Comic Title: Showcase Presents:Batman Vol. 2 TPB
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2007
On Sale Date: June 27, 2007 Direct Market Date June 27, 2007
Source: Previews, Vol. 17 #3 (#219)

Direct Market Date June 27, 2007
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Cover Price: $16.99
Page Count: 512
Editor: Bob Joy

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "The Crime-Boss Who Was Always One Step Ahead of Batman"
Pages: 14

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

Writer: Gardner F. Fox
Penciller: Sheldon Moldoff
Inker: Joe Giella

Reprinted From:
Detective Comics #344 (1965)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Detective Comics #343; next appearance in Batman #175)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (last appearance in Detective Comics #343; next appearance in Batman #175)

Villain(s)

• Johnny Witts (next appearance in Batman #192)
• Flo Murcell (disguised as Apple Alice; no further appearances)
• Johnny's gang (Joe named; no further appearances)

Synopsis:
While patrolling Gotham Robin is given an apple by a kindly old woman. Batman suspects that the apple is poisoned, so he stops Robin from eating it. The Dynamic Duo then follow a man hiding in the shadows. Batman observes the man and his boss make criminal plans. Robin follows the man while Batman continues to spy on the boss.

Robin follows the man and his partners into the country, where they lure him into a trap. The men then phone their boss, Johnny Witts to tell him about their success. Witts then opens the window for Batman and explains that he planned the entire situation to capture Robin. Batman tries to capture Witts, but the crook is once again one-step ahead and eludes Batman.

Robin escapes his trap and returns to the Bat-Cave. He and Batman then track down the apple woman who was a disguised member of Johnny's gang. They follow her back to Johnny, but the crook has also anticipated Batman's move. Fortunately Batman was two steps ahead and the police are on hand. Johnny can't think of an escape fast enough, and he is apprehended.