Batman #341: The Ghost of Wayne Mansion

Quick answer

Batman #341: The Ghost of Wayne Mansion stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1981-11-30 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman (Bruce Wayne), Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

The Wayne Manor is rumored to be haunted so Gordon and his troop of Gotham Police go to investigate. Two children run out of the abandoned Wayne Manor, screaming in fright and claiming that the house is haunted. One of them runs into a police officer and tells his wild tale. The news circles back to Commissioner Gordon who goes to the Wayne Foundation to ask Bruce Wayne for permission to inspect the house. Bruce doesn't want the GCPD accidentally stumbling upon the old Batcave, so he politely denies Gordon's request. Gordon snaps and angrily tells him that he is going through with the investigation whether Wayne likes it or not. Meanwhile, Rupert Thorne returns to Gotham City after being locked away in Arkham Asylum for a over a year. He re-establishes his position at the Tobacconists' Club and tells his fellow members how he intends on putting his own political stooge in the mayor's office. He blackmails the other club members into supporting his scheme. Commissioner Gordon hires famed ghost breaker Doctor Terrence Thirteen to accompany his officers on an inspection of the manor. Also in attendance is Miss Crum, manager of the Gotham Historical Society who has been administering to the upkeep of the mansion ever since Wayne abandoned it. Batman secretly arrives at Wayne Manor and tries to seal off all of the known entrances to the Batcave. He detects that someone else has…

Characters listed for this issue

Batman (Bruce Wayne)The Dark Knight of Gotham. Billionaire by day, vigilante by night. No superpowers, just iron…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 ›