Batman #168

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE FIGHT THAT JOLTED GOTHAM CITY! When strong man Mr. Mammoth refuses to perform, his agent pulls in a favor with Commissioner Gordon to have Batman come and visit him. Mammoth explains to Batman that he's afraid to perform because he fears he will lose control. He explains to Batman how before entering Gotham City, his circus troupe made a picnic stop and he was suddenly struck with the urge to go on a rampage, and was similarly afflicted at a rooftop pool and had to force himself to stay submerged in a swimming pool until it passed. Batman promises Mammoth that he will find the cause of it before the show. Batman and Robin travel back to the rest stop to investigate the location, and when Batman deduces what has caused Mammoth to go berserk before, he goes to tell the strong man, only to find that he has gone berserk again and attacks the caped crusader. After a lengthy battle, Batman knocks down Mr. Mammoth, and soon his latest fit of rage fades. Batman explains to Mammoth that it was a nearby radio tuned to a local radio station, that when it played it's musical call letters, effected Mammoth's brain and caused him to go berserk. Batman then informs him that he contacted the radio station and they promised to change the pitch of their call letters. After thanking Batman, Mr. Mammoth then puts on his show for Gotham City. HOW TO SOLVE A PERFECT CRIME – IN REVERSE! At the most recent meeting of the Mystery Analysts of Gotham City, they are shocked to find a tape recorder that activates right when they enter their meeting place. The recording informs them that one of their own has decided to commit the perfect crime, and wanted to pit the combined expertise of the Mystery Analysts to see if they will get away with the crime. The recording informs them that the person involved stole the Kashpur Diamond and challenges the rest of the group to catch them. With the help of Robin, Batman manages to gather clues that reveal that fellow Mystery Analyst, Ralph Vern is the thief dubbed "Mr. X." And once he learns why: the diamond apparently has the power to stun those exposed to it. Batman reveals to the rest of the Mystery Analysts and explains how Vern pulled off the robbery. After revealing all the facts, Vern confesses and is taken away by Commissioner Gordon and District Attorney Danton.