House AdAfter DC released its first ever mini series, "World of Krypton" in 1979, the stage was set for its second offering: another 3 issue limited series called, "The Untold Legend of the Batman." As in most cases, Superman had paved the way with the mini series format, but Batman was hot on his heels. These mini series soon became standard fare of the comic book industry and allowed stories to be told involving popular characters outside the self imposed limitations of their current titles' continuity.
Written by Len Wein, with art by John Byrne and Jim Aparo, "The Untold Legend of the Batman"not only delved into the origin of the fabled Dark Knight, but also set up a new mystery, an earmark of most Batman stories of the time. As the first issue began, Batman received an unmarked package in the mail containing the shredded bat costume worn by Bruce Wayne's father years earlier. Thomas Wayne had worn that costume to a ball during Bruce's childhood, and had been kidnapped by gangster Lew Moxon afterward. Thomas Wayne had eventually escaped Moxon's captivity, and the gangster had sworn revenge, hiring hoodlum Joe Chill to kill both Thomas and his wife Martha. This violent crime had inspired young Bruce to take up the mantle of the crime fighter known as Batman.
After reliving his tortured past, Batman set out with Robin to discover who had sent the Dark Knight the remnants of his father's costume, sensing it must be someone close to him. As he continued to receive a series of death threats, Batman recounted the origins of Robin, his faithful butler Alfred, the Joker, Two-Face, Commissioner Gordon and Batgirl, before discovering the culprit behind the mysterious notes was none other than Robin himself. In an effort to force Batman to confront and defeat his inner demons, Robin had masterminded the elaborate charade. Luckily, it was an effort that paid off, as by the story's end, Batman's war on crime was renewed as he set out once again to protect the citizens of Gotham City.
Collected in Tales of the Batman: Len Wein.
NOTE: Indicia titled as "The Untold Legend of the Batman".
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