Alfred-- I never joke. 
Detective Comics #508 is an issue of the series Detective Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1981. It was published on August 20, 1981.
Synopsis for "Secret of the Sphinx Sinister"
While looking for Selina Kyle, Batman finds her apartment destroyed and he takes a sample of dust that was left behind. In the Batcave II, Batman learns that the dust is somehow the same dust as the found in ancient Egyptian tombs and he goes to the Gotham Metropolitan Museum to verify his information with the Egyptian expert, Gregory Griffin. Much to Bruce's surprise, Griffin's office is also destroyed and he is nowhere to be found. Looking for clues, Bruce finds a secret door which leads to a special room, equipped with several Egyptian relics and a picture of Selina Kyle next to the face of the tomb of Queen Kara of Egypt, both with a striking resemblance. Griffin's assistant reads a table of Egyptian hieroglyphs and Bruce learns about Griffin's obsession with Kara and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Bruce Wayne travels to Egypt and starts searching for Griffin and Selina, but the local authorities know nothing much about them. Bruce then goes to Giza, where he waits until sunset before going into action as Batman. As the Dark Knight approaches the Sphinx, he is attacked by jackals and is forced to climb the Sphinx until he accidentally finds a secret entrance, leading to the ancient tomb of a Pharaoh. Inside, Batman finds Selina completely unconscious and dressed as an Egyptian queen while Griffin is preparing a ritual and he is dressed as a Pharaoh. Much to Batman's surprise, Griffin truly believes himself the latest incarnation of an ancient Pharaoh and he plans to complete a ritual that will kill Selina and himself, so that they can be together in the afterlife.
At first, Batman tries to confront the madman, but when Griffin uses fire against him, Batman plays along in order to prevent starting a fire. When Griffin has his guard down, Batman stops pretending and knocks the man unconsious. His first action is to save Selina and once she is out of danger, he would return for Griffin. However, Griffin has recovered and attempts to leave the Sphinx following Batman and Selina. Once outside, Griffin and Batman fight and they fall to the desert sands, where Griffin is attacked by the jackals and ripped apart while Batman is unable to help.
The next day, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle inform the local authorities about the events and they decide to return to Gotham City and discuss the future of their relationship.
Appearing in "Secret of the Sphinx Sinister"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Villains:
- The Pharaoh (Single appearance; dies)
Other Characters:
- Arthur Reeves
- Donaldson (Single appearance)
- Mustapha (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Gotham City
- Batcave II
- Gotham Park
- Gotham Metropolitan Museum
- Egypt
Items:
- Giant Penny (Cameo)
- Mechanical T-Rex (Cameo)
- Utility Belt
Synopsis for "The Attack of the Annihilator!"
Geologist Kenneth Anderson conducts an experiment with a strange rock which, he says, contains incredible energy properties and transforms himself into a hyperevolved man with mind-over-matter powers.
Barbara Gordon sees a TV report of the carnage Anderson, who now calls himself the Annihilator, causes, and becomes Batgirl to try to deal with him. She is hard-pressed to deal with the villain, who wishes to dominate humanity, until Supergirl appears. The Girl of Steel, who had been in town as actress Linda Danvers on a promo tour for Secret Hearts, saves Batgirl and attacks the Annihilator, only to find him absorbing her own great power and rendering her senseless.
Appearing in "The Attack of the Annihilator!"
Featured Characters:
- Template:Apn
Supporting Characters:
- Template:Apn
Villains:
- Annihilator (First appearance & origin)
Other Characters:
- Jeff Cotton
- Bob Barton
- Doreen Gray
- Richard Bender
Locations:
- Gotham City
- Humanities Research & Development Center
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- "The Attack of the Annahilator" features a special thanks to Wendy Beraud, who provided plot assists.
See Also