Detective Comics #53
May 29, 1941
(Viola Vane)
For this issue, we have another unusual Batman tale that does work, but it certainly doesn't come across as the "Dark Knight" type of story. We open with Bruce having a meal with a friend, Jim Daly, and the conversation turns to how sad Gotham City has become. Daly is the pessimist in this discussion and feels that the people of Gotham would not be willing to help a fellow citizen if needed, while Bruce has hope for the people.
Bruce's faith is put to the test one night when as Batman on patrol, he saves a woman from committing suicide by drowning. The woman, Viola Vane, is a wannabe actress who has managed to land a part of an understudy in a play. The problem is, she told her parents she was a big star and now they are coming to visit and she's afraid to break their hearts. (Never mind the fact that they will learn everything once she is dead and will have the heartache of losing their daughter.). It's a perfect opportunity for Bruce to prove his case.
Batman first introduces himself to high society and asks for their help in this very elaborate ploy to convince Viola's parents that she is a renowned actress in Gotham. They agree. They want to set her up with Bruce Wayne who obviously agrees. He, in turn, gives Viola a makeup complete with jewels and furs. Batman goes to the radio station and newspapers and asks them not to report on the story, even going so far as to threaten physical violence to one newspaper editor who wants to scoop everyone.
The parents arrive and Viola is the toast of the town as she is greeted with applause by folks in the clubs they visit. Later, Batman goes to relieve Robin who is on guard duty as word of Viola's jewels and furs will have reached unsavory ears. But he's too late as he finds Robin knocked out on the roof. Batman recognizes the leader of the thieves as Toothy Hare based on Robin's description.
They crash into a hideout and after taking out the thugs inside, Batman asks where Toothy is hiding. One thug, who may be a crook, but he has a heart when he hears the story of Viola, tells Batman where to find him. As they approach the hideout, I love the warning Batman gives Robin that they are entering a rathole filled with human rodents.
Inside, the two fight with Toothy's men while he makes a run for it. Robin leaps into the escaping car and tries to stop Toothy from steering the car. The vehicle careens off the road and into the river. Robin surfaces with a less than toothy Toothy.
