Batman # 400 (October 1986)

Continuity-Related ComicBooks

Batman # 400

October, 1986

"Resurrection Night!"

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Writers

Stephen King (introduction), Doug Moench

Pencilers

Steve Lightle, George Pérez, Paris Cullins, Bill Sienkiewicz, Art Adams, Tom Sutton, Steve Leialoha, Joe Kubert, Ken Steacy, Rick Leonardi, Brian Bolland, John Byrne

Inkers

Bruce D. Patterson, George Pérez, Larry Mahlstedt, Bill Sienkiewicz, Terry Austin, Ricardo Villagran, Steve Leialoha, Joe Kubert, Ken Steacy, Karl Kesel, Brian Bolland, John Byrne

Colorer

Adrienne Roy

Letterer

John Costanza, Tom Orzechowski, Andy Kubert

Editors

Len Wein

Publisher

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Writers

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Pencilers

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Inkers

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Colorer

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Letterer

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Editors

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This was a comic book published by DC Comics.

It featured a story about the anniversary of Batman, which was written by Doug Moench, with an introduction by famous author Stephen King.

The story was broken down into twelve chapters, including a prologue and an epilogue.

It is part of the Super Friends franchise, because it was reprinted in the Portuguese language in Super Powers # 10 (1988) by Editora Abril.

Resurrection Night![]

Batman remembers his past. It was a very tragic time; when his parents fell into splashed blood. Like hearing the echo of hellish winds, howling through his bones. And not since then, has he been haunted by the tolling of such a dark and despairing hour.

The night begins with sundown, but at Arkham Asylum, the night and darkness is constant...

Chapter I: Trading Darkness[]

While at the Gotham State Penitentiary, things aren't much different. One thing is strange still about Arkham though, as it seems that at times, Joker likes it there. He even laughs, and his chilling laughs echo through the night. Black Mask, Mad Hatter and Killer Croc are all occupying their time in their own unique way. For example, Croc enjoys doing push-ups. Clayface just sits still in his cell, just fantasizing about things that if anyone knew, they'd likely behead him. Truly, such a place must be cursed to contain so much evil in its' walls.

And as for the state pen, the Riddler reads a book about riddles, while The Cavalier paces back in forth in his cell, as if restless. Catman is quite simply suffering from boredom. Several other inmates were also eagarly waiting to get broke out. And just then, it happens, and explosion takes out at least one wall in the prison. The same is the case at Arkham.

While in the Bat-Cave; Batman and Robin are discussing a mysterious note that they had received earlier. It said: "Know Your Foes!" Robin was baffled by what it could have meant. But Batman tells him it's a warning. The question is, what foes does he need to know?

What Batman does not yet know, is that the warning is for all of them. Because they all busted out of both Arkham and Gotham State at the same time. At Arkham, Joker leads the others northward; while at the same time, the inmates at Gotham State are all heading south. A flare lights up the sky, and Croc, who was with Joker's group points to it and says they are right on schedule. They then find all of their costumes in trees, right where someone left them.

All of Batman's enemies are free, free on the night that marks the anniversary of the first time a man donned his cape and cowl, dressed up like a bat.

Back in the Bat-Cave, the Dynamic Duo ponder over who sent them the message. Robin then leaves the Bat-Cave, ascending the stairs toward Wayne Manor, where he hopes to eat some of Alfred's famous sandwiches.

In the glade between Arkham and the state pen, the bad guys are all in their costumes, and wondering who their benefactor is. Two-Face tells everyone that it's certain to involve Batman and he's not ready to face him again just yet. Catman is concerned who it was responsible for their jailbreak, and Clayface tells them he's not interested in taking orders from anyone.

Chapter II: The Master Below[]

Joker tries to talk everyone out of going their separate ways, so that they can learn who was behind springing them, but ultimately, a percentage of the supervillains go there separate ways. Croc tells Joker the only reason he was staying was so that he could break Batman's back.

Back at Wayne Manor, Robin and Alfred talk about how that message couldn't have come at a worse time, since they were planning on surprising Batman with an anniversary party. Alfred tells Robin that all Batman was ever able to do with his enemies was put them behind bars. The problem was keeping them there. They were never held captive for very long.

One mile west of the glade, the supervillains discover a windmill, and they attempt to enter it, knocking on the door; believing their benefactor might be located there. They soon realize they are on an elevator, which begins decsending underground.

