Detective Comics #195

Synopsis

THE ORIGINAL BATMAN A man called Hugo Marmon has arrived in Gotham City, wearing his own version of the Batsuit. He is soon arrested for impersonating Batman, but in the GCPD Headquarters, he explains that his bat-costume has been always part of his acrobatic act, revealing his career as a circus performer. Marmon is an elder man and he claims that he was called Batman even before the real Batman started operating in Gotham. For this reason, and because Gotham has passed a law preventing anyone from imitating Batman in the city limits without the original Batman's express permission, Marmon forbids the real Batman from using his name and wearing his costume. Marmon is then approached by some thugs who use him to eliminate their enemies and steal their loot. Unable to prevent the crimes, Batman comes up with a great idea. He goes to the circus where Marmon used to perform and decides to take his place on the Batman act. When Marmon learns of this, he goes to the circus and realizes that Batman is making a terrible performance, ruining his good name. Marmon decides to take Batman's place, allowing the Dark Knight to go back to Gotham and capture the criminals. In the end, Marmon's career is restored and he decides to continue working as a circus performer and leaves the crime fighting to Batman. THE MAGIC WAND ROBOTMAN-GUIDED MISSLE GHOST RIDERS OF WEEPING VALLEY