Batman #193

Batman #193 (On Sale: May 9, 1967), AKA 80 Page Giant #G-37 has a cover made up of panels for different stories by Sheldon Moldoff, Winslow Mortimer, Dick Sprang and Charles Paris. The theme of this one is "Batman and Robin's Bizarre Action Roles!"

We start off with "Ride, Bat-Hombre, Ride" (love that title) from Batman #56 by David V. Reed, Dick Sprang and Charles Paris.

It is followed by "The Armored Batman" from Batman #111 by Edmond Hamilton, Sheldon Moldoff and Stan Kaye. In it a man named Blair Graeme makes several threats against Batman. When the Caped Crusader learns of the threats, he and Robin show up in armored suits without explanation. Vicki Vale tries to discover why Batman fears Graeme so much.

Next is "His Majesty, King Batman" from Batman #96 by Bill Finger, Sheldon Moldoff and Charles Paris. Batman and Robin guard the visiting King of Norania and the crown jewels. Batman and the king swap identities to fool the thieves who are trying to steal the jewels. Batman inspects the jewels and learns they are fakes. He suspects the king’s advisors, but continues the impersonation.

Next is a real oddity, "Holy Smoke" by Bill Finger, Jack Burnley and Charles Paris which originally appeared as a Sunday newspaper strip from January 7, 1945-February 17, 1945.

That is followed by "Batman and the Vikings" from Batman #52 by (someone signing the name of) Bob Kane and Charles Paris. A carving is found by archaeologists which dates back to the age of Vikings. A Viking warrior is depicted in the carving who looks identical to Bruce Wayne. Bruce decides to investigate the mystery and gets Professor Nichols to send him back in time.

Next we have "Mayor Bruce Wayne" from Detective Comics #179 by David V Reed, Dick Sprang and Charles Paris.

And finally we end with "The Flying Batman" from Batman #82 by David V Reed, Sheldon Moldoff and Stan Kaye. Batman and Robin are brought to the Lost Valley of the Bird-Men by a flying man with wings. The man and the inhabitants of the valley ask Batman's assistance to defeat the Gravio Clan, a winged family of tyrants. Batman agrees to help. He is given wings via a surgical procedure that enables him to fly.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.