Batman #39

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE FRIGHTENED PEOPLE! Roger Ryall and his criminal gang manage to steal the psychiatric files from a renowned doctor and his patients. So begins a crime spree in which the thugs would rob people by using their worst fears against them. Batman and Robin investigate the case and they learn the worst fear of Ryall is cats. Using cats against the thug, the Dynamic Duo are able to stop the crimes and capture the gang, but unfortunately Ryall is literally scared to death. THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK! A crook by the name of Iron-Hat Ferris is double-crossed by his gang and he is forced to wear an iron mask on his head. Seeking help from old friends, Ferris is forced to steal a thousand dollars to get the help he needs to remove the mask. In his attempt to get the money, he is again double-crossed and his "friend" gives an anonymous tip to the police. Batman and Robin try to stop the criminal, but Ferris escapes and he finds himself wandering on the streets until Henry Kendall locates him. Kendall is the candidate to become D.A. of Gotham City and he pretends to gain some reputation using Ferris. In the next days, the news about the crimes of the man in the iron mask flood the media and Batman starts looking for the criminal. During a confrontation at an iron exhibit, the criminal escapes once again, but Batman manages to attach a transmitter on the iron mask. Using the receiver incorporated to the Batmobile, Batman and Robin track down the criminal to an abandoned mansion, where they confront the man once again. This time the Dynamic Duo are victorious, but they realize that Ferris is also in the place as a hostage and is not wearing the mask anymore. It is then revealed that the man with the iron mask is in fact Kendall, who then tries to escape from the place, but he is killed by lightning that strikes down on his head. The explanation is that the iron mask attracted the lightning, ending Kendall's political career and life. A CHRISTMAS TALE! During Christmas Holidays in Gotham City, Catwoman and her gang start stealing cats from some people. Batman and Robin are informed of the recent crimes, but they can't make sense of Catwoman's purpose, since she can't ask ransom for these cats. The answer to this question comes a few days later, when Bruce learns of an Egyptian cat exhibition that is being held at the Gotham Museum. Catwoman uses the first cat to distract the Museum's guards and knock them unconscious. While she tries to steal some precious objects, Batman and Robin arrive in time to stop her, but with her henchmen's help, they are able to outmatch the Dynamic Duo. However, when one of the thugs tries to kill Batman, Catwoman stops him and prevents Batman's death. Upon recovering, Batman and Robin investigate the clues lefts by the thugs and find out that they are most likely going to a cold place called Moon Valley. The Dynamic Duo travel there in the Batplane and upon arriving, they realize that Catwoman's henchmen are using the second cat as a distraction in dog sled race. Batman and Robin get into action using their white camouflage Batsuits and they manage to capture Catwoman's thugs. In the meantime, Catwoman is using the third stolen cat to steal from a nearby hotel. Batman and Robin arrive just in time to prevent Catwoman from escaping with the loot. As Batman carries Catwoman to the authorities, she tries to convince him to join her and become partners in crime, but Batman refuses the proposition, as he usually does. Afterwards, Batman returns the cats to their owners, giving them an emotional Christmas present and for some even a great monetary reward.