Comic Title: Detective Comics #621
Publisher: DC (DC Comics Inc.)
Address: 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: September 1990
On Sale Date: July 31, 1990 Shipping Date July 31, 1990
Source: Previews, #17

Shipping Date July 24, 1990
Source: Amazing Heroes, #181

Direct Market Date August 2, 1990
Source: Comic Shop News, #162

Copyright Date July 31, 1990
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1990

Frequency: Monthly
Cover Price: $1.00
Page Count: 32
Editor: Dennis J. O'Neil

Title: "Trial by Fire"
Pages: 22

Feature(s):
Batman (Post-Crisis)

Writer: Alan Grant
Penciller: Norm Breyfogle
Inker: Steve Mitchell
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Adrienne Roy

Reprinted In:
Robin:Tragedy and Triumph TPB (1993)
Robin:Reborn TPB (2016)
Legends of the Dark Knight:Norm Breyfogle Vol. 2 HC (2019)
Batman:The Dark Knight Detective Vol. 5 TPB (2021)

Feature Character(s)

• Batman (last appearance in Detective Comics #620; next appearance in Suicide Squad #40)

Supporting Character(s)

• Tim Drake (last appearance in Detective Comics #620; next appearance in Batman #455)

Villain(s)

• Obeah Man (last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)
• Members of the Obeah Man's crew (including Malicien; last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)
• Louis Dange (dies in this story; last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Jack Drake (paralyzed in this story; last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)
• Janet Drake (dies in this story; last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)
• Pierre (last appearance in Detective Comics #620; no further appearances)
• Pierre's friend (last appearance in Detective Comics #619; no further appearances)

Comments:
"Rite of Passage Part Four"

This story is continued from Detective Comics #620.

Synopsis:
Batman follows the ransom money paid for the Drakes to Haiti. He eventually locates the kidnappers and attempts a rescue in a pit of hot coals. While Batman fights the Obeah Man and his crew, the Drakes are concerned about the heat and begin drinking from a pitcher of water. Batman knocks it from Jack Drake's hands, but he is too late. The water was poisoned. Batman finishes the fight and rushes the Drakes to the hospital. Janet Drake is too far gone and dies. Jack remains paralyzed and is taken back to Gotham City in a coma.