Detective Comics #512
Published and © by DC, March 1982
Title: “The Fatal Prescription Of Doctor Death!”
Synopsis: B-list villain Dr. Death holds Gotham – including Batman and Robin – hostage with a deadly allergen.
Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciler: Gene Colan
Inker: Klaus Janson
Review: During the Bronze Age, DC put out several excellent anniversary issues. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. Gerry Conway’s story, continued from Batman #345, is slight and its conclusion is cheesy. The art – by the seemingly compatible Gene Colan and Klaus Janson – doesn’t quite mesh. Disappointing.
•••
Title: “Riders in the Night!”
Synopsis: Batgirl breaks up a biker gang and, as Barbara Gordon, speaks out against them; the “Demon Riders” vow revenge.
Writer: Cary Burkett
Penciler: José Delbo
Inker: Joe Giella
Review: This below-average back-up story features a stale plot, cardboard characters and generic art. The lead feature looks better in comparison.
Grade (for the entire issue): C
Cool factor: Surprisingly little.
Not-so-cool factor: Check out Superman #400 (see review), then let’s talk about cool.
Notable: Includes LoCs from DC Golden Age alums Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Creig Flessel and Sheldon Mayer.
Character quotable: “Haven’t doctors always placed a price on healing, detective?” – Dr. Death, giving doctors everywhere a bad name
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 18, 2013.
