Batman #25 - Story 4

August 9, 1944 "The Kilowatt Cowboys"

Batman and Robin are called in to stop the theft of precious copper, which is in high demand with short reserves during wartime. The copper is used in cables to run power lines. The two go to investigate the construction site which is located in a desert region. And here we go once again, there's a desert outside Gotham? Where is this city?

Once there, Batman quickly finds himself breaking up a fight between two workers - Alec and Jack. Turns out the two are long time rivals from childhood where Jack comes a well to do wealthy family ad Alec from a poor, working class one. Their rivalry went through college and then working together on the construction site when Jack's family lost their money and he was forced to work. Alec was injured and developed a fear of heights, forcing him to work form the ground while Jack became a lineman, the job Alec once did, intensifying their rivalry.

Batman and Robin take on the job of lineman and grounder with Robin getting a lot of heavy ribbing from the others on the site because he is the greenhorn. Even Batman is a little rough on him, allowing the others to torture him. But then Robin overhears Alec talking with some other men about hijacking a shipment of copper. He races to Batman with the news.

That night, the Duo are distracted by a collapsing tower and in the process, Robin is captured by the hijackers. Batman confronts Alec and proclaims his innocence. Jack comes forward and informs Batman that Alec is slang for a lineman. So any of the construction workers could be the culprit. Batman gets the two to work with him as they ride off into the desert in the Batmobile.

Meanwhile, the truck with the copper is covered by mirrors that reflect the surface of the desert, making it look invisible. Robin damages one of the panels and is knocked out by one of his captors. They take his radio from his belt, but fail to notice the piece of glass shard he has in his hand. Alone, he reflects the sun light and sends out a signal that is spotted by Batman.

Batman goes in alone and rescues Robin. The four return to the campsite and chase after the leader of the gang. Atop one of the towers, he is cornered by Jack, but is electrocuted by a stray wire. Jack is injured as well and before Batman can go to his rescue, Alec who has this fear of heights, climbs up after him. He is blinded by sand from the desert and so Batman must compete the rescue. The two bury the hatchet and agree to work together.

It's a pretty average story that does have a good ending. And what's next, Citizens!