Back at the manor, Robin is looking in the refrigerator at the cake for Batman's party, wondering if they'll be able to give it to him. Robin then asks Alfred if he was trying to say that although Batman has caught a lot of bad guys, he hasn't been so good at reforming them. Alfred told him that Catwoman and a few others were exceptions, but such exceptions were few and far between. By large, most criminals chose not to see the world as he does. Batman felt that his successes in jailing them were in a sense failures. But neither Jason or Alfred agreed with that philosophy, as they are certain that those criminals are better off behind bars. Still, Batman has dreams of a world where there's no need for keeping people behind bars.

In the basement of the windmill, the supervillains meet their benefactor, who revealed to them that there was far more than he expected. He then explains his plans to them. Joker tells him that he loves the plan, and Poison Ivy says "for that amount of money, I'm game." The others have similar sentiments. They are then told that his helicopter will take them to Gotham City within fifteen minutes.

Chapter III: First Steps[]

Thirty minutes later, Scarecrow captures Julia Pennyworth at her apartment after terrifying her in her bathtub, causing her to faint.

Meanwhile, across the bay, Harvey Bullock returns home from work. He is ambushed by Poison Ivy, who had a weird plant that shot spores in his face, causing him to cough and fall to the floor. She then binds him in vines, dragging his fat body to where her benefactor wishes him to go.

And while at the home of Vicki Vale, Vicki is doing an intense workout, when she someone at the door. She assumes it's Jim Traynor but upon opening the door, she doesn't see anyone standing at the doorway, only a riddle written on a paper taped to the door. The riddle was "Why did the door bell refuse to be silent?" Just then the Riddler sneaks up behind her, whacking her over the head with a dumbbell and said: "Because it's not a dumbbell!" Black Spider then tells Riddler to knock it off with the riddles and help him get her to the greenhouse.

And elsewhere, someone is watching the kidnappings of Julia Pennyworth, Harvey Bullock and Vicki Vale take place, and one man tells the other that the first steps are completed -- the master's plan proceeds.

Chapter IV: The Tempting[]

In the Bat-Cave, Batman continues looking at his note. Just then, a bat lands on the Batcomputer. And then Ra's al Ghul enters, telling him to take the bat as an omen, in case he fails to see the matter from his perspective. Batman is confused, because he believes that Ra's al Ghul should be dead. But he tells him it wasn't his ashes that he saw drifting from the spacecraft the last time they met. He goes on to tell him that much more was required to bring him back from the dead than a simple dip in the Lazarus Pit. But in time, such techniques would no longer work, and his death would be eventually irreversible. Batman takes this as an admission that he is not immortal. Ra's al Ghul tells him by the time such a thing could be proven, Batman himself would be long dead, with worms feasting on his eyes. Batman asks him if he sent him the note. And he told him he did, as a warning. He then tells them the reason he should know his foes, it's because he freed all of them, and they are all out like a pack of mad wolves. Batman then says: "If what you say is true..." only to be interrupted by the Batphone ringing. Ra's al Ghul tells him to answer it.

Commissioner James Gordon is on the other end of the line, telling Batman about the breakout at Arkham and Gotham State Pen. He even tells him how seven guards were killed, and that all of his enemies were free to prey on Gotham City. He hangs up the telephone, telling Ra's al Ghul what he was told, and further asking him how he could possibly wish him no harm. He tells him that he can help him to end problems the world faces daily, starting with his enemies. He proposes to Batman that he join him in reshaping the world, and he will help him stop - possibly even eliminate his enemies forever. Batman is shocked, asking why he would free his enemies just so that he could make an offer to kill them. He tells him that by eliminating his foes, he eliminates the need for him to feel obligated to stay in Gotham, and he could join him to help reshape the rest of the world. But Batman tells him that his worst enemy isn't Joker or Riddler or any of the ones that escaped, but that his worst enemy is standing right in front of him, and if he was to do such a thing, it would be like trading demons for the devil. Ra's al Ghul tells him "Know Your Foes," implying that he learned nothing from it, telling him he isn't one of his foes. Batman tells him to go to hell, and Ra's patiently gives him one last chance, telling him that if he chooses to be his ally, he will help him defeat the villains, but if he chooses otherwise, he will leave him to face the threat that he unleashed upon him all by himself.

As Ra's al Ghul prepares to leave, Batman threatens to rip his face off of his skull, and Ra's tells him that he's the only one that knows what his foes are planning, after all it was he who crafted the plan, and should he fail, he's the only one who could avenge Batman's death. Batman is angry. He rips up a piece of the countertop of the Batcomputer and tosses it in a fit of rage. Ra's al Ghul's final words upon leaving: "Oh, and one last thing detective...Happy Anniversary." Batman is even more angered, and he tosses the countertop piece at the Giant Penny in a fit of rage. Ra's continues his final words, telling him the answer to Riddler's riddle, he says "Pinocchio and Jonah's too." Just then, the Giant Penny falls over due to being struck by the thing Batman threw at it. He tells Ra's al Ghul to tell Riddler it's a date.

