mark" ultimately refers to millionaire philanthropist Jeremy T. Hall. Rushing to Hall's residence, the Caped Crusaders catches the Scarecrow, and his men, red-handed, in the midst of a robbery. While Robin takes out the Scarecrow's hoods, Batman beats the Strawman Scoundrel into unconsciousness. In short order, the Scarecrow is handed over to the proper authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #190 - "The Penguin Takes a Flyer -- Into the Future!" released by DC Comics on March 1967. 

What a war! The Penguin and his weapon-umbrella army go up against Batman and Robin!

 

 

 

Batman #191 COVER ART ACETATE PROOF May 1967 Bat Auction! RARE Vintage 1967

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler 

 

Batman #191 - The Day Batman Sold Out released by DC Comics on May 1967. 

When Ira Radon absorbs so much radiation that he is forced to give up his life of crime, he decides to get revenge by dousing Batman’s equipment with deadly radiation, forcing the Caped Crusader to give up his career.

"The Day Batman Sold Out!"

Batman has tracked down Ira Radon, a criminal who is responsible for stealing radioactive isotopes all over Gotham City. Batman accidentally throws Ira into the nuclear reactor. Ira survives but is horribly burned and will soon die. Blaming Batman for his situation, Ira vows revenge against the Dark Knight.

Later Batman calls a press conference and announces that he is retiring from crime fighting. He intends to auction off all of his crime fighting gear. It turns out that Ira Radon has irradiated Batman's various devices in order to force Batman to get rid of them or risk Radon increasing the power of the radiation and killing Batman with radiation poisoning.

At the auction, Andrew Kunkel is the only person to win. Ira goes to visit "Kunkel's" home to see who would purchase a Batarang for $10,000. There, Ira is confronted by Kunkel who is really Batman in disguise. During the fight, Ira walks into the path of his radiation device and dies instantly. Resuming his Andrew Kunkel disguise, Batman phones the police.

"Alfred's Mystery Menu!"

Alfred has been kidnapped by the Millionaire Mobster Club!

The club's leader wants Alfred to prepare a millionaire's meal for his gang. Alfred gives them a list of ingredients he needs that act as clues in order to tip off Batman and Robin. Arriving just as the Millionaire Mobster Club is sitting down to eat Alfred's meal, Batman and Robin manage to smash up the gang and turn them over to the authorities.

 

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #192 - The Crystal Ball That Betrayed Batman released by DC Comics on June 1967. 

The Caped Crusaders accidentally come across a crime committed by the Fearsome Foursome and succeed in capturing a member of that gang. Batman then disguises himself as that crook in order to infiltrate the gang and nab the leader...or so he thinks.

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Charles Paris inker

  David V. Reed writer

  Dick Sprang cover Edmond Hamilton writer

  Pat Gordon colorist

Sheldon Moldoff penciler Stan Kaye inker

Batman #193 released by DC Comics on August 1967. 

The sickly president of a Latin American nation implores the Caped Crusaders to come to his country and train a Batman to keep law and order there.

Ride, Bat-Hombre, Ride

Come down with us, amigos, to the land of the gaucho and the wildest bandits in the world - and thrill to the exploits of Bat·Hombre!

The Armored Batman

The famed crimefighters face a mysterious menace so formidable that they adopt unique costumes for special protection!

His Majesty, King Batman

The king of lawmen is suddenly transformed into real royalty when a devious and dangerous conspiracy hurtles him into a new risky role!

Batman and The Vikings

The dynamic duo speeds back into the past to unravel the riddle of a Viking coward who looks exactly like Bruce Wayne!

Mayor Bruce Wayne

Batman's secret identity is at stake as a cunning criminal concocts a diabolical scheme to end Batman's career once and for all!

The Flying Batman

In this incredible adventure, Batman and Robin are whisked into the lost valley of birdmen - where Batman acquires real wings!

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

Batman #194 - The Blockbuster Goes Bat-Mad released by DC Comics on August 1967. 

By chance, a reformed Mark Desmond sees a Batman display at a local department store and reverts back to his Blockbuster persona, upon which he goes out to destroy anything related to the Caped Crusader.

 

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

Batman #195 - The Spark-Spangled See-Through Man released by DC Comics on September 1967. 

Creegan steals some jewels from the laboratory of a scientist, who has treated the gems with radiation. During a battle with the Caped Crusaders, Creegan is transformed into a skeletal figure possessing a deadly electrical touch.

