Secret Origins #20
The Secret Origins of Batgirl and Doctor Mid-Nite
- "He thinks leaping from the roof will lose me. He's wrong."
- --Batgirl
Summary
Volume: 2
Issue: 20
Month: November
Year: 1987
Credits
Editor in Chief: Jenette Kahn
Cover Artists: Kevin MaGuire and Bob Wiacek
Colourists: Carl Gafford
Editors: Robert Greenberger
Batgirl
Flawed Gems
Credits
Head Writer: Barbara Randall
Pencilers: Rick Leonardi
Inkers: Dick Giordano
Colourists: Carl Gafford
Editors: Robert Greenberger
Synopsis
Cast of Characters:
- Batgirl (Barbara Gordon)
- Batman
- James Gordon
- James Gordon Jr.
- Killer Moth
- Marcie
- Robin (Dick Grayson) (cameo)
- Roger C. Gordon
- Thelma Gordon
Locations:
- Bristol Country Club
- Gotham City International Airport
- Gotham City Public Library
Items:
- Batarang
First Appearances: Marcie (Barbara's childhood friend); Roger C. Gordon (Barbara's father); Thelma Gordon (Barbara's mother)
Final Appearances: Marcie; Roger C. Gordon (dies in flashback in this issue); Thelma Gordon (dies in flashback in this issue)
Synopsis: Synopsis unknown
Dr. Mid-Nite
The Secret Origin of Dr. Mid-Nite
Credits
Head Writer: Roy Thomas
Pencilers: Mike Clark
Inkers: Jerry Acerno
Colourists: Carl Gafford
Editors: Greg Weisman and Roy Thomas
Synopsis
Cast of Characters:
- Doctor Mid-Nite (Charles McNider)
- Doctor Smythe
- Hooty the Owl
- Killer Maroni
- Mike
- Myra Mason
- Schultz
Locations:
Items:
- Blackout Bombs
First Appearances: Doctor Smythe (a physician); Schultz (a grocer)
Final Appearances: Doctor Smythe; Schultz
Synopsis: Doctor Charles McNider is one of the most renowned surgeons in the New York area. Working alongside him, is his trusted nurse and companion, Myra Mason. One evening, a harried police officer calls upon McNider's services. He tells him that an important witness against criminal gangster "Killer" Maroni has just been shot and may die. McNider races to the hospital to save his life.
During the operation, one of Maroni's thugs, Mike, climbs the fire escape outside the building and lobs a hand grenade into the room. The explosion kills everyone except for Dr. McNider, however he is rendered permanently blind from the attack.
A few nights later, McNider is resting in his study when a wood owl crashes through the window onto the floor. Shocked by the disturbance, Charles rips the bandages from his eyes and discovers that he can see perfectly well in the dark. However, he is still completely blind when in the presence of natural light. He mends the injured bird and names him Hooty.
McNider decides to use his unique night vision powers to become the latest in a growing line of mystery men. Naming himself Doctor Mid-Nite, he takes to the streets with a pair of special infrared goggles, and an arsenal of custom made Blackout Bombs.
Doctor Mid-Nite learns that Killer Maroni has attempted to take another life. He tracks the gangster down to his townhouse and uses his Blackout Bombs temporarily blind Maroni's men in a flash of black smoke. While the thugs' perceptions are obscured, Doctor Mid-Nite easily takes them down. After doing away with the hired help, he apprehends Killer Maroni and brings the gangster to justice.
Notes
- The Batgirl story in this issue contains flashbacks originally presented in Detective Comics #359.
- Batgirl appears next in Batgirl Special #1.
- The Doctor Mid-Nite story from this issue is adapted from Doctor Mid-Nite's first appearance in All-American Comics #25.
Trivia
Recommended Readings
- All-American Comics
- All-Star Comics
- Batgirl: Year One
- Batman
- Detective Comics
Related Articles
External Links
- Batgirl article at Wikipedia
- Batgirl biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
- Doctor Mid-Nite article at Wikipedia
- Doctor Mid-Nite biography page at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe
References
- Secret Origins cover art gallery
- Batgirl appearances list
- Doctor Mid-Nite appearances list
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