Batman #224: Carnival Of The Cursed

Quick answer

Batman #224: Carnival Of The Cursed stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1970-08-01 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman, Moloch and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

On a rainy night, in the streets of New Orleans, Jazz Legend Charles"Blind Buddy" Holden is murdered. The Batman reads about the jazz pioneer's death in the newspaper. He decides to attend the funeral in New Orleans and investigate his murder. At the funeral, the Batman (disguised as one of the pallbearers) makes himself known when several men burst onto the scene disrupting the funeral. As the Batman takes them out, a huge man drops from a balcony onto the Batman. He Introduces himself as Moloch. The Batman does his best to contain Moloch but cannot gain the advantage he needs against him and is knocked to the ground. He falls lying stunned as Moloch escapes. The funeral continues on. The Batman looks on during the burial as Buddy's horn is buried along with him. The Batman meets Buddy Holden's best friend Maxwell Dill. Max invites the Batman to come with him to Reservation Hall in the French Quarter. As they arrive at Reservation hall, they hear a heated argument. A man named Rufus Macob wants to buy Buddy's personal affects. He persists and suggests "if you change your mind I'll be at the Regis Hotel." As they leave, the Batman recognizes the man pushing Mr. Macob's wheelchair as "HeavyFoot" Harry Harnet who worked for the Brooklyn mob. Later the Batman purchases a jazz book and sends it with a note to Rufus Macob relating if something was on his conscience to let him know…

Characters listed for this issue