Comic Title: DC Special Series #23
Publisher: DC (DC Comics Inc.)
Address: 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Cover Date: February 1981
On Sale Date: November 25, 1980 Copyright Date November 25, 1980
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1980

Newsstand Date November 25, 1980
Source: Comic Reader, #185

Frequency: Four times a year
Cover Price: $0.75
Page Count: 64
Editor: Jack C. Harris

See Also: The Guide to DC Giants

Title: "Superman's Perfect Crime"
Pages: 16

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

Writer: Cary Bates
Penciller: Ross Andru
Inker: Michael Esposito

Reprinted From:
World's Finest Comics #180 (1968)

Feature Character(s)

• Superman (imaginary appearance)
• Batman (imaginary appearance)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (imaginary appearance)
• Alfred Pennyworth (imaginary appearance)

Villain(s)

• Mr. Socrates and his gang (imaginary appearance)

Comments:
Part II:"Socrates Seeks a Secret"

Mr. Socrates's full name is revealed as Horatio Socrates alias Robert Barton. Mike and Frank are named as members of his gang.

This is an imaginary story. The events depicted are not part of regular continuity.

This story is continued from the first story of World's Finest Comics #178.

Synopsis:
After losing his powers, Superman assumes a new costumed identity as Nova. However, he is captured by gang boss Mr. Socrates on his first crime-fighting adventure. Using an electronic implant embedded in Superman's neck, Mr. Socrates is able to control Superman's actions remotely. He then uses the former Man of Steel to lure Batman into a trap.

Batman escapes the trap and takes Superman back to the Batcave. However, Mr. Socrates is able to trace the signal from Superman to find the hidden location of the Batcave. Superman gets away from Batman, who gives chase. While the heroes are away, Mr. Socrates enters the cave and sets a booby-trap.

Superman is able to interrupt the signal that is allowing Mr. Socrates to control him. He then teams up with Batman and they return to the Batcave. Mr. Socrates falls victim to his own booby-trap. The rest of his gang is apprehended. Batman states that he will contact Green Lantern to brainwash the crooks, so that they will not remember his secret identity or the location of the Batcave.