DC Database
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
DC Database
DC Database
127,497
pages
in: Dick Giordano/Executive Editor, Jim Starlin/Cover Artist, Anthony Tollin/Cover Artist,
and 28 more

Changes: Batman Vol 1 402

Back to page
Sign in to edit
No edit summary
Tag: sourceedit
m (→‎top: removing template)
(12 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
| Executive Editor = Dick Giordano
  
| Executive Editor = Dick Giordano
 
| CoverArtist1 = Jim Starlin
  
| CoverArtist1 = Jim Starlin
  +
| CoverArtist2 = Anthony Tollin
   
 
| Writer1_1 = Max Allan Collins
  
| Writer1_1 = Max Allan Collins
Line 21: Line 22:
   
 
| StoryTitle1 = There's Nothing So Savage -- As a Man Destroying Himself!
  
| StoryTitle1 = There's Nothing So Savage -- As a Man Destroying Himself!
−
| Synopsis1 = [[File:Tommy Carma 0003.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Thomas Carma (New Earth)|Batman kills a mugger!?]]]] Two muggers named Roach and Spider brutalize a couple named Dick and Jane. Batman arrives and snaps both of their necks, killing them. He rides a motorcycle back to his garage, where it's revealed that this Batman is someone other than Bruce Wayne.
+
| Synopsis1 = [[File:Tommy Carma 0003.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Batman kills a mugger!?]] Two muggers named Roach and Spider brutalize a couple named Dick and Jane. Batman arrives and snaps both of their necks, killing them. He rides a motorcycle back to his garage, where it's revealed that this Batman is someone other than Bruce Wayne.
   
−
The real [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]] responds to the [[Bat-Signal]] and swings over to [[GCPD Headquarters]]. Deputy Commissioner Barnes is waiting to arrest him for the murders, and the [[GCPD]] shoot at him as he escapes. Batman goes to visit the home of [[James Gordon (New Earth)|Jim Gordon]], who explains that Barnes is trying to take over the department. A news report reveals that the two muggers killed were both murderers, previously released on a technicality. Batman tells Gordon to pretend to help with the manhunt so he can keep an eye on Barnes.
+
The real [[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]] responds to the [[Bat-Signal]] and swings over to [[GCPD Headquarters]]. Deputy Commissioner Barnes is waiting to arrest him for the murders, and the [[Gotham City Police Department|GCPD]] shoot at him as he escapes. Batman goes to visit the home of [[James Gordon (New Earth)|Jim Gordon]], who explains that Barnes is trying to take over the department. A news report reveals that the two muggers killed were both murderers, previously released on a technicality. Batman tells Gordon to pretend to help with the manhunt so he can keep an eye on Barnes.
   
 
The next day, Bruce Wayne eats breakfast at [[Wayne Manor]] with [[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]] and [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]]. Alfred investigates companies that sell Batman costumes, and finds that every one in the area has been stolen. Jason asks Bruce what's so wrong about killing criminals. Bruce tells him murder is a line they must not cross. Jason reminds him that he's killed before, and Bruce says this was in self-defense. "If we're no better than the lice who snuff out human life like it's worth nothing at all, then, well -- then it's time I hung up my cowl." Jason responds that he's still glad the crooks are dead, and Bruce says he is also but he's not proud of that.
 
The next day, Bruce Wayne eats breakfast at [[Wayne Manor]] with [[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]] and [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]]. Alfred investigates companies that sell Batman costumes, and finds that every one in the area has been stolen. Jason asks Bruce what's so wrong about killing criminals. Bruce tells him murder is a line they must not cross. Jason reminds him that he's killed before, and Bruce says this was in self-defense. "If we're no better than the lice who snuff out human life like it's worth nothing at all, then, well -- then it's time I hung up my cowl." Jason responds that he's still glad the crooks are dead, and Bruce says he is also but he's not proud of that.
   
