Detective Comics #450
Published and © by DC, August 1975
Title: “The Cape & Cowl Deathtrap”
Synopsis: A hitman named Wormwood is hired to acquire Batman’s cowl – but who is really setting the trap?
Writer: Elliot S. Maggin
Artist: Walter Simonson
Review: This one is a surprising treat. Elliot S. Maggin offers up an enjoyable thriller with a fun twist and powerful conclusion. But the real magic comes from the early Walter Simonson art. His Bruce Wayne is a little off, but his Batman is striking. He offers strong visual storytelling, too.
•••
Title: “The Parking Lot Bandit!”
Synopsis: Off at college, Robin teams with a the campus security chief in an effort to bring a thief to justice.
Writer: Bob Rozakis
Penciler: Al Milgrom
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: Robin is punching below his weight class here, but Al Milgrom’s art looks sharp under Terry Austin’s detailed line.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Cool factor: That Walter Simonson fella just might be a contender someday.
Character quotable: “Beware this avenging creature of the night! Those with reason to fear him are destroyed by their fear… Those who do not fear him are fools!” – The narrator
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 21, 2021.
