Batman #173: Secret Identities for Sale

Quick answer

Batman #173: Secret Identities for Sale stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1965-08-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman, Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon), Mr Incognito and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Secret Identities For Sale! Batman, Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and several of Gotham City's finest, prepare to raid the secret headquarters of Mr. Incognito, the mysterious masked mastermind of Gotham City's underworld. With the Dynamic Duo leading the way, the officers storm Mr. Incognito's building. A fierce melee breaks out, as the Caped Crusaders, along with Gordon's officers, battle against Mr. Incognito's criminal forces. All the while, Mr. Incognito calmly watches from his throne. Seemingly out of nowhere, an apparent news photographer appears and begins snapping pictures. Officers roughly escort the man from the premises. Batman and Robin close on the still seated Mr. Incognito. Suddenly, a steel barrier descends, separating them from their quarry. By the time the police can cut through the adjoining wall, Mr. Incognito has escaped through a trapdoor, into the sewers. Though Mr. Incognito's syndicate is broken, Gordon is clearly disappointed that the man himself got away. Late the next day, Gotham City's mayor is approached by one Elwood Pearson, the photographer from the police raid. Pearson claims to have a photograph that reveals the secret identity of Mr. Incognito. For a cool million dollars, Pearson is willing to sell it. Pearson, an ambitious member of the paparazzi, sought out a way to get the exclusive photographs no else could. A gifted inventor, Pearson…

Characters listed for this issue

B

BatmanOpen 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 ›

Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon)The one good cop in a corrupt city. Keeps the GCPD running and the Bat-Signal lit. Never los…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

M

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