Chapter V: Pinocchio and Jonah's, Too![]

Batman races toward the Batmobile but is stopped by Robin, he tells him to hold up, asking where they're going. He told him they're going after the Riddler, and he asked him if that was what the note was about, he told him yes, it was about him, as well as others. He then explained to him about his encounter with Ra's al Ghul not long before Robin arrived, and how he was the one that broke them all out of jail. He told him that just like the first time he met him, he tried to tempt him.

Ten minutes later, the Batmobile is speeding down the street and seventy-five miles per hour. Batman briefed Robin of the situation during that time. He then tells Robin that his name means "The Demon's Head" in Arabic; but it also signifies the Mischief Maker, who was a ghoul in Arabian Nights. Robin then tells him the answer to Riddler's riddle that Ra's told him. He said that it was "Pinocchio and Jonah's, Too." But then he realized, since it came from Riddler's twisted mind, it must be "Pinocchio and Jonah stew." Robin says "If you say so Sherlock...but what does that make the Riddler's question? Batman tells him that the exact wording] isn't important, but whatever the clue refers to, we will find it here. The exist the Batmobile and walk toward a dockside bar called "Belly of the Whale." He told Robin it's run by a man named Stick Chuvalo, a man who sells dope on the side. He goes on to say that he wouldn't be surprised if he was "rubbing warts" with Ra's or Riddler; or even the Devil. Robin tells him that they might be waltzing into a trap. Batman tells him "Kid, I know it's a trap!"

In the Bat-Cave, the Intruder Alert comes on, while above; in the kitchen in Wayne Manor, Alfred is dishwashing, when he notices a light flashing on the Alarm Board. He then believes it's the alarm for the pantry. Just then, Killer Croc enters and grabs Alfred by the head, lifting him; causing him to drop a plate that he was cleaning. It shattered into pieces. Croc's hand was completely covering Alfred's nose and mouth, making it impossible for him to breathe, and he eventually fainted. Killer Croc doesn't understand what Batman cares about some scrawny old man, but he follows orders and drags him out of the manor.

While back at the waterfront, Batman and Robin open the door, and encounter Riddler, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Black Spider and Catman. A fight breaks out between heroes and villains. Finally after it was clear that Batman and Robin were winning, Riddler tells them to hear him out, and he tells them that the supervillains have four hostages. He even mentioned on of the kidnapper's name, which was Killer Croc, which instantly got Robin's attention, since it was Killer Croc that had murdered his parents. Batman then asks Riddler what hostages. Riddler then says, Harvey Bullock, Vicki Vale, Alfred and Julia Pennyworth. He then tells them all to get out, save for Black Spider, who was out cold on the floor. Riddler, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow however quickly exit the building, and Riddler tells Batman not to follow them, because if they aren't seen within a certain amount of time, Croc has orders to snap the hostages necks. Batman then notices something "Ivy's foot." - He thinks to himself.

While outside the building, Catwoman watches as the three villains exit, and she hasn't a clue what went down. She then checks it out. While back inside, Batman is on his knees, with his hand over his face. He is in great despair. Robin tells him he has to get up so that they can work out a plan. Robin pleads with him, but he doesn't answer. And back outside, Catwoman tails the supervillains, seeing if she can learn what they're up to. She thinks to herself that just because her and Batman are split for a while, doesn't mean there's a law that says she can't stalk criminals on her own.

Meanwhile, at Gotham City Police Headquarters, a police officer tells Commissioner James Gordon that Vicki Vale and Julia Pennyworth have been kidnapped, and Harvey Bullock won't answer his phone. He then suggests that they bring in the Batman on the case. He tells him he knows he has problems of his own, but he's starting to assume that both of their problems are one and the same. Just then, the Jokercopter lands on the roof of the building. Joker then tells Penguin that they are in position and to drop the load. Just then, a large net-like object falls from the bottom of the helicopter, completely webbing the entire building.

Chapter VI: Barred[]

Penguin tells Joker "Not bad, Joker." Joker's reply was rather insulting, as he told the Penguin it was perfect, because now they've imprisoned the police in their own building. While inside the building, Mad Hatter uses a high-frequency transmitter to knock out the police officers and then he electrified Joker's cage. While above, the Joker and Penguin decide to go and wait for Batman's arrival in Gordon's office.

