Batman #535: The Ogre and the Ape

Quick answer

Batman #535: The Ogre and the Ape stands out in Gotham Vault because the issue title, character tags, and 1996-10-01 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 and related Batman continuity.

Issue summary

A very powerful being is killing Gothamites and the only clue to the killer's identity is graffiti scrawled on the walls of the city's buildings. Batman must solve the puzzle before the body count rises, and face one of the strangest adversaries in his career: the Ogre. 1) 20,000 Volts of Vengeance!: A hooded man and an ape attack a Dr. Belmont. The man makes some remarks about being the sole survivors of an experiment of Dr. Belmont's. He pulls his hood back to reveal a grotesquely disfigured visage. They inject the doctor with a tranquilizer and plug an electrode into his skull. They electrocute their victim, and then call the police. They climb out the window, and the ogre tells his primate companion that he can listen to some Mozart when they get home. 2) The Writing on the Wall: Sgt. Bullock of the GCPD talks to the coroner about their stiff, while Batman is at the scene of the crime and listening in. The coroner tells Bullock that while Dr. Belmont's death may seem gruesome; it was actually quite humane. The victim had been heavily sedated first, and likely never felt a thing. Batman notices some graffiti painted on a wall next to the Dr. Belmont's building directory. 3) Gothic Garret: The ogre and the ape return home to their garret. While the ape puts on a record, the ogre reminisces about their past and paints. It's revealed that he was once a homeless junkie who was…

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 ›