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Detective Comics #29 was published in July 1939. It sees Batman's first battle with a "supervillain", Doctor Death. The story also features the first usage of a gadget from his Utility Belt. The issue was the first Batman story written by Gardner Fox, who at the time served as one of Bob Kane's ghostwriters.

"The Batman Meets Doctor Death"[]

Synopsis[]

Karl Hellfern, a scientist called "Doctor Death", has recently discovered a deadly pollen extract. With it, he plans to blackmail many of the city's wealthy to pay large sums or use the agent to kill them. Seeing Batman as a potential threat, he and his henchman Jabah decide to kill the vigilante before he can interfere. Leaving a letter advertising their "crime", they use an ad column in The Daily Globe to attract his attention.

After retrieving both messages, Batman recognizes it as a trap and prepares for the meeting, equipping himself with newly developed gas pellets. Arriving at the building, Batman scales up to the penthouse using his silken-cord and suction-capped climbing equipment. As he enters the room, Batman is set upon by two goons hired by Death, though he quickly subdues them. However, Jabah enters the room and shoots him, forcing Batman to use his gas capsule and escape.

After changing in his car, Batman sends a message to The Daily Globe to inform Death of his survival and has his injury treated by his family doctor. Outraged by Batman's survival, Hellfern sends Jabah to poison John P. Van Smith, a wealthy man who has refused to pay them. Whilst out on the street, Bruce recognizes the henchman and saves Smith. Deciding to tail Jabah, Bruce follows him to Death's residence.

At night, Batman breaks into the house and finds the duo in their laboratory. After subduing Jabah, Batman chases after Death as he attempts to escape. Eventually cornering him, Death attempts to kill him with a tube, though Batman is able to block the vial by throwing a fire extinguisher. The chemicals ignite, catching Death in the blaze. As he flees the burning building, Batman suspects Death will die, leaving the Doctor to his apparent fate...

Appearances[]

Individuals[]

  • Bruce Wayne/Batman
  • Dr. Karl Hellfern/Doctor Death (First Appearance) (Apparent Death)
    • Jabah (Only appearance; dies)
    • Doctor Death Henchman in Green Pinstripe Suit (Only appearance)
    • Doctor Death Henchman in Brown Checkered Suit (Only appearance)
  • John P. Van Smith (Only appearance)
  • "Family Doctor"

Locations[]

  • New York City (Original Intention) / Gotham City (Retconned Appearance)
    • Doctor Death's Residence (Only appearance)
    • Wayne Manor
    • General Post Office (First Appearance)
    • Beverly Apartments (Only appearance)

Objects[]

Vehicles[]

Notes[]

Links[]

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