Bat-Murderer
While working on a case to capture a notorious criminal, Batman encountered his troublesome lover, Talia, who had become the leader of a criminal gang. Batman was charged with murder in the first degree and he became wanted by the law. [223] Batman went to prison in order to interrogate Ra’s al Ghul about this frame-up and after the villain confessed it was all part of his plan, he shot himself, making it look as if Batman had also killed him. [224]
Batman continued his investigation to clear his name and after stopping the notorious silver smuggler Sterling Silversmith, [225] he teamed-up with the Creeper in order to solve the case. [226] The two heroes discovered the secret hideout of the League of Assassins, who were behind the whole plot and when they confront them, Batman finally learned the truth. Talia and Ra’s were both alive and well, and they planned his frame-up in order to force him into joining them. In the final confrontation, Batman saved Talia from a burning circus tent, but Ra’s was apparently killed in the fire. With Talia in his custody, Batman was able to clear his name. [227]
After this, Batman worked with Commissioner Gordon to stop the Underworld Olympics that took place in Gotham. [228] [229] [230] [231]
Strange Apparitions
Batman came in conflict with a villain called Dr. Phosphorus, who poisoned Gotham’s water supply as part of his vendetta against the city. [232] During Batman’s second confrontation with Phosphorus, the villain was apparently killed and Batman focused his attention of the next threat: Rupert Thorne, a man directly tied to Dr. Phosphorus. However, at this time, Bruce also met the lovely Silver St. Cloud and they soon realized they were interested in each other. [233]
Due to his encounter with Dr. Phosphorus, Bruce sought treatment for his radiation injuries and he found the Graytowers Medical Center. However, as soon as he entered the building, Bruce was locked in a room and drugged. When he finally realized the treachery of the place, he switched into Batman and escaped the room in order to confront the man in charge of the place, who was none other than Hugo Strange, one of Batman’s longtime enemies. Batman easily defeated Strange, but due to convenient circumstances, Batman was drugged and remained unconscious, giving Strange the chance to learn his secret identity. [234] Bruce was then locked away along with Alfred, while Hawaii installment loans Hugo Strange took control of the Wayne Foundation. Fortunately, Robin rescued Alfred and Bruce before they could be transformed into Strange’s Monster Men. [235]
Once free from Strange’s prison, Batman and Robin started looking for the criminal, unaware that he had been killed by Rupert Thorne. On their quest, they came across the Penguin, whose plan was ultimately thwarted by the Dynamic Duo. [236]
Once Robin was gone, Bruce went on a date with Silver, in which it became obvious that she suspected the truth about Batman. At night, Batman was challenged by an old enemy: Deadshot, who escaped from prison just as Penguin was brought in. Using new weaponry, Deadshot led Batman towards an exhibition, which was being organized by Silver. Batman and Deadshot fought until Batman came up victorious and retreated from the scene as soon as the police arrived. However, the short struggle was enough for Silver to deduce Batman is really Bruce Wayne. [237]
Immediately after this, Joker started his next scheme as he poured chemicals on the shores of Gotham, turning the fish of the sea into grotesque creatures that resembled his own face. Joker tried to claim copyright for the “Joker-Fish”, but when he was denied the chance because of the law, he started a killing spree of public servants. [238] Batman wasn’t able to save the first two victims, but he was able to stop the Joker before the madman could claim a third one. The final battle between them was witnessed by Silver, who watched as Joker plunged to his apparent demise in the waters of the Gotham River. After this confrontation, Silver talked to Batman, revealing to him that she knew the truth and breaking their relationship, much to her and Batman’s own sorrow. [239]