BATMAN Emperor OF THE AIRWAVES SUPER HEROES STONE ARCH BOOKS a capstone imprint WRITTEN BY DONALD LEMKE ILLUSTRATED BY ERIK DOESCHER MIKE DeCARLO AND LEE LOUGHRIDGE BATMAN CREATED BY BOB KANE WITH BILL FINGER
CHAPTER 1 THE EVENING NEWS On the first night of spring a cold wet snow fell onto the Wayne Manor courtyard Inside the grand mansion billionaire Bruce Wayne settled into his chair He took the final sip of his nightly tea picked up the television remote and flicked on the news Another cold night in Gotham City reported anchor Spring O’Hara Later in the weather forecast we’ll tell you about a possible warm-up headed our way A welcomed change Wouldn’t you say Master Bruce said a voice from the door 4
Bruce looked over his shoulder Alfred his loyal butler entered the room I’ll believe it when I see it Bruce said These reporters never get anything right He turned down the volume on the television I hope the noise didn’t wake you Alfred Not at all sir said Alfred I just came by to offer you another spot of tea The butler placed a silver serving tray on the table He held up a steaming teapot and began pouring before Bruce could reply Thanks Alfred said Bruce Anything to get rid of this chill Yes Alfred said Although this chill may be ridding us of another problem Alfred pointed toward the television On the screen Bruce saw the headline in bold letters GOTHAM CRIME RATE DECREASES 5
