Batman #401: A Bird in the Hand...

Quick answer

Batman #401: A Bird in the Hand... stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1986-11-30 cover date create a distinct entry point into Batman. Readers can use it to jump from this issue into Batman (Bruce Wayne), Robin (Dick Grayson), Commissioner Gordon (James Gordon), Alfred Pennyworth and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

Plot Legends Cross-Over Chapter 1 Magpie is back to her old tricks, after she is freed from prison. She kills Sondra Van Decar for the Eagles Head Ruby, Mrs. Andreason for the Robins Egg Sapphire and Miss Lewis for the Turtledove emerald. Knowing her motive Batman sets a trap, a party at Wayne Manor to show off the Falcon's Eye Diamond. At the party, Commissioner Gordon has planted Gotham Police as the waitstaff and most of the guest are also undercover police. Gordon also put agent Roberta Vale with Bruce Wayne to wear and watch the diamonds. Everything is going alright until Gordon Godfrey shows up. He starts to spout his superhero hate speech and then upsets Roberta, who believes that superheroes make Gotham a better place. Godfrey knocks a drink on her, and she needs to go to the bathroom to clean up. While she is in the restroom, Magpie, dressed as a waitress, attacks her and steals the diamond, replacing them with a gas spraying boob trap. Roberta runs out into the party, affecting everyone, causing Bruce to break cover and become Batman. He saves the guests, but Godfrey uses his appearance to spout mor hate speech and blame the Batman for the attack on the party. Magpie gets away but Batman believes she go back to "her nest", the Gotham Museum of Antiquities, so he grabs Robin, while Alfred covers for Bruce Waynes sudden disappearance. Batman is correct and the duo find…

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 ›

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Robin (Dick Grayson)Open 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 ›

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