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 Strange Death of Batman"
Pages: 14

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

Writer: Gardner F. Fox
Penciller: Carmine Infantino
Inker: Joe Giella

Reprinted From:
Detective Comics #347 (1966)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Teen Titans #1; next appearance in Batman #178)

Supporting Character(s)

• Robin (last appearance in Teen Titans #1; next appearance in Batman #178)

Villain(s)

• The Bouncer (next appearance in Batman #336)

Guest Appearance(s)

• Batman (imaginary appearance)
• Alfred Beagle (imaginary appearance)
• Gardner Fox (of Earth-Prime; no further appearances)
• Justice League of America (imaginary appearance)
• Superman (imaginary appearance)
• Wonder Woman (imaginary appearance)
• Flash (imaginary appearance)
• Green Lantern (imaginary appearance)
• Aquaman (imaginary appearance)
• Atom (imaginary appearance)
• Green Arrow (imaginary appearance)
• Hawkman (imaginary appearance)

Comments:
Pages 10-14 of this story is a "What-If" scenario based on the events that occurred on pages 1-9 of this story. The "What-If" scenario should be considered imaginary and is not part of regular Earth-1 continuity.

Though he appears only in the imaginary sequence of this story, this is the first Silver Age appearance of the Earth-2 Batman. The Earth-2 Alfred is also revealed to still be alive.

Synopsis:
Batman and Robin tangle with a crook called the Bouncer. The Bouncer's costume is constructed of an experimental elastalloy which allows him to bounce off any object to elude capture. After several unsuccessful attempts to stop the crook, Batman devises a way to neutralize the elasticity of the suit with a high-frequency beam. Without his suit, the Bouncer is easily defeated.

However, Gardner Fox of Earth-Prime decides to ponder what would happen if Batman's plan had failed. In his imaginary scenario, the Bouncer deduces Batman's plan and manages to kill the Caped Crusader.

Robin vows to bring the crook to justice. Using light and sound waves, Robin cracks the Bouncer's suit and apprehends him. Robin then returns to the Bat-Cave to mourn the loss of his friend and mentor. Then, the Batman and Alfred from Earth-2 arrive. Batman explains that the Robin of Earth-2 is now an adult and has taken over for his mentor. Batman has gone to Earth-1 to continue training the Earth-1 Robin.