Batman #156 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of June, 1963.
Synopsis for "The Secret of the Ant-Man"
Batman is away on a special assignment, and leaves Robin the task of patrolling Gotham City. He befriends a tiny, costumed hero called Ant-Man whom he mistakenly suspects might be Batman. He later discovers that the Ant-Man is actually a mobster named Jumbo Carson and apprehends him.
Appearing in "The Secret of the Ant-Man"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Ant-Man (Single appearance)
- Al Wells (Single appearance)
- The Brady Brothers (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Batman (Cameo)
- Gotham City Police Department
- H.H. Hobbs (Single appearance)
- Professor Hanson (Single appearance)
- Edie (Single appearance)
- Mr. Stine (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
Synopsis for "Robin Dies at Dawn"
Batman volunteers to participate in a special military experiment to test the long term effects of isolation on the human psyche. During this experience, Batman suffers a hallucination in which he witnesses Robin being killed on an alien world. The hallucinations persist and Batman is so overwrought that he is incapable of continuing his work. He hands the responsiblity of safeguarding Gotham City to Robin.
A criminal cartel known as the Gorilla Gang encounter Robin and abduct him. Batman is forced to come out of retirement to rescue him. The mission emboldens Batman's confidence and he stops having hallucinations.
Appearing in "Robin Dies at Dawn"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Ace the Bat-Hound
- Alfred Pennyworth
- Commissioner Gordon
- Doctor Hurt (First appearance; unnamed)
- Unnamed Military Official (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Gorilla Gang (First appearance)
- Luke
- Pete
Other Characters:
- Ant-Man (Mentioned only)
Locations:
- Gotham City
- GCPD Headquarters
- Wayne Manor
- Army Base
- Acme Loan Co.
Items:
- Batsuit
- Giant Idol Statue (Hallucination)
- Emergency Bat-Signal
- Acme Camphor Barrels
Vehicles:
Notes
- Published by National Periodical Publications, Inc.
- "The Secret of the Ant-Man" is reprinted in Batman #185.
- "Robin Dies at Dawn" is reprinted in Batman #185, The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told, Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, Batman: The Black Casebook and Robin, the Boy Wonder: A Celebration of 75 Years.
- Batman Annual #5 is published shortly after this issue.
- The events portrayed in "Robin Dies at Dawn" remained in canon as of Batman #673 and Batman R.I.P. The reasons why Batman participated is explained in Batman #682, saying Batman wished to better understand The Joker's psyche.
- The scientist seen in charge of the experiment was retconned in to be Doctor Hurt; this is where he left a mental trigger that was used later. Doctor Hurt's appearance seems to be based on the original appearance for the scientist he became.
- The events of "Robin Dies at Dawn" are somewhat-canon in the New 52 as of Grayson #5, where Dick explains to an infant the events that transpired as a dream he had.
- The reason Batman was "away" in the first story is he was still in the isolation experiment, which means this entire issue takes place in one calendar week.