Batman #342: Man-Bat Is Back!

Quick answer

Batman #342: Man-Bat Is Back! stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1981-12-31 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), Alfred Pennyworth, Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley) and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

“REQUIEM FOR A HERO.” Batman battles Rupert Thorn and the deadly Man-Bat! Batman will have to return to Crime Alley where he will uncover Man-Bat’s origin! Doctor Thirteen enters the Batcave just as the Man-Bat has Batman in his clutches. He tries to pistol whip the Man-Bat with his sonar gun, but the Man-Bat backhands Thirteen, sending him crashing into a cavern wall, knocking him unconscious. Batman picks up the weapon and, realizing what it is, activates it. The high-pitched sonic vibration sends the Man-Bat reeling in pain and he swoops off down a darkened corridor. Doctor Thirteen is admitted to Gotham City Medical Center where he is diagnosed with a mild concussion. Commissioner Gordon questions Batman about what happened at Wayne Manor, but Batman remains close-lipped on the subject. Gordon has another angry outburst and tells him that he will not tolerate any lack of cooperation. The commissioner immediately apologizes for his behavior, citing that he has been under a lot of stress. He is concerned about the upcoming mayoral election involving Arthur Reeves and Hamilton Hill. Batman leaves and changes into his civilian attire. He goes to the Wayne Foundation to consult with Lucius Fox who tells him about a woman named Penelope Ivy who is filing a claim for Wayne Foundation assets. Bruce knows that this is Poison Ivy, but thanks to a post-hypnotic suggestion, he is…

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 ›

Alfred PennyworthThe man who raised Batman. Ex-SAS, current butler, permanent father figure. The only one who…VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley)Pamela Isley doesn't care about your laws — she cares about the green. Will absolutely kill …VIEW APPEARANCES ›

Hugo StrangeOne of the first to deduce Batman's identity. Obsessed with understanding what drives a man …VIEW APPEARANCES ›