Batman #88

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE MYSTERY OF THE FOUR BATMEN! Batman and Robin capture a wanted criminal and they learn of a supposed "Batman", who is going to arrive to Gotham City on a cruise in the near future. In order to learn the truth behind this "Batman," the Dynamic Duo go to the ship and they investigate every passenger. Their investigation concludes when they find three suspects who could be referred as "Batman", but after talking to them, they realize that all three of them are part of the criminal plan. Batman and Robin confront the three "Bat-men" and soon they discover that there's a fourth "Batman" aboard the ship. Upon arriving to Gotham, the Dynamic Duo deliver the four Batmen to the Gotham City Police Department. THREE LETTERS TO BATMAN! Batman and Robin capture some criminals, but the loot disappears without a trace. As soon as this starts happening, someone starts writing letters for Batman under the alias of Mr. Mystery and all of the letters contain information only known to Batman and Robin. Robin becomes worried that they are being spied upon, but Batman concentrates exclusively on finding the missing loot from the crimes they stop. Soon, Batman learns that the thugs have been using balloons filled with helium to take the loot upwards where some crooks on a helicopter retrieve the stolen items. Shortly after this, Robin discovers that the person who has been sending the mysterious letters is Batman himself, in order to test Robin's detective skills. THE SON OF BATMAN! Ed Wilson is an ex-con who told his son that he was Batman as a reason for his absence while he was in prison. Once free, Wilson returns home wearing a Batman costume in order to cheer his son, but he is seriously wounded by some thugs who think he is the real Batman. When word of the unfortunate accident reaches Batman, he decides to take Wilson's place and visit his son, Tommy. Wilson is taken to a hospital, but the doctors expect him to recover very soon. Meanwhile, some criminals have learned of the connection between Batman and his "son", and they kidnap Tommy Wilson in order to blackmail Batman. As Ed Wilson recovers, he learns of the dire situation his son has been placed and he tries to save him from the criminal that kidnapped him. Wilson's intervention gives Batman the chance to take down the criminals and save the boy. After these events, Wilson reveals the truth to his son, who is proud of his father's courage.