Detective Comics Annual #1

"The Monkey Trap" - Sept. 1988

ENLARGE: Script: Denny O'Neil; Pencils: Klaus Janson; Inks: Tony DeZuniga; Lettering: Todd Klein; Colors: Adrienne Roy; Editor: Mike Gold; Cover: Klaus Janson; Published by DC Comics

A captain in the Japanese army faces off against a Chinese Buddhist. One of the captain's men draws a gun and kills the Chinese man, bringing shame on the captain. As the captain kneels to perform seppuku, the shot man calls him over. The captain makes a promise to take his place.

The captain became O Sensei, sifu to Richard Dragon and Lady Shiva. He currently travels in Shiva's company, seeking out the Batman. They start with Vic Sage, who meets them after winning a battle in a Hub City bar. He uses the computer to get off a message to the Batman.

Batman meets Shiva and O Sensei on the dock where he first fought alongside the Question. O Sensei seeks a favor, and offers Batman a lesson. He tells Batman how monkeys are caught in Southeast Asia -- they put their hands inside hollowed out gourds to get bananas, but cannot pull their hand out without dropping the fruit. Batman refuses to help as the lesson does not apply to him.

The Penguin plans on spreading a virus that affects only women and children, and Ra's al Ghul has an interest -- the drug holding the disease was once his, but stolen. He sends his daughter Talia to negotiate, and she turns to the Batman for help. The two work together in bringing the Penguin down, but Talia gets stabbed with a hypodermic needle holding the disease.

Batman rushes Talia to the hospital and has the doctor inject her with testosterone. She lives, and tells the Batman she'll leave her father if it means happiness for the two of them. Batman refuses -- he can't leave behind the fact that she's Ra's' daughter, and he can't leave behind being Batman.

Back at the Batcave, he realizes that he is the monkey. He tells Alfred to contact Lady Shiva.

A more complete summary coming soon!