Acting on a tip from Billy Blabbermouth, sneak-thief Ned Creegan journeys to Nevil Logan's laboratory, to steal jewels. Creegan beats Logan into unconsciousness, then pries the jewels from a radiation projector, in the testing room. Creegan takes his bounty of jewels to noted underworld fence, Charley Rivets. Unfortunately for Creegan, he's on site when Batman and Robin arrive to bust Rivets. Creegan makes a run for it, but the Batman takes him down. Meanwhile, Robin is left to handle Rivets on his own. With the two criminals quickly subdued, the Dynamic Duo are suddenly taken aback by the strange change that comes over Creegan. The sneak-thief's body becomes transparent, revealing his glowing skeleton, and his very touch has become electric. He lashes out, first at Batman, then Robin, dropping them both with an electric charge. Horrified at his appearance in a mirror, Creegan's distraction gives the Caped Crusaders time to recover. Mere contact with Creegan's body, though, sends powerful electric current through the Dynamic Duo, once again rendering them unconscious. Creegan returns to Logan's laboratory for answers, regarding his condition. Logan's research revolved around finding a cure for radiation poisoning. When Creegan robbed Logan's testing facility, he was bathed in a strange purple radiation, that caused him to change. Though he takes Logan at gunpoint, Creegan is quickly put in his place when Logan reveals that, for every second Creegan spends in his mutated form, he loses a day of his life. Logan supplies Creegan with pills that will temporarily reverse his condition, but only if Creegan will allow himself to become Logan's test subject. Logan also supplies Creegan with pills that will allow him to continue his criminal career as "Bag O' Bones"

Working from one of the irradiated gems that Creegan left with Rivets, Batman determines that Creegan's powers are based on static electricity. Batman then fashions special gloves , for him and Robin to wear, to counter Creegan's charge. Creegan robs the Gotham Mercantile Bank, getting away before Batman and Robin can respond to the alarm. Fashioning a radar device to home in on the specific radioactive frequency of Creegan's body, Batman and Robin catch up with the Bony Bandit, several nights later, at Gotham's Museum of Nature. Creegan pops a pill to become Bag O' Bones, then attacks. Robin closes, but his negatively charged gloves repel him away from Creegan. Batman is able to make contact with his positively charged glove, but his hand actually adheres to Creegan's body. With great effort, Batman is able to shove Creegan over, while separating his hand from Creegan's shoulder. The battle rages back and forth for several moments, until, at last, Batman puts Creegan down. During the battle, Creegan's pills were crushed to powder, leaving him with no means to return to normal. Dying with every passing second, Creegan begs Batman and Robin to garner more pills from Logan. Fearing arrest, Logan unleashes irradiated laboratory animals on the Caped Crusaders. Batman's positively charged gloves allow him to battle the gorilla, but he can't make contact with the attacking dog. Robin's negatively charged gloves allow him to battle the eagle, but he can't make contact with the panther. The Caped Crusaders throw the oppositely charged animals into each other, sticking them together like magnets. Logan is taken into custody, but only after he has made Creegan's pills. Creegan gets 20 years, a sentence he'll never be able to serve. His time spent as Bag O' Bones has left him with only a few more years of life. Logan is allowed to continue his research in prison, under the condition that all of his findings are turned over to the United States Government.

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

 

Batman #196 - The Psychic Super-Sleuth!; The Purloined Parchment Puzzle released by DC Comics on November 1967. 

The Dynamic Duo team up with someone they believe to be a psychic detective, but they soon learn that he is an imposter and his men are holding the real Dubrov captive.
 

 

Carmine Infantino cover, editor, penciler Frank Springer penciler Gardner Fox writer Julius Schwartz editor Mike Esposito cover, inker Sid Greene inker

 

Batman #197 - The Catwoman Sets Her Claws for Batman released by DC Comics on December 1967. 

The fourth Silver Age appearance of Catwoman in this book-length story, "Catwoman Sets Her Claws for Batman!" Catwoman and Batgirl duel!

Catwoman patrols the streets of Gotham City, looking for criminal activity. At the Gotham Winery, Catwoman foils a trio of thieves, out to steal the payroll. Back out on the street, Catwoman encounters Batman and Robin. The Dynamic Duo are stunned to discover that Catwoman has captured the Parker Brothers, the very criminals they themselves were looking to catch. Robin is suspicious of Catwoman's reform. Batman, too, is dubious, pointing out that the Gotham Winery distills it's wine from catawba grapes. The following night, the Caped Crusaders bust up a theft ring at a silk factory. Suspecting trouble, a portion of the gang hid, laying in wait to ambush any lawmen who came along. Taken by surprise, Batman is momentarily overwhelmed. Robin's timely assistance returns the advantage to Batman.

