Batman #456 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1990.
Synopsis for "Identity Crisis - Part Two: Without Fear of Consequence..."
Batman stops another skeleton-masked criminal dressed as a Santa Claus, at Gracey's Department Store where he had injured eight people. A reporter indicates this is the 43rd "crime of whim." Afterwards Batman talks to Lt. Kitch who tells him there's no trace of chemicals or hypnosis. Kitch tells Batman about Vicki's lead with Rico Marcuse.
Vicki is attacked by a skeleton-masked man while Rico Marcuse provides his henchmen with info about their next victims. One of his henchmen spots the struggle with Vicki and they go down to see what's going on. Rico recognizes Vicki from the morning near the homeless men. They take her with them to see the boss. Batman has been watching and decides to follow them silently.
At the Batcave, Tim continues searching on the Batcomputer any information that would help him solve the crimes. He's driven to find the solution to prove himself to Bruce that he deserves to be Robin. Alfred tries to get Tim to help wrap Christmas presents but Tim refuses to give up on his search.
Rico takes Vicki to Gotham Chemical, an abandoned factory. They call the boss to tell him about Vicki, then escort her up. On the stairs Vicki manages to get away from the henchmen but runs straight into the boss. Batman decides to try to sneak into the building. Tim has a daydream where he is confronted by the two previous Robins who lecture him on not giving up. He wakes up and contemplates the situation and realizes that a whim is just a momentary lack of fear. He calls the Batmobile but Batman is not there to answer. So he calls Commissioner Gordon and asks him to activate the Bat-Signal to tell Batman what he's deduced. Batman spots the signal but has no time to respond. He continues his infiltration but activates a booby trap and is captured by the Scarecrow. Tim debates whether he should go into action, in defiance of Batman's orders, or stay put and hope for the best. He ultimately decides he must help and takes a taxi.
Appearing in "Identity Crisis - Part Two: Without Fear of Consequence..."
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Alfred Pennyworth
- Vicki Vale
- Commissioner Jim Gordon
- Lt. Stan Kitch
Antagonists:
- Scarecrow
- Leon
- Hammy
- Rico Marcuse (First appearance)
- Yazz
Other Characters:
- Richard Grayson (In dream sequence only)
- Jason Todd (In dream sequence only)
- Poison Ivy (In a vision)
- Cornelius Stirk (In a vision)
- Joker (In a vision)
- Catwoman (In a vision)
- Penguin (In a vision)
- Two-Faces (In a vision)
- Ventriloquist (In a vision)
- Ra's al Ghul (In a vision)
- Tweedledum and Tweedledee (In a vision)
- Anarky (In a vision)
- Killer Moth (In a vision)
- Riddler (In a vision)
Locations:
- Gotham City
- Gracey's Department Store
- Rico's Workplace
- Wayne Manor
- Batcave
- Gotham Chemical
- GCPD Headquarters
Items:
- Batcomputer
- Batrope
- Bat-Signal
- Mechanical T-Rex (Cameo)
- Giant Penny (Cameo)
- Giant Joker Card (Cameo)
- Scarface Puppet (In a vision)
Vehicles:
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in the Robin: A Hero Reborn trade paperback, in Robin: Reborn and in Batman: The Caped Crusader Vol. 4.
See Also