Introduction by twof
In 1966, shortly after Batman became a phenomenon, a new daily newspaper comic strip based on the series began running nationwide. As far as I know, none of these stories have ever been released in a collection or otherwise seen since.
This adventure is by Bob Kane, creator of Batman himself. It is interesting to see Kane's version of the villainess in this story - quite different from the way she would subsequently be portrayed in the comic books, in the movie Batman and Robin and on the animated series.
The title to this story is mine. Once again, as with everything on this website, Ivy League Crooks is presented with the intention of honoring the Batman characters, the Batman comic book creators and all the people involved with the TV series. If this story fails to please, the fault lies with my adaptation, not with Mr. Kane's original material.
Just then, the telephone rings. Commissioner Gordon picks it up and is soon heard to exclaim, "What?? Three more banks victimized by lovely young ladies at precisely the same moment?!?"
"So I'm not the only idiot," says the Bank President in Gordon's office.
"There's only one man to call, Chief O'Hara," declares the Commissioner, reaching for the Batphone.
Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is sleeping late, getting some well deserved rest after having welcomed Robin home earlier that day. Dick Grayson had then immediately raced off to Gotham State University to register.
Alfred knocks softly on the door and enter's the master bedroom. "Sorry to disturb you, sir, but it's the Batphone."
Bruce snaps instantly to attention. He throws on his robe and, followed by his faithful butler, makes his way to the study.
"Yes, Commissioner."
"Good news and bad news, Batman. The good news first. Barbara turned up this morning! For some reason, whoever kidnaped her just let her go!"
"That's wonderful!" replies Batman. The thought flashes through his mind that perhaps this Chris Thomson, who had captured Dick and Batgirl, abducted Barbara Gordon as well. Then the Caped Crusader's razor-sharp mind jumps ahead. "Now, what's the bad news?"
"Four young women simultaneously defrauded four different banks for a total of $200,000.00!"
"I'll be right there, Commissioner!" Batman hangs up the phone and turns to Alfred. "Dick should have had time to sign up for his classes by now. Call him on his cell-phone and tell him to have Robin meet me outside Police Headquarters. Then explain to Mrs. Cooper that I had to go into town for some Wayne Industries Business."
Less than thirty minutes later, the Dynamic Duo enter Commissioner Gordon's office . . .