The Knight of Darkness returns in three historic novels that gave birth to Batman. First, a powerful new underworld kingpin crosses swords with The Shadow in "Lingo", one of Walter Gibson's all-time masterpieces, which introduces The Shadow's customized boomerang that inspired the Batarang. Then, in "Partners of Peril", Theodore Tinsley's startlingly bat-haunted tale reprinted here for the first time, Lamont Cranston investigates chemical syndicate murders in the crime thriller that served as the model for Batman's debut adventure in Detective Comics #27. This extra-length volume also reprints Tinsley's "The Grim Joker", a 1936 tale featuring a clown-faced crime boss called The Joker. Popular culture historian Will Murray documents the Shadowy origins of Batman, while series editor Anthony Tollin chronicles how "Partners of Peril" was adapted as the first Batman story. This classic pulp collection also features George Rozen's arresting pulp covers and all the original interior art by acclaimed illustrator Tom Lovell - including a lost double-page "Partners of Peril" spread. Used Book in Good Condition