Comic Title: Detective Comics #400
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: June 1970
On Sale Date: April 30, 1970 Copyright Date April 30, 1970
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1970


Frequency: Monthly
Cover Price: $0.15
Page Count: 32
Editor: Julius Schwartz

Title: "Challenge of the Man-Bat"
Pages: 16

Feature(s):
Batman (of Earth-1)

Writer: Frank Robbins
Penciller: Neal Adams
Inker: Dick Giordano
Letterer: John Costanza

Reprinted In:
Batman Family #1 (1975)
Super Heroes #4 (1981)
Man-Bat #1 (1984)
Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 HC (2004)
Showcase Presents:Batman Vol. 5 TPB (2012)
Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2013)
Batman by Neal Adams Omnibus HC (2016)
Batman Arkham:Man-Bat TPB (2017)
Batman by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2019)
Detective Comics:80 Years of Batman HC (2019)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in World's Finest Comics #195; next appearance in Detective Comics #401)

Guest Star(s)

• Man-Bat (Langstrom; first name Kirk not given in this story; first appearance; next appearance in Detective Comics #402)

Supporting Character(s)

• Alfred Pennyworth (last appearance in Brave & the Bold #90; next appearance in Detective Comics #401)

Villain(s)

• The Blackout Gang (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Wilkins (a museum curator; no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Batman tangles with a gang of crooks who work silently in pitch blackness. They use special goggles which enable them to see in the dark. Despite their gimmick, Batman is able to stop them from succeeding in their first robbery. The Blackout Gang does manage to escape.

Meanwhile at the Museum of Natural History, Langstrom experiments with bats in order to give himself sonar abilities. However, his gland extract has an unforeseen side effect. Langstrom develops claw-like hands, giant ears, and his face changes to resemble a bat.

When the crooks strike at the museum, they are prepared for Batman's interference. However, Langstrom comes to Batman's aid and working together they defeat the crooks. When Batman shines a light on Langstrom, he sees the man's deformed face. Langstrom then flees the scene in shame.