BRONZE AGE MINUTE: The Batman Family #20

DC; November 1978
Cover by Jim Starlin

Title: “Enter the Ragman!”
Synopsis: Batman teams with Ragman to expose a criminal organization that is preying on poor tenement dwellers.

Writer: David V. Reed
Penciler: Michael Golden
Inker: Bob Smith

Review: Atom Age Batman writer David V. Reed might not have written many Bronze Age tales, but he’s crafted a fine little tale here. Batman and Ragman work well in the same universe, and Michael Golden was born to draw both characters. His elegant figure work and dynamic storytelling make this book a gem.

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Title: “Peril of the Power Sower”
Synopsis: Robin, Batgirl and Red Tornado team to stop the Power Sower, a patriotic villain hellbent on energy conservation.

Writer: Bob Rozakis
Artists: Don Heck and John Celardo

Review: A silly story with weak art. Its placement after such a strong Batman lead feature does this tale no favors.

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Title: “Private Eye Man-Bat”
Synopsis: In need of a job, Man-Bat tries to convince private investigator Jason Bard to hire him as a partner.

Writer: Bob Rozakis
Artists: Michael Golden and Josef Rubinstein

Review: Bob Rozakis’ script tries too hard, but the art here is spectacular; Golden is one of the era’s best pencilers.

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Title: “Trial By Fire”
Synopsis: The Huntress uncovers another criminal plot to cash in on the poor tenement dwellings of Gotham City.

Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Joe Staton
Inker: Bob Layton

Review: Despite plot holes, Paul Levitz delivers some tough justice. Joe Staton and Bob Layton make a fine art team.

Grade (for the whole issue): A-

Cool factor: A giant-size helping of Bat family goodness, featuring two Michael Golden stories, topped by a wraparound Jim Starlin cover. Heaven.

Notable: Continuing to experiment with their Dollar Comics format, DC released this issue with no ads.

Character quotable: “I have no quarrel with you, Batman, … I’m after Bruce Wayne!” – The Ragman, tatterdemalion of justice

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