Batman #364

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE MAN OF A THOUSAND MENACES A criminal in Indiana has been stealing from many people in town and the only consistent clues found by the authorities is that the crook has a hideous appearance and calls himself Chimera. Coincidentally, Sloan circus is currently in Indiana and Jason Todd has joined the circus after leaving Wayne Manor. After his usual routine, Jason returns to his trailer, where he continues his investigation about the crimes. A few moments later, Jason is visited by Alfred, on behalf of Bruce, but Jason keeps his decision of staying in the circus; at least until he cracks the case.  Meanwhile in Gotham City, the publisher of Picture News doesn't want Vicki Vale to leave her job and he sends her on duty to Guatemala, which gives Vicki the perfect excuse to leave Gotham and Bruce behind. Around the same time, Harvey Bullock plays a nasty prank on Commissioner Gordon, which causes the old man to have a heart attack. Hours later, Alfred has returned to Wayne Manor, when someone knocks on the door and he is utterly shocked to see the person behind the door.   The next day, Jason notices that there is someone inside the circus acting strange and he deduces that it might be the criminal or Batman. Unknown to him, both Chimera and Batman are in the circus and both of them are looking for him. When Batman realizes that the criminal pretends to kidnap Jason and claim ransom, he confronts the crook, but the man runs towards the lions' cage, where he manages to trap Batman and leaves him unconscious on the ground. With Batman out of action and in danger of being devoured by lions, Chimera goes to Jason's trailer, where he continues with his nefarious plan.