Comic Title: Man-Bat #1
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: December 1984
On Sale Date: September 13, 1984 Newsstand Date September 13, 1984
Source: DC Releases, #7

Shipping Date August 21, 1984
Source: DC Releases, #7

Shipping Date August 21, 1984
Source: Comics Journal, #92

Copyright Date August 21, 1984
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1984
DC publication dates beyond April 1981 listed by the LoC
represent shipping dates NOT newsstand sale dates

Shipping Date August 21, 1984
Source: Amazing Heroes, #53

Cover Price: $2.50
Page Count: 48
Editor: Nicola Cuti

See Also: The Guide to DC Giants

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 From:
Detective Comics #400 (1970)

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.