Detective Comics #29
June 13, 1939
"The Batman Meets Doctor Death"
As I read this one, I had to wonder if there was a dispute over how to refer to Batman. In the first appearance, he was the "Bat-Man". Last issue, he was called the Batman on the front cover, but continued to be called "Bat-Man" in the story. As this one opens, the cover has him as Batman; the title at the start has him as "Bat-Man"; as the story begins, he is referred to as Bat Man; and then finally, by the end of the story, he is Batman. Very strange.
Long before Joker, Penguin, Catwoman and Doctor Hugo Strange, Batman's nemesis was Doctor Death - formerly Doctor Karl Hellfern. He threatens the elite of the world with death by pollen extract unless they pay tribute to him. He is assisted by a large man named Jabah who does the dirty work for him. Of course, one person stands in his way - the Bat Man. Interesting that he has already made a name for himself as a crimefighter and yet is wanted by Gordon and the police.
There is more to this story than in the previous issue. Batman is shot by Jabah at one point and has to trust his family doctor to accept his explanation that he managed to shoot himself even though the doctor cannot see any powder burns from such a close range shot. The doctor is not named, which is a shame as it would have made for an interesting plot point later in the run.
Batman also equips his belt with several vials of a choking gas which prove to be useful as he escapes from Jabah and several others after he is shot. While he doesn't refer to the garter as a utility belt, it is clear that the belt is more than a means to hold up his pants and he has compartments in it to hold the vials.
After saving another rich person from death, Bruce follows Jabah back to Death's hideout where, as Batman, he has a final confrontation. Ironically, Batman throws a fire extinguisher at Death as the madman drops a vial that sets fire to his laboratory. He appears to perish in the flames, but, spoiler, he will return. Have to wonder if he was meant to be the Lex Luthor to Batman. Certainly a much better story.
