Batman #107: The Grown-Up Boy Wonder

Quick answer

Batman #107: The Grown-Up Boy Wonder stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1957-04-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman, Casey the Cop, Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Three Devils and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

"The Grown-Up Boy Wonder" When Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson examine a box which Superman found floating in outer space and left with them until he returned from a current mission, Dick accidentally causes it to open and spew forth a gas that ages him to a young adult. The two are unsure of what to do in Superman's absence, but the Bat-signal draws Batman away to a jewel robbery in Gotham being committed by the Daredevils, ex-acrobats turned to crime. Batman vetoes Dick coming along as a second Batman, saying that he has a lot of mental growth to do yet. But Dick sneaks on the "Owlman" costume that Bruce had stored away for a masquerade party, grabs a lift on the back of the Batmobile, and hurries away with Batman to the scene of the crime. Batman angrily thinks that he'd spank Dick, if he wasn't so big; the Daredevils manage to make a getaway, and Owlman, misgauging his weight, almost falls to his death when a flagpole breaks in his hands. Batman, saving him, angrily berates him for "acting like a kid--still rushing ahead without thinking!" Dick begins to see the disadvantages of living in an adult body, such as his sudden cut--off from all his young pals and virtual isolation from the outside world. But, still confident he can fight crime as a man, he becomes Owlman again, tracks the Daredevils to a prominent fence's lair, and promptly knocks himself out by not ducking under…

Characters listed for this issue

B

BatmanOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

C

Casey the CopOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)The first Robin, all grown up. Acrobat, detective, leader. The best of Batman without the da…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

T

Three DevilsOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

W

Warden WillisOpen this Gotham Vault character file to see linked appearances, story arcs, and related com…VIEW APPEARANCES ›