The Dark Knight returns the favor when Robin, too, finds himself suddenly overwhelmed. Though they fight valiantly against the criminals' larger numbers, the Dynamic Duo soon find themselves up against a wall, staring down the barrels of a half dozen revolvers. Suddenly, Catwoman's cat-o-nine-tails snaps across the criminals' heads, detonating tiny explosives near their ears. With Catwoman's aid, the Caped Crusaders, finally, put the criminal gang down. Though Batman can see no "cat" themed angle in this robbery, Barbara Gordon makes the connection. A specific type of silk bandana, or handkerchief, is also know as a pulicat. Gordon intuits that Catwoman's next outing will occur at the Gotham Wax Museum, where the catafalque of a wealthy maharajah is on display. Gordon changes into her Batgirl costume, and journeys to the museum.

Sure enough, Catwoman is already there, in the midst of thwarting another gang of thieves. Batgirl throws herself at the crooks. Clumsily, Batgirl engages the crooks in combat. A fatal miscalculation in Batgirl's attack strategy leaves her stunned, and reeling on the floor. Only then does Catwoman intervene, quickly taking out the gang of crooks. Egged on by Catwoman, Batgirl shamefully admits to her shortcomings, in front of Batman, then silently walks away. In the days that follow, Catwoman takes Gotham City by storm. Her fame skyrockets, and legions of fans mob her wherever she goes. At night, Catwoman continues to bring in criminal gang after criminal gang. Feeling she's proved herself a more capable partner for Batman than Batgirl, Catwoman offers herself as Batman's partner... and wife. Quite comfortable with the status quo, Batman declines.

In the Batcave, Batman finally acknowledges what the whole of Gotham City already knows, Catwoman is in love with him. Fearing that matters will soon come to a head between them, Batman decides to take certain precautions before going on patrol. Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Catwoman all simultaneously converge on the Coin Chateau. A group of thieves is already inside, helping themselves to the Duke of Apulia's collection of rare silver ducats. Catwoman is surprised to see Batgirl back in action. Batgirl, though, has figured out that Catwoman used catoptrics in their last encounter. By swinging a bauble about, Catwoman distorted the light in the room enough to affect Batgirl's vision, and throw off her combat timing. Knowing that Batgirl is on to her, Catwoman suddenly turns, and clubs Batman into unconsciousness.

The thieves, really Catwoman's gang, quickly overwhelm Batgirl and Robin. Catwoman unmasks Batman, only to discover that Batman has painted his face, underneath his mask. Batgirl and Robin are revealed to have done the same. Removing their utility belts, Catwoman has the three crimefighters placed in a preprepared trap. Catwoman reveals that she only reformed in return for a wedding proposal from Batman. Catwoman issues Batman her final ultimatum, marry her or she will return to her life of crime. Batman rushes Catwoman, only to be repelled by a sonic barrier. Catwoman's cataphonic trap amplifies the prerecorded snarls of cats into an invisible cat's cradle of sound waves. The pain of contact is excruciating. Nonetheless, Batman refuses to marry Catwoman. The Feline Felon robs a high stakes poker game, taking full possession of the "kitty".

Catwoman returns to gloat, holding Batman responsible for her actions, by refusing to marry her. Suddenly, Batgirl leaps clear of the cataphonic trap. Before Catwoman can use her catoptrics against her, Batgirl beats Catwoman into submission. Batman and Robin step forward to take down Catwoman's gang. Batgirl reveals that she hypnotized Batman. Gently swinging her gloves against the sound barrier, Batgirl created a somnambulant tone that put Batman into a trance. With his pain receptors clouded under hypnosis, Batman was able to walk through the cataphonic field and turn it off. Catwoman also learns that all her efforts to make Batgirl look bad were pointless. Batgirl never had any romantic notions towards Batman, and thus was never the rival Catwoman believed her to be.

 

 

 

Bill Finger writer Bob Kane penciler Carmine Infantino penciler

  David V. Reed writer

Dick Sprang artist Murphy Anderson inker

  Pat Gordon colorist

 

Batman #198 released by DC Comics on February 1, 1968. 

This is a collection of reprints none of which are newer then 1960, According to the editor's note it was also the first time the Batman series listed a table of contents and description of reprints for their "Giant-sized" readers. This volume Also include a reprint of a Sunday morning comic series in which the Penguins Aunt comes to Gotham for a visit and we discover his real name.

 

 

Carmine Infantino cover Gardner Fox writer Gaspar Saladino letterer Joe Giella inker Murphy Anderson inker Sheldon Moldoff penciler

 

 

Batman #199 - Peril of the Poison Rings! released by DC Comics on February 1, 1968. 

 

 

 

 

...A SUIVRE...