Batman #186: The Joker's Original Robberies

Quick answer

Batman #186: The Joker's Original Robberies stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1966-11-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman, Binky Biggs, Cap, Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

The Joker returns to haunt the Caped Crusaders, this time with a new member added to his gang: Gaggy, who makes The Joker laugh, which then inspires the Clown Prince of Crime with new crime ideas. The Joker's Original Robberies! In the Joker's lair, the Clown Prince of Crime's new court jester, Gagsworth A. "Gaggy" Gagsworthy, entertains the Joker. So uproarious is the Joker's laughter that it inspires in him a new caper. The Joker drives into the Salon of Spectacles, intent on stealing all the original models of famous inventions. Gaggy uses his glass shattering scream to bring a chandelier down on the security guards, while the Joker's goons loot the room. Fortunately, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are taking in the exhibits in the Salon of Spectacles. Donning their costumes, Batman and Robin rush in to foil the Joker's robbery. The Joker launches the side wheels of his car at the Dynamic Duo, who easily dodge the spinning missiles. Joker then launches himself from the car, with an ejection seat, landing feet first on the Batman. Gaggy rams the Boy Wonder, who topples backwards, hitting his head. With Robin stunned, Gaggy sets about removing the Boy Wonder's mask. A punch from the Batman though sends the Joker hurtling into Gaggy, knocking both men to the ground. The Joker and Gaggy leap back into their car, releasing a dense smoke screen to mask their exit from the Salon of…

Characters listed for this issue

B

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

B

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

C

CapOpen 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 ›

F

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

G

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

The JokerThe Clown Prince of Crime. Gotham's chaos agent. No one knows his real story, and that's the…VIEW APPEARANCES ›