And at Wayne Manor, the Bat-Signal could be seen in the sky, but with an "X" marked through it, as if to mock the Caped Crusader. Still, it goes unnoticed to the Dynamic Duo, who are in the kitchen, realizing that they really did get to Alfred. Batman walks down the stairs to the Bat-Cave, and Robin tells him he's got to get snap himself out of his crippling depression, and he should answer the Batphone, which was ringing; and he goes onto say it might be some good news for once. He picks up the telephone and Gordon tells Batman that he's being held hostage by the supercriminals, along with about thirty-five of his police officers. Joker is holding a pistol up to Gordon's head and he tells him to tell him the rest. Gordon tells Batman the the entirety of Gotham City Police Headquarters is also being held hostage. He then says he has three hours to meet the demands. Just then Gordon starts to lose it and says that they're crazy, and the whole thing is being done for its' own sake and no other. Joker then grabs the phone from Gordon's hand, and he tells Batman that his demand is that he comes to rescue his friends there, or he'll start killing them one by one. He then erupts with laughter, using his flower to squirt some liquid in Gordon's face.

Back in the Bat-Cave, Batman hangs up the phone, telling Robin "It's over." While at Police HQ, Penguin angrily complains that the Joker didn't demand ten million bucks, which; according to Ra's al Ghul, he'd be able to deliver. Joker told him that he didn't care about money, despite that Ra's assumed he did, for him; it was always the thrill of facing Batman in action, as it was always about the game, not the money. Penguin told him he's crazy.

While back in the Bat-Cave, Robin asks what he means that it's over. Batman tells him he has too many foes to fight, and too many people close to him at stake. He realizes that Ra's was trying to show him how futile his method of crimefighting is, and he won. Robin told Batman not to give up. Just then, Talia al Ghul arrives in the cave, and she tells Batman that Robin is right. At first Batman suspects that Talia is involved too, but she told him she's there to help him. She then reveals to Batman what Ra's al Ghul's real scheme is, and it's not to allow him to see that he was wrong about his way of doing things; so as to win him to his side, but rather, it was to completely crush his spirit, destroying him as a person. Making him feel helpless and miserable. She told him that she will help him fight the bad guys, to the death if need be. Batman asked her if it was because he loved him. She answered affirmatively, but more than that, because she'd rather die in Batman's world than live in her father's. Batman then realizes that his struggle is not futile, because she is Ghul's daughter and even she could see that. Batman then thinks to himself, realizing that despite the fact that he never truly defeated it, only suspending it; he understood that the alternative would be worse. He couldn't just let criminals kill his friends. Batman then tells Talia and Robin to take the Batmobile to police headquarters while he attends to another matter - a very nasty swim, with a very big stick.

And in Ra's al Ghul's hideaway, a man tells him that the mini-cameras they installed on the costumes of the various supervillains are working nicely, and every thing is going according to Ra's al Ghul's plan. Ra's al Ghul tells him to summon his physicians though, so that they could discuss the possibility of it going wrong.

At a greenhouse, Poison Ivy is holding Harvey Bullock hostage, and he begins to awaken, and she tells him she is happy he is, because she was really starting to find it boring. She tells him that it's a shame that everything inside the greenhouse is a prisoner, including him; because she believed that her plants should be free to grow wild. She then tells him that she hopes the vines are not chaffing him.

Chapter VII: A Small Itch Scratched![]

Poison Ivy tells Bullock that the vines that are entangling him were cut from a nasty plant called poison ivy. She goes on to tell him how awesome of a man Ra's al Ghul is, and then she asks if Bullock is an awesome man, and he told her if she unties him she could find out. She asks him if he will handle her roughly when he arrests her. Bullock notices broken pieces of a flower pot. He thinks he might be able to cut himself loose while she isn't looking. Poison Ivy continues to talk seductively to him, asking him if he would play with her in their little "potbound Eden." She then asks him if he is experiening an itch. "Too bad you can't scratch it" she says. She then tells him about how her bromeliads were quite pitiful compared to South American varieties. She then tells him that curare comes from a plant, and it is quite poisonous. Just as he cuts himself free, she takes a curare tipped thorn; and using it as a dart she blows it at him. He collapses and falls to the floor. She knew he wouldn't be able to resist trying to escape when she put those broken pieces of the flower pot next to him. Catwoman then smashes through the glass of the greenhouse, much to Ivy's surprise. Catwoman then attacks Ivy but to Catwoman's surprise, she is not alone, as Scarecrow and Riddler show up, and she gets knocked out with a mean righthook from Ivy. Riddler points out how they now have a bonus hostage, and they didn't even have to wake up Killer Croc, who was apparently sleeping.