Comic Title: Batman Annual #5
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: Summer 1963
On Sale Date: May 23, 1963 Newsstand Date May 23, 1963
Source: House Ad, Detective Comics #317, Page 15

Copyright Date May 23, 1963
Source: Library of Congress, Pamphlets 1963

Cover Price: $0.25
Page Count: 80
Editor: Jack Schiff

See Also: The Guide to DC Giants

Title: "The Merman Batman"
Pages: 8

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

Writer: Bill Finger
Penciller: Sheldon Moldoff
Inker: Charles Paris

Reprinted From:
Batman #118 (1958)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Batman #118; next appearance in Detective Comics #259)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (last appearance in Batman #118; next appearance in Detective Comics #259)

Villain(s)

• Vince Kenton, Smarte, and their gang (no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Batman and Robin trail gang leader, Vince Kenton to the waterfront. While looking for them, Batman is knocked into the water by a lightning bolt and is transformed into a water breather. He can only continue on land with the aid of a glass helmet filled with water.

When the Dynamic Duo face the crooks again, the helmet is shattered, allowing the crooks to escape. The next time they meet up, Batman passes out and the helmet is again broken. This time however, the strange water-breathing effect has worn off and he can breath air again. This surprises the crooks, allowing them to be caught.