Batman Family #10

Issue Details

Synopsis

THOSE WERE THE BAD OLD DAYS! When Batgirl is invited to Provincetown, she tries to get Robin to go with her, but Dick finds himself busy at Hudson University with personal affairs. However, Dick tells Barbara to meet with an old friend of Bruce, whose name is Kathy Kane.  On the road to Provincetown, Barbara reads some mail to Batgirl, which suggests that he should change her name to Batwoman, but she doesn't give it much thought, as she knows there was a Batwoman once in the past, but has retired. Upon arriving at Provincetown, Barbara witnesses the Cavalier's crimes and she confronts the criminal as Batgirl, allowing the police to arrest the colorful villain.   Later, Barbara meets with Kathy Kane, but before they could get to know each other, they witness how a giant moth is attacking the Police Department. Sneaking out of sight, Barbara changes into Batgirl and confronts the one responsible for the giant moth attack: Killer Moth. Batgirl finds it difficult to fight Killer Moth with his new weapon, but things only get harder when the Cavalier is srpung out of prison and joins Killer Moth in his efforts against Batgirl. At that moment, Batgirl gets help from Batwoman, who frees Batgirl and allows them to fight against the crooks. Despite her combined work, the villains escape thanks to well placed illusions that trick the heroines and stump them.   Back in their civilian identities, Barbara and Kathy go on a cruise, where they are once again suddenly attacked by giant moths. Both ladies get the same idea of making up an excuse so they can change into their secret identities, but while they swith, they learn about each other's secret. Without a dull moment, the ladies go into action and while Batwoman confronts and captures Killer Moth with his own weapon, Batgirl fights the Cavalier and also puts and end to his crime spree.   Afterwards, Barbara and Kathy go to an amusement park to discuss their secret adventures. It is then that Barbara reveals to Kathy that people had suggested he should claim the name Batwoman, and Kathy agrees, as she only came out of retirement for this special occasion and has no intention of going back to crime fighting. However, Barbara refuses to take the name and chooses to stay as Batgirl, since she considers that there is only one Batgirl. BRUCE WAYNE LOSES THE GUARDIANSHIP OF DICK GRAYSON This story is reprinted from Batman #20. George Grayson, who is Dick Grayson's uncle, has arrived in Gotham and is seeking to get his nephew under his protection. George goes to Wayne Manor to take Dick with him, but both Dick and Bruce don't agree with George. The case is taken to court and the judge decides to give George Grayson the custody of his nephew.   Bruce Wayne now works alone as Batman once again and he tries to keep up with the criminals, but he has become too confident because of Robin's presence. However, Robin soon joins Batman and the duo take away the crooks for good. Robin explains that he snuck out of uncle George's home, but that he must return soon.   As Bruce also gets back home, he gets a phone call from George Grayson and the man tells Bruce that he is willing to give Dick back to him in exchange for one of Bruce's millions. Instead of giving them what they want, Bruce goes to George's place as Batman and threatens him to sign a confession. George asks Batman for a short time and meanwhile, he contacts a crime boss called Fatso Foley and they set a trap to Batman.   George Grayson calls Wayne Manor again and warns them that their pal Batman has been taken care of. Alfred takes the message and he goes to warn Dick about the situation. Together, Alfred and Robin find the criminals responsible and locate Batman, saving him from a deadly trap.   Batman and Robin take Fatso to uncle George's house along with the police and the truth is finally revealed. Going to court once again and using the evidence against George Grayson, Bruce regains the legal custody of Dick Grayson. THE SECOND BOY WONDER! This story is reprinted from Batman #105. Batman and Robin are returning from a battle with gangster Gorilla Hardy and his men. In the Batcave, Batman changes into his Bruce Wayne civilian identity while "Robin" removes his mask and reveals a different face than Dick Grayson's. The "new Robin" claims to be Fred Loyd, son of Olympic Decathlon champion Hank Loyd. Fred explains that he was trained by his father to athletic perfection. He also claims that Robin, wounded in his encounter with Hardy, stumbled onto his doorstep and asked him to take his place to help Batman, giving him the Robin costume. The Bat-Signal flashes outside and Batman is informed via radio that Gorilla Hardy has escaped from prison and is hiding in an amusement park. "Freddy" blackmails Batman into letting him come along or having his identity revealed.   The twosome nab Hardy in the house of mirrors, and then return home, where Bruce and Alfred smilingly assure Fred that he is a worthy replacement for Dick. Angrily, "Fred Loyd" removes his face mask and is revealed as Robin. The two adults burst out laughing, and reveal to the dismayed Dick that he gave himself away from the very start when he got out of the Batmobile in a pitch dark Batcave --and went over and switched on the light!