ÒÉBY DEATHÕS EERIE LIGHT!Ó When Alfred collapses, Batman discovers many more people are mysteriously becoming sick. The Dark Knight realizes that the Gotham City water supply has been contaminated, so he goes to the Gotham Reservoir and finds the person responsible for the contamination: Dr. Phosphorus.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the bad guys in comics, film, and television! A must-read for anyone who was ever enthralled with mythic wickedness, The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood exhaustively explores the extraordinary lives and careers of hundreds of overachieving evildoers. Drawing from sources in comic books, film, live-action and animated television, newspaper strips, toys, and manga and anime, it is the definitive guide to nefarious masterminds, mad scientists, and destructive dominators who have battled super- and other fictional heroes. The Supervillain Book investigates each character’s origin, modus operandi, costumes, weapons and gadgetry, secret hideouts, chief henchmen, and minions, while serving up a supersized trove of fascinating trivia. It also takes you behind the scenes, describing the creation and development of these marvelously malicious, menacing, and malevolent characters. With 350 entries on pop culture’s most malicious evildoers, this comprehensive resource also includes 125 illustrations, a helpful resource section, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness. What would a good guy be without the bad guy? Boring. You won’t be bored with this indispensable guide to the wicked world of supervillains!

In these moody tales from the 1970s, Batman faces his own lonely existence while struggling against one of his earliest foes, Dr. Hugo Strange. This run also includes the renowned "Joker Fish" story line, in which the Clown Prince of Crime comes up with his most off-the-wall scheme ever, along with the 2005 miniseries in which The Joker runs for office with the slogan "Vote for me or I'll kill you!" Collects Detective Comics #439 and #469-476, Batman #311, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #109-111, Legends of the DC Universe #26-27, Batman: Dark Detective #1-6, and a story from Batman Chronicles #19.

When Bruce Wayne refuses to allow illegal mindcontrol experiments to continue at Wayne Technology, he finds himself charged with being a traitor. During the police investigation, Wayne is forced to confront memories of the various people who trained him to become the feared Dark KnightBatman. Wayne not only must clear himself, but also protect his secret and save his company from ruin. Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm makes his comic-book debut with BATMAN: BLIND JUSTICE, introducing new elements to the Batman legend including the character of Henri Ducard, played by Liam Neeson in 2005s smash film Batman Begins.

ÒHEART OF A VAMPIRE.Ó Alfred and Bruce are miles outside of town when their car mysteriously overheats. They go to a nearby boarded-up house to find some water for the radiator. Inside they discover a coffin and a very old sunlamp, which Bruce accidentally breaks. They split up to search when vampire Gustav Decobra exits the coffin and attacks Bruce, who changes to Batman. Batman puts a wooden beam through GustavÕs chest, but finds that his heart is not where it should be.

ÒTHE REAL BATMAN DIES NEXT!Ó At a costume-party fundraiser, a man dressed as Batman dies in Bruce WayneÕs arms. His cowl is removed, and he is identified as Lt. Bucky Dunlop. The words ÒThe Real Batman Dies Next!Ó appear to have been tattooed on his forehead. Gordon is there, and orders all in attendance, including Bruce, to remain behind.

The bible of the comic book industry is updated for 2002 with Web site information, tips about grading and caring for comics, and more than 1,500 black-and-white photos.

Written by the ultimate authority on comic book values, this expanded and updated guide lists over 80,000 prices for all mainstream comic books published in America--from 1901 to the present day. Includes photos, a listing of comic book shops, marketing tips and publication dates. Illustrated. (Antiques/Collectibles)