Comic Title: Batman:The Silver Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2023
On Sale Date: December 20, 2022 Direct Market Date October 4, 2022
Source: DC Connect, #25

Direct Market Date December 21, 2022
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Cover Price: $99.99
Page Count: 728

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "Batman's Secret Helper"
Pages: 8

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

Penciller: Dick Sprang
Inker: Stan Kaye

Reprinted From:
Batman #106 (1957)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Detective Comics #240; next appearance in Batman #106)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (last appearance in Detective Comics #240; next appearance in Batman #106)

Villain(s)

• Jim Varrel (an escaped con; no further appearances)
• Varrel's gang (appear in flashback; no further appearances)
• Two bank robbers and an art thief (appear in flashback; no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Fred Varrel (brother of an escaped convict; no further appearances)
• James Wilkins and Bill Seton (a locksmith and a diver; no further appearances)
• A baby, his mother, and Dr. Walter Thorne (no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Batman and Robin appear on a television show to thank ordinary citizens who have helped them on past cases. Jim Varrel, an escaped con who was once captured by Batman, eagerly watches the show hoping to learn the identity of the man who betrayed him. Batman also does not know the identity of his secret helper, upon whom Varrel has sworn vengeance. The Caped Crusader baits a trap for Varrel causing him to attack at the television studio. Batman captures the con, then the real helper steps forward. Varrel's own brother, Fred, helped Batman to capture Jim. Fred hoped his brother would turn his back on crime. Now back in custody, Jim promises to reform.