Best of the Brave and the Bold #5 is an issue of the series Best of the Brave and the Bold (Volume 1) with a cover date of Holiday, 1988.
Synopsis for "Red Water Crimson Death"
This story is reprinted from The Brave and the Bold #93.
In a tale narrated by Cain from House of Mystery, Batman slips up and almost gets himself killed trying to stop a normal thug, and is forced to go on vacation by Commissioner Gordon, who believes Batman is heading towards a total burn out. Reluctantly taking the Commissioner's advice, Batman (in his civilian guise of Bruce Wayne) takes a boat cruise in which he saves a small boy named Sean who falls overboard. Going along with the boy to his home of Arin Island, Bruce finds that mystical forces are working to have him solve a mystery on the island as Batman.
Learning of a local legend of the red sea that has killed many (including Sean's parents) and the supposed cases of haunting on the island, Batman soon learns that it is businessman Alysius Cabot. Cabot is really dumping chemicals into the water that is causing people to die and is using technology to play on peoples superstitions. When Batman confronts Cabot, Cabot tries to poison the Caped Crusader, however, Batman finds the antidote and before Cabot can shoot him, a picture frame falls knocking him out. Finally, without much understanding of all the inexplicable events that happened, Batman then takes Sean to safety.
Appearing in "Red Water Crimson Death"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Aloysius Calbot (Single appearance; dies)
- Beefy (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Commissioner James Gordon
- Sean (Single appearance)
- Derry (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Kentucky
- Atlantic Ocean
- Arin Islands
Vehicles:
- Cruise Ship
Synopsis for "The Ghost Ship!"
This story is reprinted from The Brave and the Bold #14.
A gang of pirates thought they saw the last of the Viking Prince when they watched him fall from a ledge. But Jon lived, and he uses their superstitious nature against them to drive them away.
Appearing in "The Ghost Ship!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Gunnda
- Captain Olaf
Antagonists:
- Pirates (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
Locations:
Vehicles:
- a small, rotted boat
Synopsis for "Captive Champion"
This story is reprinted from The Brave and the Bold #4.
Caius was a ruthless collector of all things gold. From stolen gold sculptures, to a gold-colored steed whose rider met an unfortunate "accident". But his collection isn't complete as the devious Cinna tells him, the greatest warrior in Rome, the Golden Gladiator is not yet his.
In the arena, Marcus fights against his latest challenger, as Cinna and Caius watch. He defeats his opponent and walks over to Lucia, Cinna's lovely daughter, and tosses his laurel wreath to her. Impressed, Caius agrees that his collection won't be complete until Marcus, the Golden Gladiator, is in his possession. A few days later, Marcus travels to the pine grove after recieving a note from Lucia to meet her there. It is actually a trap set by Caius, who throws a net around Marcus while his hired thugs beat him into unconciousness.
When he awakens, Marcus finds himself in a hidden arena, with Caius watching over him from the box seat. He has Lucia with him and says if Marcus doesn't fight for him, she will suffer for it. The contender is a two-man chariot team with one wielding a battleaxe. Lucia calls the fight unfair since Marcus is on foot armed only with a sword, but Caius replies that if he is the Gladiator King, it should be his duty to "defend his throne", and that if he is not the best then he has no place in his collection and should be destroyed. Marcus strikes with his sword, but one of the riders counters, cutting the blade in two with his axe! As the horses are brought around again, Marcus readies himself. He grabs the horses by their front reigns and with his strength, steers them around until the attached chariot overturns, dumping the riders out. Marcus then rights the chariot and drives it near the box so that Lucia can hop in and escape with him. Against Caius' screams of rage, Marcus crashes the chariot through the gates and manages to dodge the arrows of the archers. He and Lucia then make their way back to Rome...
Appearing in "Captive Champion"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Lucia
Antagonists:
- Cinna
- Caius (Single appearance)
Locations:
Vehicles:
- Chariot
Synopsis for "The Secret of Sherwood Forest"
This story is reprinted from The Brave and the Bold #14.
Robin Hood rescues Little John from the dungeon during a masquerade party at Prince John's castle. However, fleeing is more difficult than before, as no matter how dense Sherwood Forest is, the Sheriff always seems to track their exact movements...
Appearing in "The Secret of Sherwood Forest"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Little John
Antagonists:
- Prince John
- Sheriff of Nottingham
Other Characters:
- Maid Marion
Locations:
- England (12th Century)
- Prince John's Castle
- Sherwood Forest
See Also