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Review: Detective Comics #450

Detective Comics #450 cover
Cover by Dick Giordano

Detective Comics #450
Published and © by DC, August 1975

Title: “The Cape & Cowl Deathtrap”
Synopsis: A hitman named Wormwood is hired to acquire Batman’s cowl – but who is really setting the trap?

Writer: Elliot S. Maggin
Artist: Walter Simonson

Review: This one is a surprising treat. Elliot S. Maggin offers up an enjoyable thriller with a fun twist and powerful conclusion. But the real magic comes from the early Walter Simonson art. His Bruce Wayne is a little off, but his Batman is striking. He offers strong visual storytelling, too.

•••

Title: “The Parking Lot Bandit!”
Synopsis: Off at college, Robin teams with a the campus security chief in an effort to bring a thief to justice.

Writer: Bob Rozakis
Penciler: Al Milgrom
Inker: Terry Austin

Review: Robin is punching below his weight class here, but Al Milgrom’s art looks sharp under Terry Austin’s detailed line.

Grade (for the entire issue): B+

Cool factor: That Walter Simonson fella just might be a contender someday.

Character quotable: “Beware this avenging creature of the night! Those with reason to fear him are destroyed by their fear… Those who do not fear him are fools!” – The narrator

Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 21, 2021.

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