Batman #77

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE CRIME PREDICTOR A scientist called Edward Arvin has created a machine than can predict any future crime and he wants to donate his invention to the Gotham City Police Department to help them prevent crimes before they take place. To prove the machine's worth, Batman and Robin follow the predicted crimes and are surprised to learn that the predictor machine has been accurate. Soon, the Dynamic Duo learn of a new criminal called Mr. Blank, who is apparently gathering criminals to form the largest gang in Gotham. Batman, in disguise, infiltrates a gathering of criminals where Mr. Blank has summoned them and learns that Blank has destroyed the predictor machine to stop Batman and the police from capturing more criminals. This feat earns Blank the gratitude of the thugs, but soon Batman learns that Blank is in fact Edward Arvin. Arvin had been tipped off to the "predicted" crimes through underworld gossip and fed the information into the machine to make it look like it could predict crimes. With a machine that would "predict" crimes, Arvin hoped he could take control over the Gotham underworld. THE SECRET STAR Commissioner Gordon decides to prepare special agents in the force to replace Batman in case anything ever happens to the caped crusader. Gordon gathers an elite group of federal and intelligence agents, and police officers, who are later trained by Batman himself. When Batman is victim of an accident, the Batman chooses one candidate to replace him until he can return to action. Robin reveals to Commissioner Gordon in secret that the man chosen by Batman was chosen, because Batman suspects the man of conspiring with criminals. By the end, the candidate proves his true worth by capturing the criminals responsible for Batman's accident and reveals his checkered past in a moment of truth. BATMAN PUNDS A BEAT! When Commissioner Gordon has to leave town, he places Captain Harby in charge of the GCPD. Harby, who has always held a grudge against Batman, summons him to work on patrolman duties. Batman and Robin then have to capture petty thieves, rescue trapped animals and even be on the lookout for jaywalkers. During these assignments, Baman and Robin continue investigating a large criminal plot and eventually capture the gangsters. When Harby learns that the Dynamic Duo solved a great case even while on street duty, he realizes the mistake he's made and decides to stop giving Batman petty assignments.