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"The Villain of the Year": Batman and Robin are tipped off by reporter Hal Lake to the depredations of the Jackal, a costumed criminal who steals from other crooks, but the Dynamic Duo soon learn that Lake is also masquerading as an und

Batman #157 is an issue of the series Batman (Volume 1) with a cover date of August, 1963.

Synopsis for "The Villain of the Year"

Batman and Robin are tipped off by reporter Hal Lake to the depredations of the Jackal, a costumed criminal who steals from other crooks, but the Dynamic Duo soon learn that Lake is also masquerading as an underworld hood named "Marty Kale", who is offered a reward for the Jackal by underworld boss Gaxton. After a lengthy investigation, the heroes also learn that Lake is also the Jackal, but that he acquired this identity as a result of a mental breakdown of his Kale personality. Soon, Batman and Robin are able to capture Gaxton in an attempt on Lake/Kale/The Jackal and they inform the truth to a baffled Lake, who will soon be taken to a mental hospital.

Appearing in "The Villain of the Year"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Reed (Single appearance)
  • Gaxton (Single appearance)
  • The Snooper (Single appearance)

Other Characters:

  • Hal Lake; aka Marty Kale; aka The Jackal (Single appearance)

Locations:

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Vehicles:


Synopsis for "The Hunt for Batman's Secret Identity"

The Mirror-Man breaks jail and begins anew his pursuit to prove that Batman is really Bruce Wayne, whose face he once saw beneath Batman's cowl via a special x-ray machine. Bruce manages to outwit Mirror-Man's thugs during their first confrontation at the Gotham Museum, where Vicki Vale witness the heroes in action. Mirror-Man and his crooks manage to escape, despite Batwoman's efforts to stop them. When Batman gives Batwoman kind words of encouragement, Vicki becomes jealous and decides to help Batman on the next occasion.

When Mirror-Man strikes again, Vicki hires an actor to impersonate Bruce in order to help Batman's identity remain secret. What Vicki didn't know is that Batman had already asked Alfred to impersonate him. After the Mirror-Man's crime is foiled, one of his thugs follows the actor and discover's Vicki's hoax. Finally, Mirror-Man is captured by Batman and is taken to the GCPD Headquarters, where he still claims that Batman is Bruce Wayne. When Wayne appears in the place, Mirro-Man's theory is finally dropped. Vicki apologizes to Batman, who in return gives her a kiss, much to everyone's surprise, especially Batwoman.

Later, it is revealed that Alfred was playing Batman this time while Bruce showed up as himself. When Bruce asks Alfred why did he kissed Vicki, he replies that as a good actor, he had to improvise in such a situation.

Appearing in "The Hunt for Batman's Secret Identity"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

Locations:

Notes



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Links and References

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