Batman #107 - Dick Grayson: The First Owlman?

[zapbiffpow]

According to Wikipedia, The Crime Syndicate's Owlman first appeared in 1964. This probably makes Richard Grayson the first Owlman, according to this quirky 1957 story, "The Grown-Up Boy Wonder!"

Note: Please adjust eyes for vintage comic reading!

 

One Line Summary:

Robin inhales a space gas that makes him an adult, forcing him to dress as Owlman to stop some jewel thieves.

 

The Story:

Batman and Robin are investigating a strange box Superman asked them to check out, when this happens:

 

 

I can't see why Bruce wasn't affected by the gas, unless Superman rigged it to specifically target Dick Grayson.

I bet Super-King gets blamed for this entire mess.
 

 

 

"Why can't there be two of us - two Batmen?"

Somewhere in Gotham, Doctor Simon Hurt is startled by a sudden crackle of thunder before returning to work.

 

The villains of the story are the Daredevils, a trio of acrobat thieves. Perfect bust for Robin, except he's too busy experiencing the pitfalls of being Owlman, like misleading muscle memory:

 

 

 

And the "Dad says I can't come out to play" ultimatum:

 

"Mister, you've been staring at us for half an hour. Why are you doing this?"

 

On the other hand, Adult Dick also enjoys the advantage of being hella ripped:
 

 

 

Man, he wasn't that buff as Nightwing. Must've totally thrown his gymnast skills off, which is probably why he falls victim to his own strength again after tracking the Daredevils down:

 

 

It's like that JLU scene where a body-swapped Luthor unmasks Flash.

 

The unmasked Owlman is rescued by Batman, and they proceed to unleash all kinds of whoopass on the criminals.

Also, check this next scene out. It has to be seen to be believed:
 

 

 

 

What it lacks in dignity it makes up for in speed-tackling a criminal using a chair.

Sometimes you simply must be awesome.
 

 

Anyway, Robin reverts to normal, so and the bad guys...I'm sorry, I still can't get over how much I love that Acrobatman move.

It's like watching a glorious sunset.

 

Food for Thought: According to that big 'ol banner in that there header, Scans_Daily has been bringing the crack for a grand ten years now. So is it belated happy anniversary or advanced happy anniversary? Or is it a "don't count the years" thing?

Comments

[beyondthefringe]

I'm amused and disturbed by the fact that Bruce planned to wear the Owlman costume... bare legs and all. It just doesn't seem like it would be his thing. But I guess a guy's gotta have...needs. And he just wanted to let his skin breathe after so much time in tight sweaty spandex.

I mean....

[zapbiffpow]

Yeah, that Halloween costume choice was probably a breather for Bruce's inner thighs.
Man, that blasted Batsuit must be a real Chafe N' Bake affair, especially on desert missions.

[icon_uk]

"Bruce, why do always have bare legs when I'm n costume, but you never do?"

"Oh sure I do... " >>Crap, he's on to me<<

"No, you don't, I have to wear the green feathered briefs, and pixie boots and you wear proper leggings and calf length boots."

"I sometimes do... I mean, I'm going to that costume party next week, and I'll totally have bare legs and pixie boots then." >>Crap, hope he forgets about that before then. I'll have Alfred give him sugar before then<<

"Really?"

"Would I lie to you?"

.................

Some time later

"Master Bruce, you want me to WHAT???"

"Take the legs off the Owl costume. And get me some pixie boots... in my size"

"I spent four weeks putting that ensemble together and you want me to... dismantle it? And the leggings of all things?"

"Blasted tape recorder built into his blasted utility belt."

[zapbiffpow]

"Take the legs off the Owl costume. And get me some pixie boots... in my size"

And so was Bruce hoisted by his own petard. His Alfred-dismantled, legging-less petard.

That was amazing, icon.

[donnblake]

"And the gas has knocked you out! Which I guess means my exposition isn't going to do you much good, old chum! Now you're falling on the ground! Still unable to hear me, because, again, the gas has knocked you out! Whose benefit am I even talking for at this point?"

[zapbiffpow]

The 'old chum' bit cinched it for me. Gotta love kitschy exposition.

[dustbunny105]

All this silliness and it's the panel of Batman riding the wheelie chair that's cracking me up.

[zapbiffpow]

Exactly! Look at the grim determination on his face.

I really wanna see Arkham City!Batman do that.

[dustbunny105]

I was so moved as to create an icon, though I was unable to maintain its full glory. I probably should have done some extra cropping, but I so wanted to keep the full panel...

The mental image of AC!Batman pulling that move, omg. I'd tip my hat to you, but haven't got a hat. Thanks for the pleasant dreams I'm sure to have anyhow XD

[icon_uk]

To the Batchair!

[zapbiffpow]

You did good! That thing's rolled out of the panel and into my heart.

Saving to my icon collection.

[dustbunny105]

Haha, thank you! I'm proud to know that it's found its way into your collection and hope that looking at it brings you great joy :)

[robinzegblu]

There are certainly a lot of masquerade balls in Silver Age Batman, and almost all of them end up inspiring a new super hero.

[zapbiffpow]

Yeah, I think there was that story about Batman's dad using his Bat costume to fight some crooks.

I've learned nothing from that except that when you party in Gotham, you party hard.

[jkcarrier]

I love the fight scenes in old Batman comics. They weren't allowed to be too violent, so they had to make up for it in cleverness. That maneuver with the chair is like something Jackie Chan would come up with.

[zapbiffpow]

Jackie Chan, eh? Yeah, I can totally see him pulling something like this off.

Ooh, just occurred to me: Jackie Chan Adventures/The Batman crossover!

[icon_uk]

I can just imagine a wide eyed Robin as they meet in the middle of a mission.

Robin (hushed whisper) - "Batman.. do you know WHO THAT IS!!! That's JACKIE CHAN!!"

Batman - "Yes, it's Jackie Chan... I trained with him a while back"

Robin - "YOU? Trained with JACKIE CHAN! THE Jackie Chan?"

Batman - "Of course. Who else would you learn improvisational combat techniques with?"

Robin - "Can.... you get me his autograph?"

Batman - "Promise to do your homework on time for the next month and I'll get you a training session with him."

Robin (in tiny strangled voice which sounds like dying of unalduterated happiness probably would) - Deal!

[bradygirl_12]

The Dynamic Duo examines a queer object. Hmm...

[donnblake]

And then Robin touches it wrongly

[bradygirl_12]

:)

[superfangirl1]

Lol, you two just made my day! Thanks a million. <3

[superfangirl1]

This is a very fun and awesome story! <3

[zapbiffpow]

Glad you liked it!