Detective Comics #488

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE SPOOK'S DEATH SENTENCE FOR BATMAN When a convict murderer publishes his book about his criminal career and his defeat at the hands of Batman, it becomes an instant success and the publishers of the book decide to spring the criminal out of prison in order to have him write a sequel. To achieve this, they contact the master escapist, Spook, who starts working to get the criminal out of the Gotham State Penitentiary the day prior to his execution.  When Commissioner Gordon informs Batman about a possible escape attempt, Batman goes to the prison, but falls for the Spook's trap. The Spook has used a special light on Batman that causes the guards to see the convicted murdered instead of the Caped Crusader. Like this, Batman is captured and a few hours later, he finds himself headed for the electric chair. Using some of Spook's own tricks, Batman manages to escape from prison and he starts working to bring in the criminal escapist.   When Batman finds the connection between Spook and the publishers of the criminal's book, he captures the Spook and sends him to prison, where he makes sure that he won't be able to escape. THE LAST DUTY! On his last day of duty and after an entire career as a Gotham subway cop without any action or relevance, Clem Schnectady catches a pair of spies and ends his career on a high note. THE LEADER OF THE DARK LORDS Having lost the re-election campaign for Congress, Barbara Gordon goes out to the streets of Gotham City as Batgirl and starts looking for the murderer of a juvenile delinquent to prevent two street gangs from clashing. Although she is successful as Batgirl, she has lost confidence on her capabilities as Barbara Gordon.   Noting that his daughter is depressed after the electoral defeat, James Gordon talks to her and makes her realize that there is yet much that he can do, in or out of Congress. Her father's words ring true in her conscience and she decides that she would try again the next election period, but in the meantime, she will dedicate her full attention to her affairs as Batgirl. MINUS ONE MIRACLE CAR! THE GREAT CAMPUS KIDNAP! When Dick Grayson learns about a multiple kidnapping at Hudson University, he investigates as Robin and finds out that Dick Grayson is supposed to be part of the abducted students. Using information that would be known only to Grayson, he finds the truth behind the scheme and after capturing the mastermind behind the plot, Robin rescues the kidnapped students and confronts the henchmen.   The situation was soon under control when Chief McDonald rounds up the criminals and the next day, Dick Grayson goes on a romantic date with a fellow student called Jennifer Anne, who is much impressed by him and his connections to Robin.