Detective Comics #29

No. 29
Date: July, 1939
Title: “The Batman Meets Doctor Death”
Creative Team: Bob Kane

Story:
This issue introduces us to the notorious Karl Hellfern, otherwise known as Doctor Death! The bad doctor has developed some pollen extracts which are deadly if breathed in. He plans to seek tribute from the wealthy, lest he use his potent pollen to kill them. However, Doctor Death is worried that Batman will interfere with his plans, so he has his goon Jabah set a trap for our heroic vigilante. This, of course, occurs via Jabah placing a personal ad in the paper challenging Batman to stop a murder. Batman answers the challenge and easily defeats to thugs awaiting his arrival. But then Jabah appears and shoots Batman in the shoulder. Batman manages to escape with the use of a gas pellet to distract Jabah.

Batman, as Bruce Wayne, seeks help from the family doctor to tend to his wounds. While the doctor inquires about Wayne being shot, he seems unusually content with how the socialite shrugs it off and doesn't give a reasonable answer. During this time, Doctor Death orders Jabah to use the deadly pollen to assassinate John P. Van Smith, who refuses to pay Doctor Death. While Wayne is driving along, he sees Jabah on the street and follows him. He foils the murder and follows Jabah back to Doctor Death's hideout.

That night, Batman returns to Death's hideout. He quickly subdues Jabah and chases the doctor throughout labyrinth of his lair. The final confrontation takes place when Batman catches up with Doctor Death and knocks a volatile chemical out of his hand. The room is suddenly set ablaze and Doctor Death is presumably consumed with fire and burned alive.

Notes:
- Batman uses a utility belt with gadgets, such as gas pellets, suction cups for climbing buildings, and his lasso seen in previous issues.
- It seems that Batman once again committed murder. The story ends with Batman's grim, remorseless stinger: “Death...to Doctor Death.”
- There's still no Batcave. In fact, Bruce Wayne keeps the Batman costume in a chest in his residence.