Detective Comics #41

 The Batman story in Detective Comics #41, titled "The Masked Menace of the Boys' School," was published in July 1940. This tale is notable for featuring Robin in one of his first solo adventures. Here's a detailed summary:

Plot Overview

The story begins at Blake's School for Boys, where the superintendent is found murdered on the school grounds. On the same night, a student named Ted Spencer mysteriously disappears. The news of these events reaches Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, who decide to investigate. To get closer to the case, Bruce enrolls Dick at the school as a student, allowing him to investigate from within.

At the school, Dick meets the headmaster, Mr. Blake, and several staff members, including the art teacher, Mr. Graves, and the history teacher, Mr. Hodges. Tensions rise when Blake has a confrontation with Greer, a staff member who was recently fired due to pressure from a student's influential father.

Robin's Investigation

Dick, as Robin, begins his investigation by searching for clues about Ted Spencer's disappearance. He learns that the police are looking for Ted's diary, suspecting it might contain critical information. Robin discovers the diary hidden among Ted's belongings and reads that Ted had seen a masked man wandering the school's corridors before his disappearance. However, before Robin can delve deeper, he is attacked by the masked man, who escapes after burning the diary.

Robin informs Batman of his findings through their radio communication. Batman advises him to continue investigating, focusing on the headmaster's office. Meanwhile, the masked man vows to continue his sinister work.

The Climax

Robin's investigation leads him to uncover a secret passageway connecting the school to the outside grounds. He discovers that the masked man has been using this passage to move undetected. The story takes a dramatic turn when Robin finds the headmaster, Mr. Blake, murdered in his office. The police initially suspect Greer, the fired staff member, but Robin is not convinced.

Through further investigation, Robin identifies the masked man as Mr. Graves, the art teacher. Graves had been using his position at the school to carry out his criminal activities. In a final confrontation, Robin apprehends Graves, bringing him to justice and solving the mystery of the murders and Ted Spencer's disappearance.

Significance

This story highlights Robin's growing independence as a crime-fighter, showcasing his detective skills and bravery. It also emphasizes the darker, suspenseful tone of early Batman stories, blending mystery with action.