−
[[File:Jason Todd 0030.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Bruce Wayne]] and [[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Jason Todd]] discuss ethics.]]
+
[[File:Jason Todd 0030.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd discuss ethics.]]
   
 
Bruce Wayne visits a man named Howard Despond whose wife was killed by the muggers who died fighting Batman. He pretends to be there on [[Wayne Foundation]] business. Despond says nobody cared about his wife's death except the detective who took the muggers in.
 
Bruce Wayne visits a man named Howard Despond whose wife was killed by the muggers who died fighting Batman. He pretends to be there on [[Wayne Foundation]] business. Despond says nobody cared about his wife's death except the detective who took the muggers in.
Line 35: Line 36:
 
Batman goes out to pursue Carma, and tells Robin he must stay at home. He finds Carma's home address and meets his mother. She assumes that Batman is her son because he's wearing the same costume, and it's revealed that Tommy thinks he really is Batman. Tommy's mother tries to convince him that he's not Batman and what he's doing is wrong. Further inside, Batman finds a crime lab and a wall of newspaper clippings about Batman. Some of these clippings are about a man called the "Snuffer" who he believes was responsible for the death of Tommy's family. Gordon tells Batman where to find the Snuffer, who is currently about to go into witness protection.
 
Batman goes out to pursue Carma, and tells Robin he must stay at home. He finds Carma's home address and meets his mother. She assumes that Batman is her son because he's wearing the same costume, and it's revealed that Tommy thinks he really is Batman. Tommy's mother tries to convince him that he's not Batman and what he's doing is wrong. Further inside, Batman finds a crime lab and a wall of newspaper clippings about Batman. Some of these clippings are about a man called the "Snuffer" who he believes was responsible for the death of Tommy's family. Gordon tells Batman where to find the Snuffer, who is currently about to go into witness protection.
   
−
[[File:Tommy Carma 0002.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]] defeats [[Thomas Carma (New Earth)|the imposter]].]]
 +
[[File:Tommy Carma 0002.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Batman defeats the imposter.]]
   
 
Tommy Carma finds the Snuffer first and drops him out of a window. Batman arrives just in time to save the Snuffer. When the Snuffer thanks him he says "saving your life is the most disgusting thing I've done in a long time. Tommy hits Batman from behind and insists that the Snuffer does not deserve to live. They fight, and Tommy accuses Batman of being an imposter. Robin arrives and distracts Tommy, allowing Batman to knock Tommy out with a clean punch. Batman says he should be angry at Robin for disobeying orders, but he's glad they stopped Tommy before anyone else got hurt. The police arrive, and Batman decides to stay so he can clear his name. Robin asks why Batman didn't punch the guy out sooner, and Batman replies "It was hard to swing at him. After all, who am I but just another guy who thinks he's the Batman?"
 
Tommy Carma finds the Snuffer first and drops him out of a window. Batman arrives just in time to save the Snuffer. When the Snuffer thanks him he says "saving your life is the most disgusting thing I've done in a long time. Tommy hits Batman from behind and insists that the Snuffer does not deserve to live. They fight, and Tommy accuses Batman of being an imposter. Robin arrives and distracts Tommy, allowing Batman to knock Tommy out with a clean punch. Batman says he should be angry at Robin for disobeying orders, but he's glad they stopped Tommy before anyone else got hurt. The police arrive, and Batman decides to stay so he can clear his name. Robin asks why Batman didn't punch the guy out sooner, and Batman replies "It was hard to swing at him. After all, who am I but just another guy who thinks he's the Batman?"
Line 41: Line 42:
 
| Appearing1 =
 
| Appearing1 =
 
'''Featured Characters:'''
  
'''Featured Characters:'''
−
* {{apn|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]|Outsiders Annual #1|Detective Comics #569}}
 +
* {{a|[[Bruce Wayne (New Earth)|Batman]]}}
 
'''Supporting Characters:'''
  
'''Supporting Characters:'''
 
