| April 2048 | Edition nº120 |
Detective Comics #476: Venomous Fish
The Venomous Fish Issue
Another Unique Issue
Detective Comics #476 is another unique issue from the Detective Comics series. From April 1978, Detective Comics #476 is one of the older issues. Written by Steven Englehart, Joe Orlando was the Executive Officer.What does Detective Comics #476 include?
This issue of Detective Comics includes the story ‘Sign of the Joker!’. This story is centered around Batman and Joker, as the title may suggest. The events take place directly in the moment, where we are met with Batman and Commissioner Gordon. Joker is working on copyrighting his creation, the Joker Fish. During a televised session, he threatens the next person he is planning to go after: Thomas Jackson. To try and protect Jackson, a squad of police officers, alongside Gordon and Batman shows up to his mansion. Batman gets the smart idea to try and switch identities with Jackson, by having Jackson put on one of his costumes, and Batman dressing up as Jackson. His idea is that if the Joker decides to go after Jackson, then he will actually be going after Batman, who is more than capable of fighting back. Unfortunately, this does not succeed. Jackson’s cat, Ernest, has gotten his paws upon one of Joker’s Joker Fish, and has been infected. Batman tries to get the cat, but the cat obviously knows who the real Jackson is. Ernest attacks Jackson, dressed as Batman, and bites him. The venom from the Joker Fish, which the cat had been affected with, ends up killing Jackson. Right on cue, Joker shows up on the television and takes credits for what has happened inside the mansion.Then what happens in Detective Comics #476?
Batman immediately leaves to find the broadcasting station that Joker is transmitting his videos from. He travels through the forest, and we are then met with Rupert Thorne (a Gotham City councilman) who picks up a hitchhiker, who is Silver St. Cloud. Over the radio they hear about Joker’s crimes, and how Batman has chosen to approach it. The sound of the radio makes Rupert angry, and when Silver St. Cloud shows support for Batman, Rupert throws her out of the car. When we return to Batman, we learn that he and Gordon have figured out that Joker must be impersonating one of the officers. When they figure it out, Joker attempts to attack Batman but is unsuccessful and flees instead. Batman follows, and at some point, lightning hits Joker, having him fall into a body of water, which makes Batman sure that is it. Silver St. Cloud watches the whole deal, and informs him that she can’t be together with him because he is living such a dangerous lifestyle. Despite attempting to break up with him, they end up kissing, just to ask him to stay away and leave.
The Joker Fish is a big part of Detective Comics #476 – what is it?
The Joker Fish is an important part of the story, and a creation of the Joker. It is also known as Laughing Fish, and is fish (actual, real fish) which have been exposed to Joker Venom. They started appearing after the Joker poisoned the water system in Gotham City with his Joker Venom. The Joker wanted to copyright these fish, but was unable to as no one wished to trademark fish, telling him it was impossible. Hence, his more violent way to attempt to get his way.Another unique issue from the Detective Comics series! This include Batman and Joker, and... why don't you read it? Then Share with us in the comments about your experiences and thoughts to earn a Limited Edition Comic Book Pack for your collection!