Detective Comics #469
Published and © by DC, May 1977
Title: “… By Death’s Eerie Light!”
Synopsis: An investigation into what’s making the people of Gotham City sick brings Batman into battle with Doctor Phosphorus.
Writer: Steve Englehart
Penciler: Walter Simonson
Inker: Al Milgrom
Review: When recalling Steve Englehart’s critically acclaimed run on Detective, it is usually Marshall Rogers’ iconic Batman that comes to mind. The writer’s run actually started two issues earlier with pencils from Walter Simonson. Unfortunately, Al Milgrom is the WRONG inker for Simonson, degrading the art from stylish to serviceable.
•••
Title: “The Origin of Dr. Phosphorus”
Synopsis: Backdoor deals and Gotham City politics lead to an accident at a nuclear plant – and the creation of Doctor Phosphorus!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Penciler: Walter Simonson
Inker: Al Milgrom
Review: This short back story offers a glimpse at the Gotham politics that would become a signature of Steve Englehart’s run.
Grade: B
Second opinion: Included on Alan Brightmore’s “Individual Comics That You Should Not Be Without” list, from “A Consumer’s Guide to D.C. Comics, Part 2,” Comics Unlimited #51, October-November 1979.
Cool factor: Walter Simonson could have been an iconic Batman artist …
Not-so-cool factor: … but not with Al Milgrom inking. (Seriously. Check out the art on Detective Comics #450 – see review – for a glimpse at how stylish Simonson’s Batman could be.)
Notable: First appearance of Doctor Phosphorus and Rupert Thorne. … According to the annual statement of ownership on the “Batman’s Hot-Line” letters page, Detective Comics had an average total paid circulation of 148,000 for the 12 months preceding Oct. 1, 1976.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I’ve poisoned their bodies with mine – by soaking in their water!” – Doctor Phosphorus (umm, ewww!)
Editor’s note: This review was written March 13, 2026.