* {{a|[[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]]}}
 
* {{a|[[James Gordon (New Earth)|Jim Gordon]]}}
  
* {{a|[[James Gordon (New Earth)|Jim Gordon]]}}
−
* {{apn|[[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Robin]]|Detective Comics #568|Detective Comics #569}}
 +
* {{a|[[Jason Todd (New Earth)|Robin]]}}
−
'''Villains:'''
 +
'''Antagonists:'''
 
* {{a|[[Thomas Carma (New Earth)|Tommy Carma]]}} {{green|as Batman}} {{1st}}
  
* {{a|[[Thomas Carma (New Earth)|Tommy Carma]]}} {{green|as Batman}} {{1st}}
 
'''Other Characters:'''
  
'''Other Characters:'''
Line 66: Line 67:
 
'''Items:'''
  
'''Items:'''
 
* {{a|[[Bat-Signal]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Bat-Signal]]}}
  +
* {{a|[[Batcomputer]]}}
 
* {{a|[[Giant Penny]]}}
  
* {{a|[[Giant Penny]]}}
 
'''Vehicles:'''
  
'''Vehicles:'''
Line 71: Line 73:
   
 
| Notes =
 
| Notes =
  +
* This story is reprinted in the ''[[Batman: Second Chances (Collected)|Batman: Second Chances]]'' collected edition.
−
* [[Batman]] appeared last in [[Detective Comics Vol 1 568|''Detective Comics'' #568]]. He appears next in [[Batman Vol 1 403|''Batman'' #403]].
 
  +
* The story of this issue doesn't have an actual title. Instead, the tagline on the cover is used as such.
−
* [[Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)|Alfred Pennyworth]] appeared last in [[Batman Vol 1 401|''Batman'' #401]]. He appears next in [[Batman Vol 1 403|''Batman'' #403]].
 
  ⚫
* Batman mentions that he has killed before, but only in self-defense.
−
* Tommy Carma makes a chronologically earlier appearance in flashback in [[Batman Vol 1 403|''Batman'' #403]].
  
  ⚫
* This is the first issue of [[Max Allan Collins]]' run.
⚫
* Batman mentions that he has killed before, but only in self-defense.
 
⚫
* This is the first issue of [[Max Allan Collins]]' run.
 
   
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
−
* There is a young couple featured in this issue named Dick and Jane. Their names are a reference to the ''[[Wikipedia:Dick and Jane|Dick and Jane]]'' series of children's books written by [[Wikipedia:Zerna Sharp|Zerna Sharp]] from the 1930s-1970s.
+
* There is a young couple featured in this issue named Dick and Jane. Their names are a reference to the ''[[Wikipedia:Dick and Jane|Dick and Jane]]'' series of children's books written by [[Wikipedia:Zerna Sharp|Zerna Sharp]] from the 1930s-1970s.
   
 
| Recommended = {{Batman RR}}
  
| Recommended = {{Batman RR}}
−
| Links = {{Batman Links}}
 +
| Links =
 
}}
  
}}

Revision as of 13:15, 1 February 2020

"There's Nothing So Savage -- As a Man Destroying Himself!":
Tommy Carma 0003

Batman kills a mugger!?

Two muggers named Roach and Spider brutalize a couple named Dick and Jane. Batman arrives and snaps both of their necks, killing them. He rides a motorcycle back t

Quote1 Saving your life is the most disgusting thing I've done in a long time. Quote2
— Batman

Batman #402 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of December, 1986.

Synopsis for "There's Nothing So Savage -- As a Man Destroying Himself!"

Tommy Carma 0003

Batman kills a mugger!?

Two muggers named Roach and Spider brutalize a couple named Dick and Jane. Batman arrives and snaps both of their necks, killing them. He rides a motorcycle back to his garage, where it's revealed that this Batman is someone other than Bruce Wayne.

