Detective Comics #371

Detective Comics #371 (On Sale: November 30, 1967) has a cool Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson cover that I remember so very well as this was the first issue of Detective that I ever purchased, lo those 40 years ago.

"Batgirl's Costume Cut-Ups" is by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. Batgirl is upset with herself when her own feminine vanity delays her in a fight with the Sports Spoiler Gang. Batman and Robin are able to catch part of the gang thanks to Batgirl's efforts, but she feels embarrassed. Batgirl seeks to redeem herself against the gang, but when she makes a girly shriek, Batman and Robin are distracted during another fight.

Batgirl tries to find a way to suppress her femininity during crime fighting. Then she realizes that it can also be used to her advantage. During her next fight with the gang, Batgirl rips her tights. The crooks are so distracted by her beautiful legs, that they are easily defeated by Batman. Reprinted in Showcase Presents:Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB.

The back-up Elongated Man story, "The Bellringer and the Baffling Bongs," is by Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky and Sid Greene. While visiting a California mission, Ralph Dibny is puzzled by a bell that rings without a rope attached. When he investigates, Ralph finds an injured man stumbling away from the mission. Sue drives the man to the hospital while the Elongated Man continues to look around.

Ralph discovers a gang of bank robbers retrieving some hidden loot from the mission. The gang attempts to tie Ralph in knots, but the Elongated Man prevails. However, he is unable to solve the case of the ringing bell.

When Ralph meets up with Sue again, she has an explanation. Reprinted in Showcase Presents the Elongated Man Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.