Batman #213

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE ORIGIN OF ROBIN! When the owner of a traveling circus, named Mr. Haly, is confronted by thugs, they ask Mr. Haly to pay a "fine", but He refuses to pay and as a result, his bestselling attraction, the Flying Graysons, are killed "accidentally" while performing that night. The Graysons' young son, Dick, overhears an incriminating conversation between the killer and his employer Boss Zucco. Dick plans to call the police, but Batman takes in Dick Grayson, instead of immediately pursuing the thugs. Batman trains Dick, already an excellent acrobat, on how to become a crime-fighter. When a period of training is over, Dick is given a red, green, and yellow costume and adopts the identity of Robin, the Boy Wonder, which was the same garb that Batman used in his chilhood while working with Harvey Harris. Dick debuts as Batman's sidekick, and the dynamic duo hunt down the extortion gang, and their leader, Boss Zucco. Zucco's new plan is to demolish a skyscraper construction site (the Canin Building), but Robin and Batman defeat the gang in a dangerous battle on the high girders, during which Robin uses a sling to knock one thug off a steel beam and kicks a second gunman off another girder. Zucco is recorded by Robin in the act of pushing his own henchman to his death and this evidence is given to the police, leading to Zucco's conviction for murder. In the end, Robin vows to be Batman's partner against crime. HERE COMES ALFRED! This story is reprinted from Batman #16. THE GAME OF DEATH! This story is reprinted from Star-Spangled Comics #127. THE MAN BEHIND THE RED HOOD! This story is reprinted from Detective Comics #168. THE CHALLENGE OF CLAY-FACE This story is reprinted from Detective Comics #298.