The real Batman responds to the Bat-Signal and swings over to GCPD Headquarters. Deputy Commissioner Barnes is waiting to arrest him for the murders, and the GCPD shoot at him as he escapes. Batman goes to visit the home of Jim Gordon, who explains that Barnes is trying to take over the department. A news report reveals that the two muggers killed were both murderers, previously released on a technicality. Batman tells Gordon to pretend to help with the manhunt so he can keep an eye on Barnes.

The next day, Bruce Wayne eats breakfast at Wayne Manor with Alfred Pennyworth and Jason Todd. Alfred investigates companies that sell Batman costumes, and finds that every one in the area has been stolen. Jason asks Bruce what's so wrong about killing criminals. Bruce tells him murder is a line they must not cross. Jason reminds him that he's killed before, and Bruce says this was in self-defense. "If we're no better than the lice who snuff out human life like it's worth nothing at all, then, well -- then it's time I hung up my cowl." Jason responds that he's still glad the crooks are dead, and Bruce says he is also but he's not proud of that.

Jason Todd 0030

Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd discuss ethics.

Bruce Wayne visits a man named Howard Despond whose wife was killed by the muggers who died fighting Batman. He pretends to be there on Wayne Foundation business. Despond says nobody cared about his wife's death except the detective who took the muggers in.

More criminals are found dead the next night. This time it's an armed robber, who also previously escaped murder charges on a technicality. Batman poses as a reporter named Mr. Davis to ask Gordon questions about the murder right in front of Barnes. Gordon explains that all of the crooks who got off on technicality were arrested by a detective named Tommy Carma. Carma was once the youngest detective in the city, but his constant police brutality allowed many arrested criminals to go free. He snapped after his wife and daughter were killed by a hitman.

Batman goes out to pursue Carma, and tells Robin he must stay at home. He finds Carma's home address and meets his mother. She assumes that Batman is her son because he's wearing the same costume, and it's revealed that Tommy thinks he really is Batman. Tommy's mother tries to convince him that he's not Batman and what he's doing is wrong. Further inside, Batman finds a crime lab and a wall of newspaper clippings about Batman. Some of these clippings are about a man called the "Snuffer" who he believes was responsible for the death of Tommy's family. Gordon tells Batman where to find the Snuffer, who is currently about to go into witness protection.

Tommy Carma 0002

Batman defeats the imposter.

Tommy Carma finds the Snuffer first and drops him out of a window. Batman arrives just in time to save the Snuffer. When the Snuffer thanks him he says "saving your life is the most disgusting thing I've done in a long time. Tommy hits Batman from behind and insists that the Snuffer does not deserve to live. They fight, and Tommy accuses Batman of being an imposter. Robin arrives and distracts Tommy, allowing Batman to knock Tommy out with a clean punch. Batman says he should be angry at Robin for disobeying orders, but he's glad they stopped Tommy before anyone else got hurt. The police arrive, and Batman decides to stay so he can clear his name. Robin asks why Batman didn't punch the guy out sooner, and Batman replies "It was hard to swing at him. After all, who am I but just another guy who thinks he's the Batman?"

Appearing in "There's Nothing So Savage -- As a Man Destroying Himself!"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

Other Characters:

  • Dick (mugging victim)
  • Gotham City Police Department
    • Deputy Commissioner Barnes (Single appearance)
  • Howard Despond (mugging victim)
  • Jane (mugging victim)
  • Mrs. Carma (Tommy's mother)
  • Roach (mugger)
  • Snuffer (hitman)
  • Spider (mugger)

Locations:

Items:

Vehicles:

Notes

  • This story is reprinted in the Batman: Second Chances collected edition.
  • The story of this issue doesn't have an actual title. Instead, the tagline on the cover is used as such.
  • Batman mentions that he has killed before, but only in self-defense.
  • This is the first issue of Max Allan Collins' run.

Trivia

  • There is a young couple featured in this issue named Dick and Jane. Their names are a reference to the Dick and Jane series of children's books written by Zerna Sharp from the 1930s-1970s.


See Also

Recommended Reading

Links and References

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms