Detective Comics #308

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE FLAME-MASTER Pete Dale, a wanted criminal, gains the power of the four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) from an Indian shaman's relics. To combat him, Batman subjects himself to the same magic and gains the same powers. As Dale creates havoc in Gotham City with his powers, Batman arrives in time to confront him and they start an amazing duel using the power of the four elements. As they both fight using the fire power, using Batman's theory based on the presence of an ant frozen in Amber, Robin sets Batman's plan in motion and covers them with sand. The heat from the fire turns the sand into glass and once the oxygen dies out, their fire powers are gone. When Batman and Dale break out of the glass prison, they both have returned to normal and lost their powers permanently. Batman reveals that the ant frozen in Amber in the shaman's chamber was a clue to how to combat those with the power of the four elements. Locking them in glass stripped them both of their powers and allowed Batman and Robin to capture Dale. Finally, Dale is taken to prison and the heroes realize that there is no greater power than the power of the law. THE DAY JOHN JONES VANISHED John Jones is assigned to take back an ancient ring and jewel box to the medaeval European nation of Lavonia after the objects are recovered in a raid on a Middletown fence. Once there, Jones is attacked by bandits and becomes the Martian Manhunter and repels them. But he is struck by a strange ray from the ring which inhibits him from turning into John Jones again. The ring is recovered by the evil Baron Voto, who wishes to conquer Lavonia. The Manhunter battles Voto, is struck by the ring's beam again (which cancels the effects of the first blast), and defeats the usurper.